Dec
24
The Sky News newsroom. Pic: Myles Dyer
I’ve recently completed a work placement at Sky News, which resulted in being asked back for a further placement, and also a letter of recommendation from Phil Wardman, head of newsgathering for Sky News Online.
In my two weeks time with their Online team, and while on other placements, various themes started to appear on how to make the most of work experience, so below are my eight tips on how to make the most of your work experience.
1. Get stuck in.
The chances are you’ll be working for organisation that is understaffed and overworked, so you’ll need to slot into the team as if you were a regular member of staff. It’s also likely you’ll only be there for a short period of time, so you’ll want to make the best impression possible.
So, answer those phones, make those calls and get those bylines; they’ll serve you well when you’re knocking on the editor’s door in a few months time looking for a job.
2. Ask questions, but don’t be a hindrance.
Don’t be afraid to ask a question about the way things work, or are done, at the place you are doing work experience. The old saying ‘no question is too stupid’ may be true, but question after question will not endear your editor towards you.
Many people have warned student journalists that asking ‘what can I do?’ will turn your colleagues against you instantly, so think of an alternative way of making yourself useful.
Be prepared with a few story ideas, a national theme that you can give an alternative angle, or ask if you can specifically cover an ongoing story.
3. Take notes.
As a wannabe reporter you should have your trusty notepad and pen at the ready at all times, so write something down if you think you’ll forget it. Or write it down even if you don’t think you will.
Forgetting things will only lead to busy people having to repeat themselves.
4. Challenge yourself.
If you’re a trainee journalist, now is the time to really test your skills, and learn some new ones, too. Work placements are a great chance to compare your newly learned skills against those of professional journalists.
Stepping out of your comfort zone may lead to impressive results, but…
5. Don’t get out of your depth.
While work experience is a great time to try new things, accepting a task you physically won’t be able to fulfil will not please your boss.
At times it’s best to play the fool, if you don’t know something, or don’t have a certain skill, be honest – if you don’t you’ll only be found out later down the line when a deadline is even closer.
6. Do the basics well.
Don’t drop easy brownie points by turning up late, dressing unsuitably and making silly mistakes in copy. The list of basics could go on, but the first impression is key.
If you start on the wrong foot, it’ll be an uphill battle from then on.
7. Chat to your colleagues.
Without seeming like a pest, make conversation with your colleagues. Ask them how they got to where they are now and whether they enjoy their job.
Every person you speak to while on a placement is a new contact, these could be the people that land you your first job.
So for goodness sake, don’t make enemies.
8. Get feedback.
As your placement draws to a close, try and nab five minutes or so with the person you’ve been reporting to. Sitting down and going back over how you’ve succeeded and failed on certain tasks is the best way to learn.
Take any criticism on board, and try and make a change; after all, these folk know what they’re talking about.
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What have I missed? What other tips do you have for those undertaking work experience?
Get in touch in the comments below, or by dropping me an email at andy[at]andyhalls.net.
