Try posting your articles on forums or the reader-contributed sections of newspaper websites.

First off, I don’t know where you studied but I am impressed by how well you write for an engineering student. That’s perhaps one good quality by which to sell yourself in the industry.

It’s like I’ve always said: You need to show demonstrate your abilities before changing jobs. But proving yourself is not only about showing interest and passion. It’s also about being willing to try hard enough.

Regarding the horrendous hours and minimal pay, tell me, is that going to stop you from proving that you have what it takes? Ask yourself: Who’s doesn’t work long hours these days?

I don’t know how low salaries are in the industry, but what I can tell you is that I do know quite a few editors and journalists, all of whom are able to support themselves and their families.

The course brochures you refer to are simply marketing tools. If they weren’t convincing, who would pay those expensive fees? As for their exaggerated claims, try comparing them to MBA brochures. Trust me, you’ll be pretty amazed.

All in all, if you do have a genuine interest, you need to start writing. Thus, a degree in journalism might not be the first step.

By the way, can you read and write Chinese? You’ll be open to a much bigger market if you do.