Become a Journalist Postgrad Journalism Course PMA

2012-01-28T16:58:00.001Z

At the point when you start crying with laughter about the existence of ninjas and the sport (sorry Ced, martial art) Ninjutsu, it is probably time to go home.

Katie and I are looking forward to a night of no TV and internet for the third week, but we will dissect the gossip from last night's shenanigans over a bottle of wine. This morning was a very speedy affair, with everyone pretending to soldier on through their exhaustion after a night of fun at the Edinboro Castle.

But then, the breaking news that no work would be thrown at us today acted like a ninja to the jugular in waking us up (or killing us from the shock). Roberta had a date with Sainsbury's and clearly angling took precedent for Keith today so we were left to our own devices to work on the Himalayas of resubmissions and have a productive meeting for the magazine.

To quote "multimedia journalist ninja" Ced Yuen: "Today is the first time I have felt like everything is coming together on the magazine." It's true: somewhere in between the mass of ripped and scribbled papers, empty cans and donut boxes from Katie's desk, there are some great ideas for features, news, and pictures. Our online presence is also becoming something of an obsession for Lucy, who is lucky she works for the publication or else I'm sure Google Analytics would raise concerns over how much she stalks our rankings.

Oh and, getting caught up in the crazy two days that have just passed, I forget to mention that I was made Features Editor on Thursday! I have sent my first "Bossy Bit" email out already but I hope I don't become power mad or else someone might just "isolate one of your nerve points and paralyse it," according to ninja extraordinaire Ced Yuen...

I think a Sunday off is surely needed.

I fought severe boredom (and the law won)

2012-01-27T18:05:00.002Z

By Rory Butternuts

Top PMA journo Andy Morton was last night sued for defamation after he branded Media Law "banal", "turgid" and "so stupefyingly boring I considered eating my own feet just to stay awake."

In the blog post you are reading right now, the Auchtermuchty ace launched a libelous broadside into the six-hour class on ethics and legality, clearly breaking several of the defamation laws he had only just learned about.

"Never in my life have I been so fecking bored," Morton told colleagues after class, safely out of earshot of teacher Dan Lee. "That was banal, turgid and so stupefyingly boring I considered eating my own feet just to stay awake."

After reading the blog post, Lee said he would definitely sue for defamation because his classes were not boring and were in fact of vital importance to anyone considering a career in journalism.

"I will definitely sue for defamation because my classes are not boring and are in fact of vital importance to anyone considering a career in journalism," he said.

Lee added: "And if that f@*k head c^%* Morton f%&(@£ listened to what I %$^*@ ^£*& then he would &^£% have **&* @%*$, the little rat-faced *&@@ **£* **."

A spokesman for PMA pointed out that, technically, you probably couldn't be sued for defamation if you called someone's class boring because this was merely an expression of an opinion and would fall under honest comment.

ends

Now I want to become a journalist

2012-01-27T13:58:00.002Z

It's been increasingly hard recently to see the end of the tunnel for all the piles of re-subs blocking the way, so it was refreshing to take some time out of the PMA office for an afternoon for a job interview. Now I think I can see the light...

I somehow managed to wangle an interview with Euromoney, the international financial news publication, yesterday. I applied for a temporary researcher position with what I understood was their legal magazine; it transpired that the job actually involved compiling an international directory of financial and corporate law firms. It sounded quite a challenge, because many of the regions we would be covering - though each researcher was only allocated 10-12 - would involve getting to know a completely new market and overcome any cultural or language barriers in the process. We were to talk to lawyers in the major firms of that country, and work out what they thought of their peers, as well as major cases they had been involved in, and rank and profile them accordingly.

I was questioned extensively on my previous experience contacting economic experts for an online column I had worked on at the Financial Times. They were particularly interested in how I negotiated hierarchies - something Roberta has coached us in extensively - and extracting information from disinterested PAs and the more senior figures they tried to defend from nosy journalists. I glossed over an embarrassing anecdote about an ad review I tried to write for a Heinz Baked Beans coloring book - everyone thought I was a prank-caller - and stressed instead the considerable training we have been undergoing as part of the PMA course. The magazine we are compiling, "Seaside Business', provided several examples of news pieces of commercial interest, some of which had taken considerable digging to unearth.

The scheme itself sounded very attractive, with generous training provided from the beginning and regular editorial meetings to ensure we were keeping on track with work. I was left under no illusion, though, that this cavernous air-conditioned building fostered an air of rigorous professionalism. The only potential distraction, should I gain the position, would be my highly attractive interviewers. And, of course, the possibility of failing to live up to Euromoney's standards. I would never get bored of writing profiles of commercial and corporate law firms. (guys, if you're reading this, take note...)

"Ready?"

2012-01-26T00:03:00.001Z

It's half 10 and Helen and I have just left the office. I'm typing this up on the tube because I can't bear to practise my shorthand right now. I have a headache and those squiggly lines would just make it worse. Nonetheless, Marie Cartwright asks if I'm ready, taunting me though my headphones. I clearly didn't think it through when I loaded the Teeline CD onto my phone. Pressing 'shuffle' now feels a little like Russian Roulette.

I'm apprehensive about the second shorthand exam tomorrow. After failing the first one, I honestly intended to practise during my free time. Now that we're into features week, I realise the folly of my ambition. If there is no rest for the wicked, there is certainly none for journalists.

The days aren't as hectic anymore, but they're certainly more difficult. Roberta has kindly given us a lot of time to work on our features and make the necessary phone calls. Ay, there's the rub. Phoning people for information is incredibly awkward. It makes getting blood from a stone seem easy, like getting jam out of a doughnut.

News and resubmissions, the worries of the last two weeks, barely register as concerns anymore. In theory, I should feel the same way about features in a week or two. I'm really looking forward to that. It's amazing how quickly things move along on this course. Well, it's not a course really. That word should be reserved for evening cookery classes.

