For two weeks this June, I interned at The Guardian. The Guardian’s reputation precedes itself. Its devotion to quality journalism and integrity outstrips all the other UK papers and some abroad too. This fact is not lost on me, and I must admit I was slightly intimidated entering its offices in King’s Place on my first day.
I was part of the Positive Action scheme designed for underrepresented groups to learn what working for a national newspaper is like. I’m halfway through my NCTJ journalism diploma, and this internship came at the right time. I had been eager to put all my new skills and abilities into practice.
I worked across the features, culture, and opinions desks. I attended news conferences and ideas meetings and even pitched ideas to editors! I worked with some of the best and most experienced editors in journalism, and this privilege was not lost on me.
Initially, I kept my mouth shut, absorbed everything I could learn, and only opened it when I felt confident I had something to say. I only spoke at conferences once, in front of the editor Katherine Viner (a lovely person, by the way), and I thought I would vomit with nerves.
I was there in the two weeks before the general election, and it wasn’t just any General Election—it was one of the hottest in history, and the paper made no secret that they wanted the current conservative government out! There was an electric atmosphere. There was politics here, and in the US, Joe Biden was having a terrible time. It was the Euros, and although I’m not an avid football fan, it was a lot to keep up with! On top of that, it was the start of a summer of music and arts festivals, and the features desk was prepping for Glastonbury. Over on culture, they were prepping for Edinburgh Fringe and constantly on top of new releases across streaming platforms. I found it thrilling to know the reviews of the new season of The Bear before anybody else.
I grasped what editors were looking for in writers and whether my writing style was right for The Guardian. I must have done something right, as I have come away with five bylines, including contributions to two regular columns, two film reviews, and my thoughts on Baby Reindeer and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
I learned what is expected of a writer for The Guardian. You must be disciplined, focused, and always listen for the next story. The standards are very high as The Guardian editors have deadlines and need regular, high-quality content. The world of journalism moves very, very quickly. If you don’t get that story written, edited, and published in time, someone else will.
Although I was only there for two weeks, it will be the most important two weeks in shaping my career as a writer and journalist. Working at The Guardian was a privilege, a pleasure, and a relationship I hope to maintain throughout my career.
By Georgie Wyatt, ADJ CFJ Alumni & Diploma Student
https://www.theguardian.com/film/article/2024/jul/23/robin-and-the-hoods-review
Writing: andy@longroadtalent.com
Acting: Lawrence@thegaltonagency.com