ABOUT

So what do you actually do?

Hard to do in one sentence since my roles are very different! In short, I tell people's stories.

What has your career path been?

In the beginning I sought experience wherever I could. In Year 10 I applied to Channel 4's talent scheme for people interested in media. Through that scheme I spent a day at The Guardian and took a few fun workshops at Channel 4. I got local newspaper experience through a charity called the Media Trust. I wrote a news article on my local area that ended up in an exhibition in the House of Commons. 

I also applied for an ITV 'Breaking into News' competition which I didn't get into, but they kept my application on file. I received an email about joining a BBC panel of young people during the general election. I didn't fit the description they were looking for, but I got in touch anyway. Shortly after I was on the phone with a BBC producer. Without knowing one thing about politics, I was part of the panel. I spoke on radio shows to give the 'youth' perspective since I'd just turned 18 and was an undecided voter. I became really passionate about politics after that.

The summer before university I sent out infographic CVs to magazines I wanted to intern for. At this point I'd started a blog with my best friend, and we'd go to fashion weeks and events, and then write about them to build our writing portfolio. I ended up interning for a fashion and travel magazine called Suitcase, and a fashion magazine called Schön! I didn't study journalism so this was my training. I fell in love with Schön! and stayed on as a writer throughout uni. I've always known a lot about music so when I graduated university they made me music editor.

My news journey came about through attending a CNN open day. I went back to do a job shadow placement, and then applied for an internship. I landed the newsdesk internship once I graduated, which wasn't what I applied for, but I wasn't going to turn down an offer! It was very overwhelming at first, but pressure makes diamonds. I learned what most people would learn on a degree, and what it takes to shine in an environment where everyone is the best at what they do. I started freelancing after my internship, which is how a lot of people earn their journalist jobs.

What is the best part of your job?

The freedom and independence.

People trust your ideas, creativity and knowledge. You can pitch stories and people you're passionate about. As a journalist you can meet anyone you admire, and as a freelancer your lifestyle is very flexible. You can work from anywhere as long as there's wifi. It's also a very social job. Interviewing new people regularly is great for extroverts.

Why do you do your job?

When choosing a career look at what you're naturally skilled at or what people always commend you on. My strength was writing, and people always said I should pursue public speaking or presenting since secondary school. When I had my first taste of journalism through work experience and university, media it felt like a good fit.

When I was 19 I attended an open day at CNN. I felt super at home in the newsroom and that was my first time reporting on a proper camera. One of the producers gave me such good feedback, I realised if he thinks I'm good this is probably the path I should pursue. 

One piece of advice for someone starting in your role?

Be brave and assertive.

That's the only way to succeed in any competitive field. All the people at the top - especially the women - have these characteristics. Share your ideas, speak up, take every opportunity to learn a new skill or make a new connection, and act on every bright idea you have. Even if you have to fake the confidence (we all do!) it's necessary to thrive.

Check out Shama’s socials below!

DAY IN THE LIFE

Note: mine doesn’t follow a particular structure. As a freelancer you set your own schedule so each day is different. 

Music Editor at Schön!

In the morning I attack my emails. I listen to music that record labels and publicists send me. If I like an artist, I start arranging a feature. Pre-pandemic that would sometimes mean arranging a photoshoot, which I would pass onto my editor in chief. On my end I delegate interviews to a team of writers, select imagery, proofread articles, and schedule them for publishing. If I'm writing an article I usually schedule time for a Zoom call, transcribe and then write my piece before a deadline. 

Leading up to a print issue, I pitch musicians that fit the issue theme. Back when we could socialise, I would usually take meetings with different labels or publicists to see what their artists have coming up. Meetings are also a great way to get to know people in your industry. 

A great part of the job is travelling. Sometimes you'll be invited on a press trip abroad in exchange for an article. I've interviewed people with incredible stories, and learned the beauty of living outside of your comfort zone this way. 

Media Coordinator at CNN

As a media coordinator I delegate requests to a team of video editors, source footage, and make sure everything that comes from our region (Europe, Middle East and Africa) is good for air. 

The hours are either early from 8am - 4pm, or late from 2pm - 10pm. Everyone is based in different timezones so we work on Atlanta time. I start my day by reading the email handover my colleague before me has left. It details what videos we've edited and anything newsworthy to expect that day. For example, on Wednesday afternoons we always monitor Prime Minister's Questions.

I check what the news team is alerting out through emails, and search for corresponding video. For example, if Macron is appearing at the site of a terrorist attack, I'll source video and ask an editor to cut it for air. Then I'll email it out to the whole of CNN.

When producers want a news package edited, I'll assign the project to an editor, help the producer newsgather video and bring footage into our system.