Operation Twitter Is Go

2012-01-24T22:40:00.004Z

Today's big scoop: Seaside Business has launched a Twitter account! Follow us on @seasidebusiness for updates on coastal goings-on. (Note the little bit of sneaky spam-blocking HTML happening in this post too. Hopefully I've done our web tutor Dan proud.)

In other news, Roberta further eased us into the big bad world of features, before whammying us with an overview of the workload we face over the coming weeks. It's safe to say that our lever arch files will be cracking with the strain of trying to contain our portfolios very, very soon. So much to do, so very little time.

Also, former PG Charlie came to visit us at PMA HQ today to give us the lowdown on financial journalism. He impressed us with how his sentences have earned him a stream of steaks, exotic travels and a good bit of moolah. He also, shall we say, quite colourfully outlined his experiences with colleagues from hell, as well as how he once ill-advisedly skipped a day of PMA to catch the rugby game (moral of the story? DON'T DO IT).

All this to the sounds of everyone scarfing down Michael's leftover birthday cake, and the occasional heated debate over footballers' salaries.

Now, I must turn my weary and bleary eyes to my growing stack of resubs and a Skype 'witter'-type interview. Ta for now...

The Fun of Features

2012-01-23T19:22:00.003Z

Having lost one member of our wonderful team, the despair and panic is starting to set in. Work is piling up and we are slowly creating a resubmissions mountain. However, the atmosphere was actually positive today. This was probably due to the delicious chocolate cake Roberta brought in for Michael.

Today we learnt about the wonderful world of features. No one seems to read them anymore, but apparently they are still an important part of magazines. The trick is to break them up with boxes and pictures so the reader doesn’t actually notice the length of the piece. Sneaky.

We are all trying to master the peculiar skill of pulling a feature from a news article. It doesn’t sound too hard, but for some it can be a difficult one to get right.

We also looked at question and answer pieces, profiles, and ‘a day in the life’ pieces. Cue two homework tasks: A telephone Q & A piece and a day in the life piece, both from people we know. We are now hassling facebook friends we have never previously spoken to in a wild attempt to get something good. I’m hoping for an interview with a stand-up comedian and a ‘day in the life’ profile of a fitness junkie. It’s amazing what friends from school end up doing.

The day ended with a Seaside Business magazine meeting. We have realized we really need to get cracking on content, so by the end of the week we are all aiming to get 3 news articles to Ced, our News Editor. We haven’t yet started to bitterly resent him, but it is only a matter of time.

Happy birthday to me...

2012-01-22T19:20:00.004Z

Mercifully, Roberta and Keith cut us some slack this weekend so I was able to enjoy my 23rd birthday today without enduring the normal commute into London. But despite not having any fresh assignments dealt out to us, we all have plenty of re-submissions, blogs and research to be getting on with. No rest for the wicked.

This week we've been vlogging, blogging, klouting and hashtagging our way around the world of digital journalism. You might think that should be a piece of (birthday) cake for someone about to turn 23. Not so.

I was initially flummoxed by the amount of data involved in web analytics and despite being well versed in the ways of Twitter, the task of coaxing a meaningful narrative from of our vox-pop footage seemed a tall order.

Thankfully, with some expert guidance and a lot of hard work, I'm now a whizz in everything from HTML to SEO and back. More importantly, I can see how that knowledge will help me get a job. Plenty of magazines are struggling to get to grips with the changes being imposed on them by changing technology. Now I can step into an interview and confidently explain how I'm able to change all that.

And in the latest news...

2012-01-21T22:28:00.001Z

No, this is not going to be a news article. Today we had another day full of writing news articles out of press releases. Mistakes galore. However, it was a huge relief to hear that Roberta and Keith didn’t have a surprise for us and we could all go on working on our ever-expanding pile of resubmissions. On second thought, I guess the lack of surprise was the surprise.

Last night we had a PMA social at Katie and Pam’s new flat. It featured some oversharing, debate on Margaret Thatcher and stay-at-home dads. Overall, I think everyone was enjoying themselves. Especially Michael.

Which brings me to Michael, tomorrow’s birthday boy. Happy birthday to him in advance! I’m sure he’ll tell you all about it tomorrow. He also received a birthday present that is now on display at the PMA offices.

Although it's only the second week drawing to a close, it already feels like it’s been a month.
Maybe it’s the amount of things we’ve learnt? I believe that a week ago most of us didn’t know how to use Google Analytics, check somebody’s Klout score, or film and edit a two-minute masterpiece on Camden market.

It’s been exhausting, but I’m looking forward to Monday.

Party time!

2012-01-20T09:34:00.000Z

We are now into the second round of blogging and I’m up first. Thought I better make a start on it this morning, before I forget again!

Nearly two weeks in and I can safely say that we are not as fresh-faced as when we started the course. Coffee certainly helps with the early mornings. It’s safe to say that when you start this course, you will become addicted.

Yesterday, we went to Camden (see a pattern emerging yet?) to get some voxpops on what people think about Camden market. So Pam, Michael and myself, also known as the three musketeers, trotted off to speak to some… interesting people.

The day consisted of choking on biscuits, bang bang chicken and meeting an undercover policeman. It was one of the funniest days yet!

However much it hurts us all, we are dragging ourselves away from the office tonight, (after we have done all our endless about of resubmissions, of course) for our flat party. A shorthand drinking game has been proposed so I think Andy and myself will be trailing behind on that one.

Anyway, lots of resubmissions to get through so until the next time…

Shark-infested waters and cucumber

2012-01-19T19:02:00.001Z

Day 11. How did that happen?

Through a blur of resubmissions, scrawled notes, fuzzy shorthand outlines and a sea of empty coffee cups, I can proudly say that my thoughts are lucid and I'm stubbornly eating my daily salad. I look on as Katie eats a jam donut without gaining an ounce, and I continue to crunch resentfully on a slab of cucumber. Healthy eating is my way of staying sane, as I have had many negative caffeine and sugar related incidents in the past.

