Earlier this month, I completed a week long work placement at the Birmingham Mail. I was very excited about this prospect, because I had never gained experience at a newspaper before and it's vital to do so as an aspiring journalist.
On my first day at this regional newspaper, Margaret Thatcher passed away, causing the news room to be extremely busy and hectic. I was given a news story to write which then later appeared in the newspaper and online. Click here to read my article on celebrity Twitter tributes to Margaret Thatcher! I believe I learnt new skills from completing this task. I experienced what it is like working to deadlines and under pressure. This article had to be completed by the end of the day and I managed to finish it in plenty of time.
Another major task I completed was to conduct vox pops with the general public. This was for a feature in the Birmingham Mail called 'Centre of Attraction', where Birmingham residents speak about their favourite part and place in Birmingham. I really enjoyed this task as I ventured out of the office into the city centre and got talking to lots of different people. My work later appeared in the newspaper and I received praise from my colleagues.
Whilst at the Birmingham Mail, I also experienced what a newspaper office is like. I got a taste of the news room environment which I found fascinating and interesting. I believe I learnt a lot at the Birmingham Mail and I can't wait to put my new skills into action at future newspaper work placements.
Abbey Hartley
