What I've learnt from my job so far...

2. February, 2012 Advice, Comment, Getting started, How to guides, Magazine, Routes into journalism, Work experience and interning

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What I’ve learnt from my job so far…

by Emily Handford

So nearly three months into my job and what have I learnt so far? Was it everything I expected? Kind of and more, so here are a few handy tips to help first jobbers, aspiring editorial assistants and wannabe journo’s get on (and hopefully move up!) in the office.

Prioritise

You see this alot on journo job applications. “Must be able to prioritise and multitask tasks” But it’s really easy to say, ya I can prioritise easy peasy, but it’s actually pretty difficult to accomplish the art of juggling tasks. My fault is that I’m too eager to say yes to people and not let them down, “yeah I can do that”, to one person, then another and ooh then another. But in order not to let your colleagues down, you must prioritise the tasks according to their importance. Don’t be afraid to ask when the deadline is, when they want it for or perhaps ask which task is more time-sensitive than the others. Being the editorial assistant you’re likely to be the person in the middle, working across all titles and helping out everyone so learning how to prioritise is a must. (Something that I am working on!)

Be Organised

Organisation is key in the magazine world. What actually surprised me was that in many magazine job advertisements the main quality they were looking for was “a very organised individual”. So, if you’re naturally organised, great. If not, work your way around it. My advice would be to make lists, I always write a to do list at the beginning of the day so I do not forget a task someone needs doing for that day. Of course, some hectic days you may slip up “argh I completely forgot about that!” but if you make a note of it you may be less likely to forget.

Believe in yourself

This sounds cheesy, but I’ve learnt that if you don’t believe in yourself than no one else will. Really, like at an interview it’s the impression that you give of yourself that impresses others. Even if you know you can do it deep down, no one will know if you don’t show it.

I think I’m too quick to put myself down, the “oh little old me” I’m only a newbie, just starting out in journalism rah-rah. I think I can at times act a little silly; naturally light-hearted and up for a laugh ~~I wonder if that does harm how others see me in the office.~~ Actually scrap that, I think its okay to show your personality, that you can talk more than one mono syllable but perhaps when you are talking to colleagues about a task you must remain professional. When instructing others below you, or when generally giving instructions show that you know what you’re talking about and don’t let yourself get into a flap. Basically this is advice to myself as well as to you guys to TAKE YOURSELF SERIOUSLY, you may find it is mostly yourself that puts you down.

Create your own opportunities

So whilst I’m battling with the daily commute (it’s an absolute chore by the way, if anyone wants to set up a rally against south-west trains I’m so there!) and mainly the prospect of full-time work (only two days off, no half times, no massive holidays, getting up at the crack of dawn when it’s still dark, eek the list could go on..) I’m getting to grips with my job, settling in and learning new stuff. I think what I also want to do is progress with my role, recently I suggested that I take on the social media side of the company, (being a publishing company we don’t need to tweet all the time but a good presence online tweeting when one of the team has interviewed someone interesting or when one of our mags comes out would be beneficial). It’s not only another element to add to the CV but is expanding my responsibilities to my role.

One major thing I’ve learnt, through interning mostly is that if you want to progress, to do more, you have to push for it. Show your employers/work experience that you are capable and they are likely to trust you with more responsibilities. It’s still early days for me but one day I want to be just as good as my senior colleagues, to work fast, to write, to commission articles ,whether I end up as an editor or a writer who knows…but hopefully this is just the beginning.

Yeesh I’m full of cheese. Any advice that you guys have to share? This could work for work experience or first jobbers so lets hear your thoughts. Do you think you should keep a level of professionalism in the office? Tweet us or comment below @wannabehacks!