Dan Coombs – Senior Reporter, Uxbridge Gazette
BA (Hons) Journalism 2008
Before university: Hayes Secondary, Bromley, Kent
Straight after leaving Staffs, I was on the job trail and quickly found myself with two interviews. I ended up as a reporter for the Uxbridge Gazette in West London. It has been a fantastic and challenging learning experience for me, and I have found myself involved with big stories covered by the nationals, from Heathrow Airport expansion to the death of six year old Chloe Buckley who died from swine flu. An exclusive story I broke about a councillor being deselected for his postings on Facebook was also picked up by The Sun. 14 months later I have passed my senior journalist exams and my pay has risen by £5,000 from when I started.
I wish to pursue a career in journalism for as long as it remains viable, in my job I have picked up valuable online skills which stand me in good stead for the changes in the industry. Working for the fifth highest selling local paper in London has given me a platform, and I intend to use contacts I have made to apply for shifts on the nationals and take it from there. In journalism you cannot predict what will happen tomorrow, let alone five years, whatever comes your way, you just have to be ready for it.
The practical elements of the course were really important, all the sessions in the newsroom perfecting intros and writing to deadlines really stands you in good stead. From describing my course to my working colleagues many of them were in fact jealous that I had the time and guidance which I had at Staffordshire, rather than those who took quick six month/one year courses. My dissertation, writing and finding stories was the perfect preparation for going out and doing it for real.
Dan is pictured grabbing the opportunity for an interview with the legendary Mr T.
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