London masterclass

Okay, sorry sorry sorry! I have been a very busy bee with University work and all but I figured I have time for a quick post about yesterday's (02/11/12) Journalism masterclass that I attended.

The master class was a last-minute trip to London for the Fashion Journalism girls at Sunderland. The trip cost £40 altogether and was based at the Sunderland University campus in Canary Wharf, London.

We were all at a huge priveledge as we got to meet some very inspiring ladies from within the industry. The lovely ladies were as follows:

• Rachel Richardson - Editor of Fabulous magazine
• Hannah Almassi - Deputy Fashion News and Features editor at Grazia
• Hattie Crisell - A free-lance journalist who has worked for many many people!
• Louise Gannon - A showbiz journalist who writes mostly for Elle and Grazia

The ladies each gave their own advice on getting into the industry and tips on getting there. Therefore, I thought I would share some they mentioned:

• Lots of experience is essential
• Good attitude - on time, enthusiastic and positive
• Ask for advice
• Read a variety of different things
• Understand different journalistic styles
• Be prepared to step out of your comfort zone
• Make the most of internships
• Be inquisitive
• Be friendly
• Keep in touch with your contacts - you might need them one day!
• Be prepared for rejection
• Network with others
• Be sensitive towards others
• Suggest stories to newspapers/pitch your own ideas
• Know a broad variety of news
• Work as a team
• Be prepared to organise your life around your career
• Proof-read all your work
• Present yourself as confident (even if you're not)
• Look presentable
• Make a statement during an interview
• Remain yourself
• Know your favourite writers
• Accept that you will make mistakes, but you will NEVER make them again.
• Everyone you know is a contact
• Phone people/talk in person. Never e-mail, it's an open-ticket for people to not reply.
• Shorthand is essential
• Aim to have a "FUCK ME DORIS" tagline (long story!)
• If you're not the right person for the job, accept that someone else will do it.
• Learn from others
• No two people write the same
• Keep your social footprint clean
• And last but not least, NEVER GIVE UP.

I hope you find their tips as helpful as I did! After the master class, we went for a spot of shopping in Camden and then caught the busiest train home EVER. Sitting on the floor with a drunken Sunderland man is definitely not my favourite past time! 

Here's a silly picture of me trying to escape to Hogwarts:

Thankyou for reading!

Ciao xx