Let me introduce myself. I’m Natalie Clarkson, or The Undergrad as I’ll be known over the next year.

I have to confess that I was really surprised when I got a phone call from the old Hacks telling me I’d be chosen. I submitted an application on a bit of a whim and thought it would be good to get some feedback on my CV if nothing else. I certainly didn’t ever expect to be writing this post. That said, I’m so pleased to be here and really excited about the year.

I’m a third year student at Staffordshire University studying an NCTJ accredited degree in Journalism. As well as passing two thirds of my degree, I’ve also already passed three of the exams for the NCTJ Diploma, but I still have shorthand, media law, subbing and the portfolio to go. Expect there to be lots of agonising over these in the coming months.

So, why journalism? For me, there’s never been an alternative. Ever since I was very young I’ve loved writing (my mum has hilarious tales of stories I wrote on every available surface) and when I did work experience with Sugar when I was 15 I realised I wanted to be a journalist. Since then I’ve done numerous other work placements, including NME and local newspapers.

I’m not entirely sure what will happen during this year. All I can guarantee is that it’s not going to be an easy ride. There will be slogging over my major journalism project, cramming for media law exams and applying for every job, graduate scheme and opportunity that crops up. Oh and of course a lot of hours working on Hacks-related things. I hope you’ll join in the fun, console my tears and generally get involved in my journey over the next year.