I am very much enjoying the course so far. As a group we get on well and are all mutually supportive. I was thrilled to be elected as editor and I really hope I don't let the team down. We all seem to be buzzing with ideas and energy and are impatient to get on with our magazine - Seaside Business. The only problem is finding enough time in between tasks to pick up the phone.

I hear a rumour that we may have some kind of social gathering tomorrow evening and I am very excited about this. The past ten days I have been far too sensible, eating a ridiculous amount of salad etc.

Talk about being thrown in the deep end - if you haven't been a PMA Postgrad then you're the equivalent of a toddler with inflatable arm bands, while we are the dodgy but determined surfers in shark-infested waters.

Anyway....it's tough but I love it.

Our First Rounding Number

2012-01-18T22:59:00.003Z

We are now at the end of day 10. As Multimedia Journalists, we like rounding numbers. Why? Easy, they make news. Today we celebrate our first rounding number at PMA, and we are still alive. Even if the lack of sleep is increasingly visible on our faces, I must say we are becoming more noisy as we are supposed to be. Fundamental quality of a multimedia journalist.
Actually I have a lucky day for blogging, as we spent part of this afternoon learning the importance of social networks and blogs. Dan gave us a lot of work to do, and he tought us in two days some super-clever tips on how to make the most of the giant multitasking "uncle" google.
With Richard we did our first shorthand test at 30 words per minute. It was better than expectations. Just some arguing wether women are supposed to be more keen than man.
The second meeting of Seaside Business was successful. With flowering ideas, and the right energy. The editor is leading the orchestra as a professional music director. Deputy, News, and Cyber editor are all ready to go. Keep following Seaside Business, breaking news are on their way.

Facebook and beyond...

2012-01-17T19:54:00.000Z

A week and a half in and this morning there was a collective sigh from the class as Dan Thornton came in to tell us all about the internet, social media and why it is so amazing to editors that we can use it. "Ha, Facebook?! Twitter?! Step aside mister" Oh how naive we were..

So SEO, Klout and Wikio (now ebuzzing, which put a spanner in the works) are what he's talking about. And a cheeky bit of HTML just to make our heads spin the full 360. After shorthand and online news in one day the English language is no longer translating from the PGers heads to their mouths and so random grunts of defeat can be heard across the room. I don't think the internet being down for an hour or so during our BLOGGING lesson helped. See what I did there Dan? This man has made me an internet whiz... NOT.

That is why I am grateful that Katie and I had to conveniently pick up the shiny new keys to our flat whilst this headache was happening at the office. (By the way, applicants of the summer course, a word of warning: do not live the other side of London. It only adds to the exhaustion/lack of eating/overeating of chocolate and midnight microwave meals.) Blissfully unaware, Katie and I thundered down the streets (and tubes) of Camden to get to Archway then back to Argos and back to PMA and over to Golder's Green and over to Sainsbury's.. and now to bed I think. (Sorry Keith, my sentences are far too long; slapped wrist.)

Paradise Lost

2012-01-16T21:31:00.004Z

Perhaps it was an omen? Former PGer Damien descended on PMA towers and immediately had his wicked way with our previously strait-laced, God-fearing work ethic (God in this case being Roberta). Ostensibly here to tell us the ins, outs and whyfores of getting a job once our course has finished (it involves wearing underpants, I think), he instead whispered in our unfallen ears such tales of drunkenness, debauchery and depravity to have Michael stuffing his scarf in his ears and Pam chocking on her chocolate.

And all under the omnipotent gaze of Roberta, who, in the manner of all the best deities, turned the other cheek and forgave. (And Lo she looked upon the piles of news submission forms and saw that it was not good.)

But even the all-seeing is no match for the free-will of her creations, and no sooner had Damien returned to the sulphurous waste from whence he came (Finsbury Park) did a dark cabal of PGers venture out to Sainsbury's to buy a bottle of blood-red wine.

Just one, of course. We haven’t fallen that far. Not yet, anyway, and judging from what Damien told us we have a long way to go before we match the antics of last winter’s course. The horny devils.

One down, eight to go!

2012-01-15T01:35:00.004Z

The first week is over! It has been more stressful and tiring than I ever imagined it would be. We are still intact, more or less.

Today (Saturday) was initially slower than the weekdays. This was very welcome after the brutal time we had BETT 2012. Keith took us through some harmless spelling exercises while Roberta conducted the first weekly one-to-one reviews. Despite struggling with every single piece of work so far, we are apparently “on track”.

Then came the weekend assignment bombshell: we are to find a story somewhere in London and write it up by tomorrow evening. How naïve we were, to think that we would have the rest of the afternoon (and Sunday) to work on the week’s backlog!

Off we went, in search of news. I went to investigate Tent City, the protestor settlement outside St. Paul’s Cathedral. My first solo step into the big scary world of news journalism was bizarre. I met a garlic-chewing Australian, and a possibly-stoned librarian who gave me coffee and a bun. There was also a drunk who spit in my mouth.

After an hour of ‘interviews’ my notebook contained conspiracy theories, rants about ‘horizontal societies’ and, by blind luck, a genuine story. A few of us returned to PMA at 8pm; some exhausted, others demoralised and in need of doughnut therapy. Helen and I stayed until 10pm, when our minds simply refused to function any longer.

It is 11pm, and I’ve just arrived home. As the microwave takes care of dinner I try to imagine what fresh hell they’ll unleash in the coming weeks. Whatever it is, I’m strangely optimistic about it.

We may have failed every single piece of work so far, but we’re also learning at an alarming rate. We also have a group of lovely people who will be like a second family by the end of the process. Somewhere between the tears and the swearing, the coffee and the cigarettes, there will be laughs.

One down, eight to go! Bring it on.

Celebrity-stalking on the job

2012-01-14T18:15:00.004Z

Setting off with an optimistic can-do approach to interviewing aspiring mime artists as part of the 2012 Mime Festival, I arrived at Soho Theatre and tried to apply my charm on the man working at the box office. He proved intransigent until I produced my PMA Media Card, whereby it suddenly became possible to gain an audience with members of the cast, perhaps once they were done.

