RIGHT so here I am, the end of my first week. I’ve been sat down at a spare desk in Passionate Media’s offices and asked to write a 600 word article about work experience. Forgive me if I struggle, but here I go...
Staying true to the ASBO teen stereotype, I came to my placement thinking it would be a waste of time and I wouldn’t learn anything, the only up-side being I wouldn’t be attending school for two weeks. But I have to admit, that idea’s been shattered and I would urge anyone about to embark on their own ‘experience’, to keep an open mind.
“First impressions count” had been drummed into me, so I arrived in my new suit, specially chosen a week before and freshly ironed, feeling like a real grown-up. The director, Linda, then opened the door in some sort of sports-wear! She must have seen the bemused look on my face. “Don’t worry, I’ve just been to the gym”, she told me. Relieved that I wasn’t totally over-dressed I was given a tour and shown what I would be doing.
I soon learned there is no such thing as a typical day at a media office! During my week, I’ve written an article about kissing for Shiny Media; created a display of poetry competition entries; discovered what a press release is and how to write media-worthy articles; interviewed a national journalist; attended a champagne conference at the Ramada Hotel; monitored media coverage; and researched national holidays and awareness days to find media ‘hooks’ for a PR client. See, how could you get bored?
Okay, I did have to do some filing, which wasn’t the highlight of the week, but at least I didn’t make a single cup of tea or stack shelves! And the skills and knowledge I’ve gained about journalism have definitely been worth it. However, don’t take my word for it, this is what an expert had to say on the usefulness of work experience in the writing field.
National freelance journalist, Ursula Hirschkorn, writes regularly for the Daily Mail's Femail magazine, Mail on Sunday Special Supplements, Daily Mail Lifestyle and Good Health, Woman and Heyday magazine. She said: “I did most of my work experience while I was at City University as you are required to complete two four week stints as part of the course.
“I worked for BBC Good Food Magazine and IPC's Horse and Hound. I also did a stint on trade magazine, The Lawyer, before I started to get a feel for how magazines worked.
“I learned I had made the right decision about my career as I loved the work on magazines. I think we all go into the career with the idea that writing is it, but a few weeks work experience soon taught me that there's a whole lot more to creating any publication than just the words.”
Ursula is living proof that work experience can have a real impact on your future career. It’s certainly reassured me that journalism is what I want to do and what I’m going to set my targets to accomplish.
Ursula continued: “I did work as a sub editor in my first job, which I probably wouldn't have considered without having learnt about the production side of things from my work experience. I am so glad I did that as it taught me so much about how writers can affect the whole process of creating a magazine by being sloppy in their work and about deadlines.”
Hmm... deadlines. That will have to be my first target. The number of times I have been told my school course work is over due and that I am badly organised. Work experience has taught me this is a hard skill, but one I can’t do without. Luckily, this piece is completed on time!
I have really enjoyed my week and learnt so much, not just about journalism but also about myself.
The only thing left to do is give you my tips on getting the most out of work experience in journalism:
Abbi’s great, big tips:
Prepare – Take your CV or a portfolio of writing you’ve already done. Go with ideas about what you could write about and read up on recent issues in the papers. Be on time, and well dressed.
No job is below you – If you’re asked to make tea or empty bins, stay positive. Every experience counts and your willingness to get involved in anything will be a plus point with the boss.
Be courteous and polite - but don’t fade into the background. Your work colleagues will value confidence and determination.
Listen and ask questions – squeeze every last drop of information out of your mentors, it’s probably the only chance you’ll get.
Trust your supervisor or editor and be nice, they will make great contacts in the future.
Lovely piece - thanks Abbi! You are welcome back anytime, I'm just sorry Linda greeted you in her trackie bottoms...!
Posted by: Katie | July 19, 2007 at 03:55 PM
Plenty of great advice there Abbi. And best of luck in the future, although I don't think you'll really need it as it's clear you are way ahead of the crowd.
All the best, Craig
Posted by: Craig | July 19, 2007 at 05:11 PM
Great article, Abbi. And welcome to our world... :)
Posted by: Louise Bolotin | July 20, 2007 at 07:14 AM