Newspaper Journalist, The Courier
Larisa Brown, 3rd year History and Politics
Why I got involved
During my work experience at a local paper I developed a passion for news and journalism, deciding that my dream career lay in the competitive world of journalism. Becoming involved with The Courier seemed like the best way to gain hands-on everyday experience, expand my portfolio and develop my skills and writing styles in preparation for a future in the media industry.
Main roles and activities
For the first two years of my degree I wrote for The Courier on a regular basis. I enjoyed being involved with the paper so much that I decided to apply to be a sub-editor. I currently hold the position of Life and Style editor. In this role I take responsibility for the section and everything that gets put into it. This includes deciding what content to put in the paper, holding and attending news meetings with the writers, delegating articles, editing articles, designing the pages and taking responsibility for the quality and look of the section when it goes to print once a week.
Most enjoyable aspect
I enjoy feeling a sense of satisfaction when The Courier is made available every Monday. The paper always looks superb and every year the quality of content just seems to get better. Working with all the other writers, photographers, designers and editors is great fun. You are made to feel so welcome, encouraged to get involved as much as possible, helped with any problems and really made to feel a part of a large and loving team.
Most rewarding aspect
I never thought I would get such a kick out of seeing people reading the paper but it really is exhilarating to see large groups of people pouring over the Life and Style section every week. It’s a real buzz to see students engrossed in your work, reading the real life features, discussing the latest fashion on display or even arguing over the debate topic in the bar at lunch time.
Fitting it around my degree
I commit a lot of my free time to the paper but at the end of the day I find it really rewarding and I really enjoy being a part of such a great project. The finished product is always worth the effort and time we all contribute to producing The Courier.
How I've benefited
Over the past three years of writing and eventually editing for The Courier I have developed and gained many essential graduate and life skills. These have included increased levels of confidence when speaking in public, the ability to chair meetings, editing, teamwork, organisation, interviewing, research, communication and writing skills and product, customer and ethical awareness. All of these skills should prove to be invaluable in my hunt for a job within the media industry.
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