Unfortunately, the Q&A session listed by Time Out was not listed on their schedule, but there were several press passes for the 7.30 showing that had not been used. I pushed, gently and with hand gestures; it transpired that if I waited for long enough in the bar someone might come out and talk to me.

I settled down with my coffee and tried to compile a list of questions for the cast of a play which communicated its message via talking cardboard heads, placards emerging from briefcases and, as the press release described it, 'a tiny Moses with his head full of wisdom.' Was reassured slightly by the fact that their previous projects included the opera Madame Butterfly.

I noticed while browsing the listings and fliers by the bar that the comedy act produced by my corridor-mates at uni, 'Sheeps', was scheduled for later that evening, and was thrilled by the prospect of knowing an actual celebrity. Approaching the lady working at the bar, I asked whether she had met the boys - but she said they had only been performing there for the last two days.

It transpired, however, that a mystery admirer had left a gift for them behind the bar. I was thrilled to have ever been counted as an acquaintance of performers so highly in demand. They were actually on the same bill as Jimmy Carr who was due to perform the next evening.

You'd BETT-er believe it.

2012-01-13T21:15:00.008Z

I know, I know, it's an awful pun, sorry. My sister threw a crisp packet at my head when she saw it.

Anyway. On with the post! After starting off our fifth day at PMA towers attending a mock press conference set up by Roberta, which gave us all a bit of a wake-up call as to just how much information we need to write a substantial news piece, we were told to comb the trade show jungle for eight news stories. So, off we went to brave the software and hardware experts at BETT, an annual trade show for educational technology at Kensington Olympia.

It was literally so vast that, for the whole time I was there, I only bumped into two PGs, out of the eleven of us. The whole experience was pretty fun, if not without its dark moments: within the first hour of being there, I looked down hopelessly at my notebook and realised that, despite the several people I’d spent ages speaking to, I only had enough material for half of one news story. I had to pick up the pace pretty sharpish; it was not a good feeling...

On the plus side, I finally had an excuse to whip out the snazzy business cards that PMA printed for us individually. I also lucked out when I came across two employees at a b2b monthly publication, who mentioned they were recruiting and that they might be in touch. Roberta’s been emphasising just how important these kinds of events are to make contacts, so this dash of luck has solidified it in my mind. The bottom of my bag was swimming with business cards by the time I wrapped things up for the day, so the tentative first step towards filling the contact diary has turned into a bit more of a bound now. Now that’s a good feeling.

First few days of PMA

2012-01-12T17:45:00.002Z

We are now into our fourth day of the course, but it feels like much longer. I started the week very worried about how it would go and whether I would be able to cope with the workload. However, now we have settled in a bit I am really starting to enjoy it.

On the first day, we were sent out on a scavenger hunt to answer a wide range of questions about Camden. We asked anyone and everyone we could and quickly learned to lose all fear of asking seemingly weird questions to total strangers!

The next day we were thrown into the wonderful world of news articles with 50-word pieces. Fifty words might sound like an easy thing to manage, but it is actually very difficult to cram everything you want to say into such a short space. You have to cut all florid writing, meaningless fluff and anything else that bloats the copy.

Since then we have had multiple pieces thrown at us, all of which (so far!) have been returned to re-work. I have not yet had anything passed as acceptable, but I really hope that will change by the end of the week! I’m getting better though; my second versions have been returned as “usable with minor amendments”, an improvement on “needs extra work”.

Today we did our first vox pops. In other words we all ran around Camden trying to find people willing to answer questions about a range of news articles. Ced, Michael and I were covering the government’s new pollution initiative. For those of you who haven’t heard about this, they are encouraging motorists to turn off their engines when they are stationary at traffic lights or unloading their cars. Each of us had to speak to three different people.

I was pretty nervous to start with, particularly as the first people I asked said no. However, everyone else I spoke to was nice and I managed to get all three interviews done quite quickly. Deciphering my madly scrawled notes was harder, but I’m pretty happy with the final piece.

Tonight we start work on our magazine, Seaside Business. We’re all pretty exhausted but we want to get going so we can make the magazine as good as possible. Previous groups’ titles have won awards, so the bar it set pretty high!

"if a piece of work isn’t exemplary then it’s back to the drawing board"

2012-01-11T23:29:00.002Z

So far Helen and Katie have focussed on the tough workload and long hours the new PG clan have been confronting. I can certainly see why. Roberta and Keith don’t let us settle for average, good, OK or adequate. Quite simply, if a piece of work isn’t exemplary then it’s back to the drawing board.

But I want to take this opportunity to speak briefly about some of the good bits I’ve enjoyed so far. Shorthand, for instance, has been a lot of fun. Much of that is down to the fact Richard is a pleasure to work with and has a genuine enthusiasm for the material. Our first forays into informal speed testing have also introduced some friendly competition into the group.

On that note, camaraderie amongst the team is growing by the day. I was conscious before starting the course that my own success would be influenced by my peers and their level of commitment. Teamwork will be vital when it comes to putting together the magazine in future weeks so I’m delighted to tell you that all my fellow PG’s are smart, auspicious and talented. I’m looking forward to working with all of them.

Two former PGs kindly dropped in today to give us some tips and tell us a few anecdotes about their own experiences on the course. It was good to hear someone speak so positively about the whole process having recently gone through it themselves. But the best bit? We had to wait until this evening to meet them. Why? Because they came from their jobs. We all aspire to be in that position and it’s great to see our predecessors taking their first steps in journalism.

Day 2

2012-01-10T22:45:00.000Z

We’re already planning the content for our magazine and we’ve been allocated sectors for research. Seaside, here we come...

We also got into news writing and wrote our first 50-word news story today. The first news task was actually a bit of a relief, as I was initially picturing something along the lines of being sent out to the world to find leads. I think that will happen tomorrow.

