Work experience reports

Trainee journalist Joanne Rudd swaps the quiet suburban life of Hull for the hustle and bustle of London for a one week placement at the Press Association.

Plane crash all in a day's work experience for trainee journalist Joanne

Filed: September 22 2008

After finishing my degree in Film and Media production and completing a five week work placement at 'At Home magazine' I decided it was time to start contacting magazine, radio companies for some more work experience.

After sending out my CV to some very high profile companies I received a response from the Press Association.

From the work experience I was able to gain an insight into the world of news by shadowing News reporters, photo journalists and Broadcast journalists.

My skills were really put to test, one minute I was attending a press conference and the next I was writing on the news desk. It was a far cry from the likes of working on a magazine. I was constantly on the edge of my seat listening out for any major breaking news.

On my last day of work experience breaking news came that an aeroplane had crash landed at Heathrow airport. I was sent out with the news reporters and the photojournalists to the crash landing site where I got to experience first hand what it was like to be on the edge of a major story.

Immediately after taking several shots and gathering interviews we got news of a press conference and had to dash to the venue.

Unfortunately, the day was cut short because I had to head to the train station to catch my train home.

Anyone seeking a career in journalism should be prepared to work hard and do as much work experience as they can, whether it be writing reviews or writing travel stories.