It is not uncommon for scientists who earn an extra income from freelance articles to move into the profession as a full-time freelance journalist. Some of the large periodical publishers have graduate entry schemes, but many have been cut back due to the recession. Many begin as junior desk editor or trainee. Movement might be to more senior editorial posts. Those who remain on the writing side may move to large scale publications, newspapers or broadcasting.
Offices are often open plan and can be noisy.
Mainly work alone, meeting a wide variety of people from bench scientist to director. The majority of employers are based in South East England, typically Oxford, Cambridge or London. Lifestyle implications The pressure to seek out and research newsworthy information week in, week out, and working to deadlines, can make the job quite stressful. You need to be prepared to travel and be flexible. Travel Travel within a working day is frequent Absence from home at night is occasional Overseas work or travel is occasional Gender balance Well balanced, although significantly more than half the applicants are female, except in IT and engineering where males predominate.