Today we also started shorthand which already felt like a welcome break from everything else, even though I found myself forgetting the alphabet during the first speed development test. After J comes... H? Surely it’s L then?

I’ve always thought that I have potential to be a workaholic, but I think the next few weeks are going to be challenging. I’m sure stocking up on sugary snacks and Red Bull will help.

The beginning...

2012-01-10T18:51:00.001Z

So first of all I must apologise for the late blog. One day into the course and I forget something (I knew it wouldn't take long). Me being me, I didn’t look on who was first to be doing the blog. I did hope I would walk in today and find it was someone else, but that didn't happen. Just my luck!

The first of many days in the office (as we like to call it) and we get to hit Camden Town! Before you jump to conclusions, no, it didn’t consist of partying and getting drunk. We were set a challenge to find the nearest and cheapest places to buy things from, including a corn snake. It was good to get familiar with the area as knowing me I would/will get lost.

The news test was simply an epic failure and I’m sure I’m speaking for everyone when I say that!

We discussed the structure of magazines and talked about the issues surrounding our magazine: Seaside Business.

I just checked when I need to blog and was quite surprised that my name only appeared on it three times, compared to everyone else who are listed at least five times. Don’t think I will get away with that for long…

Until the next time…

And another one joins the employed club

2011-10-27T16:47:00.003+01:00

Well I have to say I think I have officially landed my dream job.

This week I started at British Baker magazine as a multimedia reporter and it's been crazily busy, but unbelievable to get stuck in straight away. Today I have been recording and editing a 'How to make Halloween cupcakes' video. In two weeks time I shall be doing more video and meeting industry contacts in Scotland and Ireland. And I have my first feature coming out in the 4 November issue.

Previous to this I did some contracted work at PRWeek magazine for four weeks. I was fortunate to get this work, but I worked hard during my two-week placement with them at PMA to prove that I was good enough for the job.

As part of my four weeks contracted work there, I produced the following video:

For the PGs starting in January 2012, I wanted to give you an insight as to what you could be doing after the course. I promise you the hard work, sweat, tears and sleepless nights during the PG course is worth it. I am writing, blogging and filming about a topic I love. I'm getting the opportunities to do stuff I never could of imagined. Plus the other PGs on my course have landed themselves some fantastic jobs.

Keep each other motivated, always try everything that is thrown at you and read and write as much as you can.

Good luck and see you on the other side.

Sammi

2011-10-16T00:06:00.002+01:00

9x weeks of PMA

2x more weeks of work experience after the course

1x helping hand from Keith contacting the editor of Horse&Hound (not just the stuff of Notting Hill)...

= MY DREAM JOB (editorial assistant on Horse&Hound)

... so THANK YOU PMA for:

-teaching me to write news, features, how to sub, how to proof slash how to do anything to do with being a journalist

-teaching me spell practice/ practise

-...and having good contacts in the magazine industry!

Working girl...

2011-10-11T20:06:00.004+01:00

So 9 weeks of hard PMA graft later I got a job...

In the final week while we were stressing over exams I got a random email in my inbox titled 'Employment'. Turns out it wasn't a scam/joke/virus - rather the editor of soon to be launched PA Life magazine was after a journalist and he wanted me to fill that role.

Turns out he is the fiance of the online editor at Third Sector magazine where I did my placement and he also remembered seeing my CV for another job I applied to at a magazine he used to work at. So one week later I had an interview and two hours after that - a job.

The interview was tough and I think I said some stupid things. Ialso found it slightly bizarre that I was getting interview feedback from the editor and company CEO throughout the interview. Prior to the interview I had to write a small article and come up with article ideas.

My first week I worked remotely from my parents house and then I started properly in the office on 26th September.

PA Life is as the title suggests a trade magazine aimed at PAs but also with a lifestyle edge. Think Stylist/Grazia crossed with a trade magazine. It covers a range of topics such event venues (the first feature I had to work on was the best venues in the city of London for daytime meetings - personal consensus, if you have the money the Gherkin's top two floors for breakfast meetings is just wow), technology (just finished an article on the best apps for office management) fashion and people management.

The job has also come with some amazing perks. I went to a complimentary champagne brunch at Aqua London at the weekend to review it, I've been to a couple of venue showcases which offer alcohol and canapes and I will also be attending a six course meal at a very nice hotel, while being treated to a selection of opera as I eat.

The team are absolutely lovely too - we all get on really well and go out for lunch together pretty much every day.

I feel so lucky to have got this role and I cannot thank PMA enough for teaching me to be a journalist and helping me get this role!

I hope this helps sway some people who aren't so sure about the course!

I am now officially a journalist

2011-09-30T11:52:00.002+01:00

I GOT A JOB!!!!!

Those of you who followed our adventures already know I had two job interviews for a web reporter position at BigHospitality... I ended up not getting that job, but the editor said she was very impressed with me and she would recommend me for other positions at William Reed...

A week after the course ended, I received a call from the HR department telling me about a similar position available at the Meat Trades Journal and asking me if I was interested. Without even having to apply, I got an interview with the editor. Unfortunately I had already booked a flight home to visit my family so I had to wait a week.

The interview took place last Monday, and when I got out of it I wanted to cry. The part with the editor was fine, he asked me a lot of questions about the course and although it was hard to get a reaction from him, I thought I did okay... But then he took me to see the website's publisher, who gave me a good grilling. He kept insisting on my lack of experience, making me feel like I would be a burden if the company decided to hire me... I was pretty sure I wouldn't get the job, but the day after I got a call from HR offering me the position!

Ah, that phone call... The feeling of finally having a foot in the door... Knowing that from now on, things will only get better because I will just have more and more experience...

On the first day of PMA we were asked how we would know we had been successful during the course, and like most of us I answered "When I get a job." Two weeks after graduation day, I can say I have reached my goal. I am amazed at how fast things are moving for us PMA-ers... Doing job apps and going to interviews has made me realised how tough it is out there. We are competing against senior journalists with years of experience and yet, we manage to get editors' attention.

