Just getting a foot in the door somewhere can be a struggle, the competition is crazy and even when you get a job you can't slack off for a second.
Which makes it all the more worth while when you land that dream job.
Fortunately there are plenty of people out there with some great advice and - because they're journalists - they're all on Twitter.
But first of all lets get the jokes out of the way.
#AdviceForYoungJournalists is trending. I've got some... @HouseofCards @netflix pic.twitter.com/BbEXcQqm5p
— Beau Willimon (@BeauWillimon) February 10, 2015And the drinking and smoking advice...
Beer after wine and you'll feel fine, wine after beer and you'll feel queer #AdviceForYoungJournalists
— Jules Mattsson (@julesmattsson) February 10, 2015You never pick the right week to quit smoking #AdviceForYoungJournalists
— Tim Stanley (@timothy_stanley) February 10, 2015My #AdviceForYoungJournalists - You can neutralise the scent of booze on your breath by eating small clippings of urinal detergent blocks.
— Iain Macintosh (@iainmacintosh) February 10, 2015Oh, and the ones about being skint all the time.
When looking for spare change, lift the sofa cushions right up rather than just reaching around the backs of them #AdviceForYoungJournalists
— Tim Stanley (@timothy_stanley) February 10, 2015#AdviceForYoungJournalists adding a pint of water and cornflower can make one tin of soup stretch to 4-5 meals during your unpaid internship
— Dan Douglas (@dandouglas) February 10, 2015And the 'always making tea' tweets...
#AdviceForYoungJournalists you don't put milk in green tea
— David Wyllie (@journodave) February 10, 2015Anyway, eventually there was some genuine advice...
#AdviceForYoungJournalists Job I do today didn't exist when I started out. Be adaptable, embracing new things but always keep standards high
— Iain Reid (@iainreid) February 10, 2015#AdviceForYoungJournalists news editors can smell fear
— David Wyllie (@journodave) February 10, 2015#AdviceForYoungJournalists Remember that someone will read your work. If you can, read it aloud to someone before submitting it.
— williamcastoncook (@cogmeat) February 10, 2015#AdviceforYoungJournalists Get out of the office and keep your eyes wide open.
— Kate Ames (@Kate_Ames) February 10, 2015#AdviceForYoungJournalists grammar and spelling are key. You would think that would be obvious but reading some news outlets, it is not!
— Christopher (@ChristopherAK) February 10, 2015"The highest calling of journalism isn't to tell two sides of a story, it's to tell the truth." - @ariannahuff #AdviceForYoungJournalists
— Adam Rose (@adjoro) February 10, 2015#AdviceForYoungJournalists Practicing and developing your writing style is as crucial as any qualification. Get published anywhere you can.
— Chris Evans (@ChrisEvans1938) February 10, 2015Tell a story like you would tell your mates down the pub. Er, within reason. And minus the swearing/defamation. #AdviceForYoungJournalists
— Scott Reid (@scottreid1980) February 10, 2015If you intend to become a Broadcast Journalist.Write as you would Speak.Print & Broadcast writing very different. #AdviceforYoungJournalists
— Eamonn Holmes (@EamonnHolmes) February 10, 2015The versatile and curious thrive. Have fun. Work hard. Be wary of anyone who says they have it figured out. #AdviceForYoungJournalists
— Lisa Tozzi (@lisatozzi) February 10, 2015#AdviceForYoungJournalists realize that you know nothing and always be learning. use criticism as a tool. know your role lol
— Miles Gibney (@MilesGibney) February 10, 2015Don't use this word whilst. This is not the 17th century. #AdviceForYoungJournalists
— Scott Reid (@scottreid1980) February 10, 20151. Follow the Golden Rule AND be empathetic; 2. Be skeptical of everything and everybody; 3. Have fun #AdviceForYoungJournalists
— Adam Rose (@adjoro) February 10, 2015But as with everything else on the internet, many advised a hefty pinch of salt.
#AdviceForYoungJournalists don't listen to people on Twitter.
— Emma Gannon (@girllostincity) February 10, 2015While some were v. kind, if I'd listened to the smug, out of date #AdviceForYoungJournalists 5 yrs ago, we wouldn't have @wannabehacks
— Alice Vincent (@alice_emily) February 10, 2015#AdviceForYoungJournalists If you're getting all your advice from social media hashtags, you're probably already f**ked.
— Daniel Storey (@danielstorey85) February 10, 2015And if all else fails, you can always get a job elsewhere...
The best PRs are generally former journalists... #AdviceForYoungJournalists
— Georgia Lewis (@georgialewis76) February 10, 2015To finish, here are some more funnies...
Wear sunglasses indoors like Spike. #AdviceForYoungJournalists pic.twitter.com/b90YONxE5E
— Richard Ferrer (@richferrer) February 10, 2015Don't stop. Never give up. Hold your head high & ... Hold up, that's the lyrics to S Club's Bring It All Back. #AdviceForYoungJournalists
— Caroline Donnelly (@CarrotyD) February 10, 2015I got nothing. #AdviceForYoungJournalists
— Caroline Donnelly (@CarrotyD) February 10, 2015#AdviceForYoungJournalists all newsrooms revolve around the opportunistic scramble for food, people will like you if you have haribo
— David Wyllie (@journodave) February 10, 2015#AdviceForYoungJournalists Don't bang your editor. Or if you do, make sure you do it on your last day.
— New McMc, New Danger (@ChristinaMcMc) February 10, 2015