Over time we’ve worked with a lot of people who have some nice things to say about us
2023 Early Career Fellow Freelance journalist
I honestly believe that all aspiring journalists who want to get into the Irish journalism industry would greatly benefit from [this scheme] as they provide so much support during the fellowship year. My mentor helped me improve my writing skills on a more professional basis and they helped open the doors to the industry. I sincerely believe that anyone who wants to take their writing to a more professional level should apply to the John Schofield Trust, you won’t regret it.
2023 Early Career Fellow Writer for Screen Rant
As a multimedia journalist from Sligo, Ireland, the John Schofield Trust was an invaluable source of support for me at the beginning of my media career. Not only did the Fellowship offer me access to masterclass lectures by experts from all over the world, introduce me to a vast array of up-and-coming journalists, and provide a consistent place to showcase the work I was doing, but the fellowship also matched me with an experienced mentor for 12 months. When I was accepted into the John Schofield Trust I was at a transitionary stage of my career and in serious need of guidance as I sought new opportunities and positions. Together with my mentor, we carved out an action plan, and more so than anything, our monthly meetings helped keep me accountable and allowed me to voice my concerns, ask for guidance, and have my questions answered by somebody who had already a whole career in media behind them. Because of the fellowship, I was able to confidently move forward into the next stage of my career. While Ireland has a great history of incredible journalism, it’s not always easy for those in rural areas to get their foot in the door or even learn about how to find new opportunities. After I decided to pursue a media career, I did not have many people I could go to for guidance and mentorship, but the John Schofield Trust thankfully provided that much-needed support for me. I would urge anybody with a passion for media and a desire to reach their full potential to put their name forward for the John Schofield Trust mentoring scheme.
2024 Early Career Fellow U.S. Politics and National Affairs Reporter at Newsweek
I couldn’t have asked for a better match in my mentor, Gabriel Pogrund, who has taught me a lot already, a few months into the scheme. I’d highly recommend the mentorship scheme to anyone – well worth applying.
2021 Early Career Fellow Has worked at Vice, BBC World Service, and Newsbeat
What’s great about the scheme is you get partnered with an experienced journalist outside of your organisation who can provide invaluable advice. My mentor, Roohi Hasan, gave me so much encouragement to go for opportunities to advance in my career and I’m so thankful!
2021 Early Career Fellow Senior Reporter Birmingham Live
This scheme really does what it sets out to do; it changes lives. It is a very prestigious scheme. To be picked to join a cohort of so many talented and inspiring journalists is an honour.
2022 Early Career Fellow MailOnline reporter
The Trust has helped me immensely when I was on this scheme, as I moved from a local newspaper to a national. The mentoring programme means I always have someone to go to with questions, ranging from big job moves to day-to-day questions about the industry. On top of that the masterclasses and networking events have meant l’ve met so many of my peers, which has been invaluable.
2023 Early Career Fellow On-screen journalist for ITV Wales
The John Schofield mentoring scheme was absolutely a life changing experience. I am a Syrian Journalist and moved to the UK in 2015. All I wanted was to pick myself up and get into Journalism, but I was always asking myself this difficult question… how could possibly someone like me who doesn’t speak English as a first language work in the media in the UK. It was difficult, it was tough and challenging until I got my first job with ITV Wales as trainee on screen journalist in 2021 and everyone in the office said I should apply to the John Schofield mentoring scheme and here I am, not only got accepted last year but also, I’ve been matched with Quentin Sommerville, I couldn’t believe it!! So, I started my journey with Quentin who has been absolutely the best friend and colleague, he has always been there for me listening, watching my pieces and giving me feedback and even listening to my personal life challenges. Today I am an On -Screen Journalist for ITV Wales with a permanent contract, nominated for the BAFTA break through Award, also nominated for the Wales Media Awards in the Video Journalist of the year category and I won the ITV Newcomer of the year award. Thank you, John Schofield Trust, and thank you Quentin Sommerville for boosting my confidence and giving me the skills and courage to succeed.
2012 Early Career Fellow and current Senior Fellow Deputy Managing Editor at LBC News
The John Schofield Trust has played a huge part in my career as a journalist, since being chosen as a mentee on the first year of the scheme in 2012 to more recently becoming a mentor myself. It’s not only a brilliant way to get invaluable career advice but it’s a great way to become more connected in the industry with events and masterclasses. I know a lot of work goes into matching mentees and mentors and this is evident in the pairings. I would definitely recommend the scheme to any journalist starting out in their career. You become part of an amazing network which can only help you further on your career journey