Three months ago I knew nothing about journalism, and today I can proudly say I am a journalist. The PMA course is not called "Become a journalist" for no reason... Best thing I've ever done in my life.

The whole nine weeks

2011-09-08T22:36:00.002+01:00

So we've done it, as of tomorrow! The most surreal, rewarding, fast-paced, emotional, challenging time of my life. And yet it seems sad to let it go but I'm ready and raring to get a job.

I look back and thing of all the things I've done and achieved...

- Written over 20 news stories in the first week of the course
- Survived Roberta and Keith's scary news, spelling and grammar tests (I'm sure they will find something in this blog post that is incorrect!)
- Interviewed Valerie Singleton at the 50+ Show
- Visited London's first surf festival, writing a story on it, and then putting my fellow PGs in the position of re-writing it for a subbing assignment (sorry guys!)
- Achieved 50wpm at shorthand, and I promise Richard that I will push this up to 70wpm!
- Written, designed and produced High Street Business magazine with some of the most talented journalists that I know will go far
- Undergone a two-week placement where I managed to fill up my contacts book from 20 people to 102
- Completed and passed five exams in the space of two days (law, shorthand, proofreading, grammar and magazine industry)
- Lost eight pounds, although I'm told this is rare so prepared to get fat if you're doing this course... Costa and Sainsburys are just around the corner
- Found a new love for B2B magazines, something I despised when I worked in PR
- Become both nocturnal and an early bird

I know there's probably a hundred more things for this list that I can't even comprehend at the moment because it all went by in a flash and running on adrenalin often means temporary memory loss. And I know we're all going to be grasping on to the hours in the day tomorrow, especially when there's a cheese board and wine involved.

But I'm going to take this opportunity to say thanks to these people below for everything over these past two months. Getting a place on this course back in January was initially the most exciting thing that had happened to me this year. But actually doing the course and realising by the first hour on day one that this is what I want to do means so much to me right now.

Here's who I want to thank:

Roberta, Keith, Riva, Nina, Sonal
Melodie, Krissie, Becky, Tom, Mags, Lottie, Ploy
Richard, Ron, Dan (online), Dan (law), Tom (video)

Unbelievable, that's all I can say.

Sammi

Two days to go...

2011-09-07T22:38:00.002+01:00

This is my last blog...

Today we finished our exams. I cannot believe we're here. This course has felt like the longest, most challenging experience of my life, and at the same time it went by in a heartbeat. I remember our first day and the scavenger hunt around Camden... We were all so nervous and shy! This has changed a lot and we now have all the skills and confidence necessary to make it as journalists.

Even though we are all looking forward to Friday, there's also a strange feeling of nostalgia around the office. Today we talked very fondly about the course to a prospective postgrad (Cedric if you're reading us!), and that's when I realised how much we have accomplished since our own interviews.

That day I got out of the building thinking there was no way I would get a place. After all, I had done terribly at the news quiz (whereas now... maybe not), and I had struggled to understand Keith's mumbles (I actually thought I was incapable of deciphering the British accent... turns out it's just Keith's). But here I am, about to graduate, and ready to start sourcing stories like a news hound!

I know we are all going to get great jobs and be super busy (although not as busy as during this course), but I really hope we will all keep in touch. I have made amazing friends here and I truly believe I wouldn't have made it without the support we all gave each other throughout these nine weeks... Friendship on PMA means never having to eat chocolate alone... Thanks for that everyone!

Now it is time to go back to the real world, get back in shape (bye-bye late night biscuits and sleep deprivation!), see our friends and family, and start a career. A very exciting new chapter...

LDN

2011-09-05T14:57:00.005+01:00

As PMA winds down, I can't help but feel a little out of my element.

Coming from a small sea-side town in Hampshire to the suburban melting pot of London was always a bit of a step up, but I now know I must move to London to kick-start my career.

So over the next few weeks as I submit job apps like some sort of mad man and start looking for places to live (by myself = daunting!), I will keep you updated on my progress.

In the words of Doctor Pepper, what's the worst that can happen? (Hopefully not getting hit by a bus).

- Tom.

Light at the end of the tunnel!

2011-09-05T14:47:00.002+01:00

So placement is over and we are back in the bubble!

My brief experience of the real world was very enjoyable, I got to write loads of stuff and I had a lovely editor, which helped.

We started off the day today with a thorough de-brief on all of our placements. Having heard about everybody else's experiences, I think I have been really jammy with the amount I got to write. I didn't have to do any nagging at all to get given enough to do!

Ever since (it is now nearly 3pm), we have been sorting out our folders and resubs for the external examiner tomorrow. I'm mainly panicking about the law exam...once that's out of the way I will be chillaxing my way through the rest of the week.

Still no news on the job front. I know it wasn't my fault (grr mum and dad), but I really regret being born in 1989 and therefore graduating during the recession. It's such a bummer being rejected/ignored by job after job that I know full-well I could do, many with my eyes closed.

If you're an editor and you're reading this, I'm really good! Employ me!

Anyway this is my last post on the PMA blog...I cannot believe that nine-weeks is nearly up and I am so close to being an officially qualified journo.

Over and out!

Grammar Police

2011-09-05T14:41:00.005+01:00

It has been a few weeks since our B2B magazine High Street Business went to press, but the momentum has resurfaced here at PMA as we put together our workbooks.

Personally, this has presented me with many reminders that I need to proof/sub the hell out of my work to ensure that I don't go to sleep on any niggly grammatical errors. Sub, Sub, Sub.

And even after the course ends, this is something I will make sure I am near-flawless at, as it really is something imperative for all journalists and a skill I must embrace.

This week marks four examinations, so nerves are building. Goodbye sleep, hello revision!

- Tom.

2011-09-04T18:17:00.002+01:00

This time next week I'll be lying on the sofa, alsleep or watching TV. All or any of the above because PMA will be DONE.

