Experience at The Times

I am considering a career in journalism so therefore I wanted an appropriate placement in order to gain a realistic insight into the profession.

Acting on this, I took the initiative and wrote to several leading newspapers. I then received a very positive response from Kathleen Herron, assistant deputy editor from The Sunday Times.

By applying for a placement independently of the school I was able to obtain a placement that was associated with the career choices I feel I will make. In addition it gave me a greater sense of achievement in completing the two weeks.

As the offices are in the Docklands this meant that I had to commute for a considerable distance each day, but this only added to my experience and made it more of an accurate scenario for a working day, giving me better preparation for the world of work.

Whilst at The Sunday Times I was based at the trainee's desk. I found this very valuable as I could take more of an active role and participate in a variety of tasks. Also I was able to observe clearly how it would be progressing from a trainee onwards to becoming an accredited journalist.

From working at the trainee's desk I got a clear overview of the entire office and all the different departments. This meant that I had a more precise idea of how the newspaper was constructed and the politics within the office.

For the two-week placement I performed a variety of tasks: researching for journalists, making phone calls and compiling information. This gave me an insight into how many resources need to be accumulated in order to produce the final article.

My placement gave me encouragement to work as an individual and increased my awareness of the importance of good dynamics and team co-operation.

The people I worked alongside were very positive about work experience: "Find out how the paper functions and what prospects lie ahead for them should they choose to enter the field of journalism", said Edward Habershon.

The Sunday Times operates a highly successful work experience programme. It appears that they wish to forge good relationships with local communities, encouraging young people to come and experience a professional environment.

It also encourages young people to develop an awareness of world events and construct and express their own opinions. Some of the young people who perform to a high standard may then be encouraged to further education to pursue journalism as a career.

Employers would benefit from offering work experience as they could make use of the contribution and point of view of the younger person; also work experience students work hard doing the tasks assigned to them and so contribute to the smooth running of the company.

Overall I found my placement a memorable, rewarding and thoroughly enjoyable experience.