Professional social media: Are trainee journalists ready to embrace social media for work or is it just a personal tool of communication?

The media landscape in Ireland has changed substantially. Traditionally, print publications were one of the main sources of news. However, this trend has shifted dramatically as patterns of news consumption have altered: digital delivery is now the norm and social media have become a key part of media content. Consumers want instant access to news 24/7. It is essential that trainee journalists are adequately equipped with the key skills required to take up posts and thrive in this industry where the multi-skilled approach is key. I taught an online journalism module to three groups of undergraduate students in an Irish university and examined their perceptions of the use of social media for work. This research found that just one in three students was willing to use social media for work, while the remaining two-thirds were either undecided or reluctant to do so. I also examined what form of social media they preferred to use and found that Facebook and Twitter were the preferred options. Overall, the majority of students were happy to blog or podcast, particularly if they were given the opportunity to concentrate on subjects of their choice.