Placement at Decanter went mentally fast. With an international readership, getting hold of the relevant news was harder than I thought. American vineyards don't open until about 4pm our time which means a late afternoon panic to get the story out. And German winery owners tend to speak "school English". Tricky. But anything is possible washed down with a couple of glasses of champagne!

It'll be strange going back to PMA tomorrow but I'm excited to see everyone and get these exams out of the way (less excited about the exam part).

Ditto Ploy- roll on Friday.

A LAWful weekend

2011-09-04T11:09:00.002+01:00

So yet again I am late about blogging, but only by a day this time!

Placements are over and now I am cramming away at media law - or at least intending to do so.

We have to sit several exams next week in things like media law, shorthand and proofreading and in a typical fashion I have left revising until the last minute. So this is why I am here in PMA on a Sunday morning....

Oddly though I am not too concerned about these exams, it feels like we have already survived the hard part - making the magazine and fulfilling all the tasks in our workbooks! These may be famous last words though...

Roll on Friday!

It's the last bank holiday of the year...

2011-08-29T13:02:00.003+01:00

... and the hustle and bustle of PMA doesn't stop! Just when we thought we might have a bit of extra time during placement to chill out and get to grips with the real world, I've realised that now is the time to catch up with re-submissions, revise for law and shorthand (plus another few exams), organise my workbook and research folder and actually apply for jobs!

It seems weird still that we're not expected to go in to PMA on a Saturday though, so much so that myself and Melodie went in on Saturday night from 8pm til 11pm to get some work done! Plus, a few of us did go in yesterday and another couple hardcore postgrads are going in today too. I think it's officially called PMA blues!

But I think going in of our own accord is doing us the world of good . Getting in to that mental attitude of working when you need to get something done, even when you're not asked, is setting us up well for our placements and interviews. It shows we've got that drive and commitment.

SO with only two weeks left, and knowing my last blog post is going to be the day before the last day of the course, I'm so extremely pleased with where we're all getting (cue soppy romcom music).

I'll see you on the other side!!

Sammi

Big Hospitality

2011-08-27T23:35:00.002+01:00

A lot has happened since the magazine went to press... That weekend we got drunk, went dancing and caught up on quite a few hours of sleep. It all felt amazing, but you never really have time to be complacent at PMA, so we also had to do some work.

We have now been on placement for a week, and I think it's going well for all of us (especially Lottie from what I gather... jealous!) Everyone at Children and Young People Now is lovely, but I must say writing about budget cuts and street gangs all the time can be a bit depressing... Still a great learning experience though!

The main thing for me this past week has been my job application at Big Hospitality. My first interview went very well, I was surprisingly relaxed and after it they asked me to write a story based on a press release. The deadline was pretty tight and I had to squeeze this task into my work day at CYPNow, which was not the easiest thing, but I made it (with a lot of support from Roberta) and they asked me to come in for a second interview next Thursday! My task this time is to come up with three video ideas for the website, including one detailed brief. But as we have been trained to always do more than what is asked of us, I decided to actually shoot and edit a video, so today Sammi and I headed to the real cider festival in Islington. We spent the afternoon eating delicious food and tasting many different types of cider... oh, and we shot the video too! Ah, the life of a journalist...

I just edited the video and I think it looks pretty good, so hopefully that will get me the job! One thing I realised with this experience is how well PMA prepares us for the job market. At the interview, they asked me what I knew about video editing, SEO, online writing, subbing... all skills I knew nothing about two months ago, and am now proficient in. I was even able to show them examples of my work in all these areas, which I think made a big difference.

Only two weeks to go now...

All quiet on the Western front

2011-08-27T17:07:00.002+01:00

So I'm a few days late writing my blog post - I blame the change of scenery. For no longer am I confined to my computer, or the "boardroom" at PMA, but I am in fact now on my two week placement at Third Sector magazine.

After the pace of the last six weeks, and especially last week, Third Sector is eerily quiet. I felt self-conscious everytime I picked up the phone at first, my self-consciousness soon evaporated though as once you at your desk working on something the background just fades out. I am very much enjoying the fact I have my own landline phone, I feel more official and after 6 weeks at PMA my mobile's battery life is pretty much non-existant now and it needs to be recharged constantly.

Because August is a quiet month Third Sector changes from being a weekly to a fortnightly magazine. And its probably a good thing too because everyone who works in the charity sector appears to be on holiday, meaning there is a complete lack of stories around.

I have done a few of the regular columns for the magazine and website. My favourite task of the week though was doing a phone interview with the chief executive of Blue Cross who was on "Undercover Boss". Chatting with her and her Press Officer who arranged the behind the scenes stuff was really interesting.

Right now though I'm enjoying the long weekend - because it gives me time to look at shorthand and media law! Ah the PMA life...

Horticultured Up

2011-08-27T15:27:00.002+01:00

After an intense week as a very hectic production editor, I was full of apprehension for my work experience at Horticulture week. Having completed my first week on placement, I now know this was totally unnecessary. This week has been the most enjoyable of the summer and I could see myself staying at Hort Week but I'm not sure how much I dare to dream!

Monday morning saw me thrown in the deep end with little hesitation by the deputy editor (my boss). This was quite an ego boost and as the stories wizzed through my inbox and back out again I got a real kick out of every completed nib, news and feature section I pulled together. Following Roberta's advice I was straight onto the phone with every press release I saw. At first I wondered whether these stories would see the light of day or if they did I presumed they must be altered and subbed so much that they would resemble nothing like the original pieces.

On Tuesday I finally found the time to check the Hort Week website. And there I was. Each of the four highlighted stories was mine. And there were more in the popular news list too. I even received two comments. On Wednesday I was set my own feature to write that will go into the magazine, still producing the same amount of news stories as the previous two days I made a swift start. Balancing the work load whilst my inbox alerts pinged away gave me a real kick. And it wasn't just my own stories I was chasing up, discovering and writing. I had to check details for features such as the top 100 garden centres and gather as much data as possible, as well as organising press passes for myself and others for various events.

