Kelly Harris – Newspaper Reporter
BA (Hons) Journalism (2009)
Before university: Menzies High
School & Sixth Form, West Bromwich
Within a few months of graduating I got a low-paid, part-time job as an Editorial Assistant for a set of advertising papers in Coventry. I had to interview customers and produce advertising features to deadline and a word limit. While I was there I kept applying for jobs at newspapers and in January was offered my current position at the Congleton Chronicle in Cheshire as a trainee reporter.
My immediate goal is to finally get all of my NCTJ preliminary examinations passed and master 100wpm shorthand!! Then to go on to get my NCE and move on to a bigger challenge, either on a daily newspaper – or in an ideal world a trashy glossy magazine!
The practical experience on my course was very helpful, I had to find stories, interview people, write to deadline – exactly what you have to do in the real world.
Although I left with 60wpm shorthand and the belief I wouldn’t really need it – you do! I now use it everyday and it makes life so much easier.
Also the support from all the tutors was vital – without their encouragement you can start to believe you’re not cut out for the job, when really you just need that little push, passion, determination and a can-do attitude!
Kelly is pictured with comedian and TV and radio show panellist and presenter, guitarist, DJ and performance poet Phill Jupitus.
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