Adam L.
About me
| Adam L. | |
| History | |
| History | |
| Undergraduate | |
| Goodricke | |
| 2009 | |
| United Kingdom |
My employment
| Reporter | |
| Cambridge Newspapers | |
| United Kingdom | |
| Journalism and publishing | |
| 2011 |
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A day in the life of a Reporter in the United Kingdom
My career goals when I graduated
When I graduated, I was desperate for a break from academic work. I took a year out, in which I worked then travelled in North America and Eastern Europe. I wasn't sure what career to get into but when I heard about the journalism training course, I knew it was for me. I have always loved writing and telling stories so wanted to continue in that area.
My career history
I started at The Cambridge News as a trainee reporter, where I was responsible for putting together weekly district title The Saffron Walden Weekly News. I passed my senior exams in November 2012, and was brought back to the city daily as health correspondent. I moved on in summer 2014 to NCJ Media in Newcastle - which produces content for daily newspapers The Chronicle and The Journal, weekly title The Sunday Sun, and booming website ChronicleLive. I now live in South Wales and am due to start in a new journalism position imminently.
Courses taken since graduation
Press Association training course
Where I hope to be in 5 years
I hope to be working in digital media in a leadership role.
My advice to students considering work
Self-confidence is key. If you believe in yourself and your strengths then you can overcome your weaknesses. But it is also vital to be able to display your good qualities through communication and writing skills. Employers also want to see enthusiasm.
My advice about working in my industry
Journalism is ever-changing and anyone considering getting into the industry should be mindful of that. The reality is that the public are buying less and less newspapers with more people turning to the internet for their news instead. A drive toward interactive websites has already taken off at many newspaper companies including mine. For that reason multi-media skills will be very appealing to employers in the media.
Having said that, it is still a fulfilling industry to be part of and although it does not promise big money, it does provide excitement for those who join for the right reasons.
What I do
I am a multimedia journalist.
Skills I use and how I developed them
The First Class History Honours degree achieved at York proved to be an excellent springboard for this career path. During my time at university, I developed excellent communication, research and writing skills, alongside team working, analytical thinking, organisation and planning. I also developed a broad knowledge of public affairs and strong interpersonal skills.
These skills and strengths led me to an NCTJ-accredited journalism diploma course, before a job at The Cambridge News newspaper group at the start of 2011.
What I like most
I like telling stories so journalism is perfect for me. I am able to give voices to people and communities who are often marginalised in society, and can report on issues that really matter to people. There is no better feeling that breaking an exclusive news story or being present when history is made. The variety of the job also makes it unpredictable and exciting.
What I like least
I have to spend longer than I would like at my desk typing up stories. It is an important part of the job but I prefer to be out and about finding stories and meeting people. The pay could be better too!
What surprised me most
There are some great freebies up for grabs - don't miss out on reviews!