As a trainee data journalist, finding your feet in the industry can be incredibly daunting and confusing. There’s always new softwares, languages and techniques that you want to learn but may feel ill-equipped to do so on your own. We are hopeful that the pandemic will not last the entirety of 2020, and hopefully, this article will help paint an image of normality once the pandemic is over.
The Interhacktives teams have compiled a list of our favourite clubs, events and groups that are worth joining as a trainee data journalist, or as someone who has an interest in digital data journalism (DDJ).
Hack Hackers London
This event is not just for data journalists but is still worth a mention. Hack Hackers London is a monthly event where journalists gather together for an evening packed full of topical, industry discussions. No event is the same; one evening you may receive a talk on digital data journalism, then next you’ll receive tips on creating the perfect podcast. It is an all-round stimulating and engaging event.
As a trainee journalist, learning more about the innovations taking place within the industry, whilst interacting with industry professionals and other journalists, is a valuable opportunity to learn and build connections. Plus, the event is free and features two City alumni – Director of Hack Hackers, Sarah Marshall and Event Organiser, Francesco Zaffarano.
Code First Girls
There is something incredibly empowering about sitting in a room full of women, learning how to code. This national event for women, and those who identify with the gender, is a great way to diversify the tech industry. Although not marketed as an event for trainee journalists, it’s a fantastic way to learn different languages that are used in newsrooms – from Python to Html and Javascript. Similarly to Hacks Hackers, the event is free but limited to a certain number of people per course. In the UK, 19 per cent of the tech industry are women, and events like this are hopefully signifiers of change.
Journo Coders
If spending an evening drinking wine and coding with other journalists sounds like an attractive evening to you, Journo Coders is the place to be*. Like many of the other events mentioned in this article, spaces sell out rapidly due to high demand. The evening usually begins with a show and tell of recent data articles people have found interesting, followed by a short discussion about the industry/jobs available and the coding begins. As trainee journalists we can attest to how valuable these events are.
*Wine drinking is optional.
Online Societies:
Online communities are growing and are an excellent way to connect with those outside of your immediate community. In an attempt not to be distasteful, we have shared some of our favourite digital societies. They can just be as informative as the physical events.
Here’s our top picks:
- Microsoft Reactor Workshops – lots of online workshops for you to get involved in if you are interested in learning different coding languages.
- News Nerdery – perfect opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals whilst surrounding yourself with insightful discussions about news and data journalism.
- Data Visualisation – is another great online community to join. People share interesting data visualisations with the group and you get to spend time unapologetically rambling on about data. Heavenly.
In an attempt to provide some useful content for trainee data journalists, this listicle has gone live with the hope of being resourceful once we reach the other side of this global pandemic. These are great events and worth attending once we exit this unprecedented time.