Katharine W.
About me
| Katharine W. | |
| English and Related Literature | |
| English | |
| Undergraduate | |
| 2014 | |
| United Kingdom |
My employment
| Deputy news editor | |
| a large media brand | |
| United Kingdom | |
| Journalism and publishing |
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A day in the life of a Deputy news editor in the United Kingdom
I had always been told journalism was very cut-throat and you'd only make it if you were ruthless but I've found the opposite to be true. Yes, you have to be determined but it can be an incredibly friendly and supportive place to be too
Briefly describe the organisation you work for
A large media brand with multiple magazine brands and radio stations
What do you do?
I source, research, write and edit news and features for Yours, a national women's magazine as well as acting as editor of a short story supplement for book lovers
Reflecting upon your past employment and education, what led you to your current career choice?
I studied English and always loved writing and chatting to people so journalism felt a natural choice. I then got involved in student journalism at university and was certain that was for me.
Is your current job sector different from what you thought you would enter when you graduated?
I had always been told journalism was very cut-throat and you'd only make it if you were ruthless but I've found the opposite to be true. Yes, you have to be determined but it can be an incredibly friendly and supportive place to be too
Describe your most memorable day at work
Flying out to Jersey to cover a story and spending the day in a zoo, going inside all the bits the public weren't allowed to go and meeting gorillas and some of the rarest tortoises on the planet at close range.
Are there any challenges associated with your job?
There are constant deadlines and tight budgets that you have to always have at the front of your mind.
What extracurricular activities did you undertake at university and what transferable skills did you develop through these?
Arts Editor and the first Magazine Editor of The Yorker - taught me commissioning and editing skills as well as coming up with creative ideas. I was also Press Officer at the Theatre Royal's TakeOver Festival for young people which introduced me to key marketing principles as well as how to deal with lots of different people.
What top tips do you have for York students preparing for today’s job market and life after graduation?
Take every opportunity you can while at university and be friendly and polite to everyone you meet - you never know who might be able to help you in your career journey.
What topics from students are you happy to answer questions on?
How to get into journalism, how to find work experience, what working for a magazine is like etc...
Next steps...
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