Your Loughborough Story
Can you tell us about your memories of your time at Loughborough Grammar School?
So many memories come to mind… they include rugby, CCF engineers and the Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. It’s funny because the things which first come to mind for me are mostly extra-curricular activities! Take advantage of the facilities and opportunities LGS has to offer because they really do help you become a more well-rounded individual.
If not answered above, what is your fondest memory from School?
Although I didn’t go on to study Drama at A Level, some of my fondest memories at LGS revolve around the subject during my GCSE years. I felt at home on the stage and it was probably the only lesson I was never late for! I loved Louise Welsby’s teaching and I regret not pursuing Drama for longer. She always found a way to make me really think about things and interrogate beyond the obvious. I clearly remember performing as Jim Hawkins in the Year 6 production of Treasure Island and in the chorus for Oliver Twist. To this day, I absorb films and TV shows an unhealthy amount and those speaking skills have come in handy for the odd piece to camera!
How did your time at Loughborough Grammar School influence your life and career?
When I close my eyes, I can almost picture myself in the main quad surrounded by those enchanting Victorian gothic buildings. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that I would go on to study History at university. I am immediately intrigued by the past and I think being part of one of England’s oldest schools fuelled a desire to learn more about it. My strongest asset has always been writing and English Literature, History and Creative Writing classes honed those skills. I should thank many of my former tutors for helping me such as Craig Blackman, Craig Walker, Brendan McCabe and Karen Buckley to name a few. Now I’m on the front lines of history writing the news as it happens. Funny how life pans out!
What do you wish you had known when you were in Sixth Form?
Your life is only just beginning! I often thought everything relied on being smart and achieving amazing grades, but this is only a small part of the real world. I think it’s good to have a bit of a chip on your shoulder. It’s okay to not get the best results in your year and not end up going to Oxford or Cambridge. You can still be successful and make a name for yourself. You’ve got to be resilient and persistent in my industry to get a foot in the door. Hard work often gets you further.
How would you describe Loughborough Grammar School in three words?
Character-building, stimulating & nurturing.
Are you still in touch with any of your school friends or teachers today? If so, who?
I studied at the University of Warwick with Will Gray and have remained good friends with him over the years. We recently went to see Murray Matravers, lead singer of Easy Life and former classmate, at Alexandra Palace along with Alastair Parkinson. I was also close to Elliot Cant and Freddie Collie at school and we have all stayed in touch.
Alumni Career Wisdom
What led you to choose your career path?
That’s not a straightforward question in my case! I never had a set plan or desire to go into journalism. In fact, I didn’t even write for either the school or university paper. When I finished university, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. I initially worked in my father’s construction equipment business and quickly realised it wasn’t for me. I flirted with several career paths, but an internship at The Times on their Property and Money desk provided that eureka moment and I just felt a click. I instantly knew I could do the job and probably be quite good at it! Nothing was going to stop me working at a national newspaper. I would have stood outside a publisher’s building handing out my CV if I had to!
Could you provide an outline of your job role?
I work on the digital side of newspaper publishing and specialise in breaking news. This means often getting stories live accurately and at speed. The content can range from a famous person dying or the latest scandal to a major crime or terror attack (the news often isn’t very positive!). As a senior, I’m also taking initial steps towards editing and briefing reporters. No one day is the same and you have to always be prepared for a big incident which can be stressful and a high-pressure environment, but equally exhilarating. It never fails to amaze me how hundreds of thousands of people read MY words every day!
What’s one piece of advice you would give to current pupils thinking about entering a similar role to yourself?
Give it a go first! There are so many ways you can get a sense for whether journalism is the right path for you. Get involved with a student paper, knock on the office door of a local or try and get work experience at a national. You’d be surprised at how friendly people can be and sometimes a bit of courage will get you a contact that could be handy in the future. Be prepared to not earn a great salary early on. Journalism in my opinion is poorly paid which is a shame because I think it’s a fantastic career path and we need reporters to hold those in power to account and publicise injustices in society. Shift patterns can also be brutal as the news never stops! Early starts and late nights are very common in newsrooms.
What job search tips would you give to pupils looking for a career in your industry?
Don’t be afraid to send emails to editors. When I first started out, I was bold and thought ‘what have I got to lose’? I sent letters and correspondence to journalists at national newspapers across the political spectrum asking for an internship/work experience or just to build up a relationship. It’s often who you know, not what you know that’s needed to get that first job. Also be prepared to write on topics that don’t necessarily interest you. I got onto the MailOnline graduate scheme by doing trials shifts on the Showbiz desk. I’m not a natural Showbiz writer, but the editor recommended me for the scheme and the rest is as they say ‘history’!
What are the key skills you need for your job role/to work in your industry?
Being a good writer is helpful, but I don’t think it’s the most important facet to a well-rounded news reporter. You’ve got to be inquisitive and question everything. I think being thick-skinned and taking criticism well is also important. It’s a fast-paced industry and learning from your mistakes is part and parcel of the job. I’m not necessarily the greatest writer of all time, but I’m calm under pressure and don’t get flustered by even the biggest news. I’m fast and accurate – two assets that come in handy for digital publishers and breaking news.
Final notes
What ambitions would you still like to realise?
Editor of a national newspaper – why not? I think it’s important to aim high. I would also like to interview some more ‘names’. The Prime Minister, Lewis Hamilton and Quentin Tarantino are on my bucket list. Probably unlikely but a man can dream!
Do you have any advice for current pupils/graduates who don’t know what career path to follow?
Don’t be worried if you aren’t sure what career path to follow. I chose to study History at university purely because it was my favourite subject at school. I wanted to at least get a degree in something I enjoyed regardless of what came afterwards. It’s okay not to have a clue what to do after school/university! I would strongly recommend trying different things. I pursued internships in law, politics and property and worked out those sectors weren’t for me.
Do you have any hobbies that keep you busy in your spare time?
I love swimming and reading outside of work. After spending a year in Australia in my third of university, I also enjoy travelling and exploring new places.
