Opportunities are on the horizon
With the next generation having received their exam results, it’s made me reminisce.
Not everybody will know what they want to do, or exams may not have gone to plan – and that’s OK. Many routes are available.
Rolling back the years to when I wanted to gain valuable experience in publishing, I undertook many hours of voluntary work to get a flavour for what it was like to write copy, and to proofread and edit.
Happy hours were spent at ProSport Media. Inspirational people like Steve Anglesey and Bryn Law would give their time and advice, for which I remain grateful.
Following this work experience, I returned whenever I could to help with their sports magazines. Good times, shadowing writers and attending press conferences to take in what being a reporter was all about.
Getting a flavour for the work
A couple of years of volunteering followed at a local newspaper in Pudsey (my hometown), with news and sports reports being filed for publication. Thanks, Dad, for being my taxi, taking me, my notepad and Dictaphone to report on archery, tennis and the Royal British Legion.
Time spent as chief tea boy at TEAMtalk media, providing thirsty journalists with drinks, taught me organisation, good balancing skills and consistency. Making thirty-plus cups of tea to a regular ratio of tea and milk is a skill in itself!
From making a good brew to writing copy and reporting on sports teams the world over was fab.
Later, in a paid capacity, came writing, as well as sub-editing and proofreading content for publication. Performing these roles honed my skills and confirmed that working with words was what I wanted to do ‘when I grew up’. To those whose work I admired and who supported my endeavours – people such as Ian Holding, Adam Pope and Jonathan Doidge – thanks.
With experience, comes learning
Hurdles will be encountered along any journey, but set your mind to something and have passion to see it through, and you’ll reach your goal.
Experiences shape you, people support you and opportunities arise. I would later return to voluntary work, becoming match reporter for Farsley Celtic, which goes to show that not everything is about money. I hold dear such an experience. It introduced me to the inner workings of a team environment, the benefits of community and, twenty years on, a reconnection to Martin Pemberton and his wisdom.
Treat every day as a school day. Learning is part and parcel of the fun.
There are many people better versed than me to offer advice, but if you are committed, complete work to the best of your ability, and become a reliable and trusted pair of hands, then you won’t go far wrong. If you can make a good cuppa, that’s a bonus!
I look back with pride at my formative years that laid the foundations to work as a copywriter, editor and proofreader.
Sending best wishes to all who are embarking on a new stage in their life. You’ve got this!
