There is something so amazing about reaching milestones at work. When I started my media and journalism degree I was so nervous. I wasn’t sure if I was making the right move and determined to work hard to find something for me.
Now two years later, I’ve started the third year of my degree. I am so happy with my choice. I’ve come along way, particularly in the past year and I can’t wait to see what else I can get up to.
My first huge milestone was passing my shorthand exam. I didn’t think I’d be able to pass that exam and was so sure I couldn’t.
I had my internship at Cyclist. This was brilliant for figuring out what I wanted to do. It was incredibly stressful being in a proper workplace for the first time and commuting in and out of London everyday but I learned so much. It was invaluable experience before third year as I want to create my own magazine for my final year project. Not only did I get to do Olympic coverage but I also got published in the October issue of the magazine- something as an intern, I didn’t dream would happen! I was so incredibly proud to see my words on the page. It started a deeper connection with cycling for me, I wanted to know more and do more. When I saw that my writing was in the magazine I felt so happy and proud of myself.
Since then, I started my Sports Internship. Something that has made me improve in so many ways. I’ve covered rugby, volleyball and basketball already and I love it. I’m having to learn about new sports so that I can live tweet the matches. I get the opportunity to practice my photography as well.
Last week was an interesting part of the internship so far. We headed up to St. James Park and had a tour of the press area, the pitch and the changing rooms. We got to see where press conferences happen and had a talk on what happens on press days. It was really interesting to see how sports journalists cover football matches; although I don’t think I’ll be doing it anytime soon!
For my sports internship, we cover matches by live tweeting them and writing quote-led match reports. I also like to take my own photographs if I can for my articles on the Northumbria sports site. I was so excited to see my copy in the Chronicle newspaper! I’m hoping I can get a few more articles up to scratch enough to be published in a similar manner throughout the year to add to my portfolio.
All in all, the past three months have been intense, exciting and perfect for my CV. I really hope I can keep this up throughout this year and finish university with a solid portfolio and good degree.
Shannon x
