Hello readers,
Let me begin with a discussion. A discussion of a concept, a concept known as 'free time'. You know, it basically involves 'time' which is 'free' that you can do stuff in when you haven't got more important stuff to be getting on with, like your job or an NCTJ Diploma. 'Free time' may involve enagaging in things like socialising, reading or watching something known as 'television'. Now that I'm a few weeks into this Diploma, I have realised that I am doing very little of the aforementioned activities, which in truth, has been a difficult adjustment for me. WELCOME TO THE REAL WORLD, STEPH. I know, I know. This is what it will be like when I get an actual job, so I have to get used to it. And to be honest, I think I've settled into a routine quite well now.
I think one of the major factors when you are doing a course like this is time management. With so much to learn in such a short space of time, I've had do work even when I get home from college after a long day (news writing, shorthand and like). I'm a pretty motivated person, but sometimes, if I have Media Law revision and a new episode of 'The Great British Bake Off' to watch, then I'm going to have to go with the cake based food porn.
When finding stories, it's not normally a case of 'news only happens during the week', so that means I've had to go out interviewing during weekends, sacrificing the 'free time' I would've normally had. You see, journalism is a 24/7 job. You need to keep yourself on the pulse all of the time. Just like with this course and the work you need to do for it. Try to plan your time wisely and keep on top of everything that you are doing. It's quite easy (and tempting!) to lag behind but it's best not to, if you can help it. After all, having good time management and keeping to deadlines are both essential requirements in a job like this, so it is defintely worthwhile to get ahead while you can. Of course, you can still have your 'free time', you just need to weave it into your schedule and make sure you catch up on what you have planned as soon as possible.
As part of the course, I'm on placement with the Liverpool Echo and have been made their Community Reporter for Bootle. It is a great way to get experience but so far I'm struggling to find stories. I've been in touch with local schools and been out and about exploring where I live and have a few stories for next month but not many for the coming weeks. I think I need to go and investigate my patch further, something which I hope to do next week. I do have my first community story coming up next Wednesday and I have a meeting with a headteacher for a local high school on Tuesday, so fingers crossed I find out about some events coming up there soon. I think though, that some people have been luckier with their patches than others, as some of my coursemates have manged to get pieces published already. I'm sure it will pick up though.
Anyway, I'm off to do some Media Law revision now. Looking forward to the 'GBBO' repeat and 'Homeland' tonight. I can't wait for Claire Danes' 'Cry Face' to get back on my tv screen. HOORAH.
