Katharine W.
About me
| Katharine W. | |
| English and Related Literature | |
| English | |
| Undergraduate | |
| 2014 | |
| United Kingdom |
My employment
| Deputy news editor | |
| Bauer Media | |
| United Kingdom | |
| Journalism and publishing | |
| Large business (250+ employees) | |
| 2014 |
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A day in the life of a Deputy news editor in the United Kingdom
While studying English at York I joined the student publication The Yorker and there discovered a passion for journalism.
Briefly describe the organisation you work for
I work for a national women’s magazine with a circulation of around a quarter of a million.
What do you do?
I come up with ideas for and write features for the magazine from real life stories to celebrity interviews, consumer campaigns to entertainment pieces. I’m also the editor of Yours Fiction, a regular supplement magazine of short stories and features for book worms.
Reflecting upon your past employment and education, what led you to your current career choice?
While studying English at York I joined the student publication The Yorker and there discovered a passion for journalism. As the publication’s first magazine editor I also realised how much I loved magazines and that led me into an internship at Yours and six years on, I’m still there.
Is your current job sector different from what you thought you would enter when you graduated?
It’s a much friendlier world than I imagined. I was almost put off a career in media at some point as I heard it was so cut-throat and ruthless but that’s not been the case at all in my experience and I’ve instead found it a really warm, welcoming industry.
Describe your most memorable day at work
I love the days when I get to leave my desk to meet amazing people and uncover their stories in person. From the day I met The Osmonds to the days I’ve spent getting to know the real life women who’ve turned really tragic cirnstances into a silver lining by setting up a life changing charity. As I cover a lot of animal stories I’ve also loved the days I’ve spent cuddling cuties at Battersea and other animal charities.
Are there any challenges associated with your job?
There are tough, relentless deadlines to meet so you need to be organised. Often there isn’t budget to always realise your ideas for a story so you have to get creative.
What’s your work environment and culture like?
Really friendly and supportive.
What extracurricular activities did you undertake at university and what transferable skills did you develop through these?
The Yorker. I also did quite a bit of work experience with local publications in York, made the most of my summer holidays to do freelance work and also helped the local theatre with PR work to give me some different skills and a backup in case journalism didn’t work out.
What would you like to do next with your career?
Hoping to eventually make the move into broadcast, translating my skills on the page to the screen.
What top tips do you have for York students preparing for today’s job market and life after graduation?
Work experience, work experience and work experience. Also never underestimate the power of simply being nice and being yourself - you can get a long way with a smile and being genuine with anyone you meet.
What topics from students are you happy to answer questions on?
Happy to help anyone considering a career in journalism, specifically women’s lifestyle journalism.
Next steps...
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