On Thursday I attended the Retail Garden Awards and gathered Vox Pops from the judges. And yes, I even used patchy shorthand, Roberta! There were many highlights to Thursday, including compliments from the deputy editor, a free posh buffet lunch (including Frü desserts), and speaking to the garden correspondents for The Sun. It was a major thrill when one of the correspondents noticed my article in this weeks Hort Week and used the words 'very good' to describe it. Wow! The mag went to press on Wednesday at 12 noon. I'd been in the office precisely two and a half day and had articles on pages four, five and six. Infact, half of page five was mine, indicated by my beautiful byline. It was all very exciting.

Friday saw me get drenched at Kew Gardens but the rain was the least of my worries. On returning to the office at 2pm I had my six stories from Start@Kew to write up, four vox pops to edit, a feature to finish phone calls for, and two more news stories to write that had come through whilst I was busy taking notes and being loaded up with information and free eco-products. I was also very proud of the fact I managed to get figures for expected turnout from the Kew Gardens press office. My deputy editor had struggled on this for weeks, probably due to his exposé on their awful turn out at Clarence house last year which got picked up by the Daily Mail!

Having learnt everything there is to know about bee saving plants, illegal pesticides and turf price increases, I headed over to the Feature Editor's desk to grab some info from him quick. This is when the exciting but terrifying bomb was dropped. I have 'won' an expenses paid trip to Norfolk during which I get lunch in a restaurant! For free! So this weekend will be spent researching ancient forests and methods of restoration in preparation for my 1,400 word feature due in on Friday. 1,400 is a terrifying number, especially when it is the main feature of the magazine and the headline will appear on the cover of the 16 September issue. Look out for it!

Living it lux

2011-08-25T20:48:00.002+01:00

Day four of placement already. Kerazy.

I'm at TTG Luxury (the business of selling travel, luxury travel in this case) - great subject matter!

I knew on my first day that I was going to be far away from data entry and coffee-runs when I received an email whilst sitting on my (delayed) train informing me that I was going to be interviewing the president of YTL hotels the next day. Google Muse St. Tropez or Pangkor Laut for an idea of what kind of hotels this man runs.

I spent my first day writing news from press releases. Making the first phonecall was scary in a massive, yet quiet office. The PR guy I phoned seemed quite taken aback by my keenness and promptly emailed me saying he was impressed with the speed of my response and keep in touch if I need any news. Another one for the contact book.

It didn't really occur to me all day that the stuff I was writing was for eyes other than Roberta's or Keith's, so when April (my editor) called me over to show me how to put things onto the website, I just thought 'hmm interesting I'd better remember this' and only realised that she meant MY things when she casually uploaded a story I'd written. She was very unceremonious about the whole thing but I was performing a carnival/parade/fanfare in my head. The only other thing I have ever had published was a cheer comp report in the uni paper so I'd say this is my first bit of published work. Wahey!

On the second day April bombarded me with new things to write, which is great because it combats the usual placement awkwardness of 'umm...what do you want me to do now?'

My interview with YTL hotels man was at 4pm (he was calling from Washington D.C, caj) and it went really well until I casually tried to move the conversation from the UK to one of his hotels in Phuket, but actually said Oman. And I pronounced Chedi to rhyme with Jedi, instead of Freddy. A completely different place and name. Awkward. Luckily, being a suave businessman, he ignored my cock-up and gave me the right answers anyway.

For some reason on Tuesday night I got a massive case of impostor syndrome and convinced myself that I was unemployable and my actual calling in life is to be a 50s housewife, but some swanky press events on Wednesday morning cheered me up. It's hard to be down when you're milling around the penthouse suite of a posh London hotel eating mini pastries and drinking tea out of a cup and saucer. And as if that wasn't enough, we got goodie bags full of a mixture of toot (rubber ducks, massive flip flops/slippers) and cool stuff (Clarin's body lotion!). After a dash across to Soho for another event at NatMags, where some free Sanctuary products and a cupcake awaited, it was back to the office.

Suddenly I understood my pile of work and where it was going (there is a weekly paper, a quarterly mag, and of course the website) and a new wave of confidence came over me.

Ever since then I have been churning out news at a reasonable rate, and am really into the swing of things...at least I think I am...I hope my editor agrees. I even wrote the entire luxury page and the nibs for the business page in next week's paper.

In conclusion - best work experience I've ever had. Now time to find a paid job.

In other news my mum and sister flew to the south of France today so I am stuck at home with my bro and dad, currently eating Haribo.

Sorry for going into so much detail, I'm just putting off writing my review for Roberta (sorry Roberta). Better get on that before I fall asleep.

Night night guys xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Today's the day!

2011-08-19T02:27:00.006+01:00

I admit my blog post was meant to be posted yesterday. However, I feel I have more than an adequate excuse for missing this particular deadline. I'm sitting here typing at 2.30am after an 18-hour stint at PMA. Still, I want to give those of you reading this blog an idea of what we have achieved as it's been one of the hardest/funniest/emotional days so far.

The team has been working ridiculously hard today, tonight and the early hours of this morning. High Street Business goes to press today (Friday) and we have subbed, proofread, designed and debated copy by the shed load. All I know wouldn't of been possible without Krissie's co-ordination skills as production editor... and the occasional 'erm'!

We've eaten reduced-price birthday cake, crispy aromatic duck pancakes, brownies, chocolate flapjacks and cookies (to name a few) to keep energy levels flowing. So if you're planning on doing this course, throw any expectations of dieting out the window!

We've said our goodbyes to two fantastic tutors today. The lovely Ron, who has helped to put together our vision of High Street Business on the page, and Richard the shorthand master who has helped us to achieve writing speeds of at least 40wpm. Both very sad departures and two people who have been so very patient with us all.

It goes to show that it's not just about teaching you the skills of a journalist on this course. It's about dealing with the real world, coping under pressure, working with others and showing how committed you are.

Ron said something about our group today that I'm going to end my blog on. In his farewell speech he mentioned that we were a dynamic group, full of a mix of personalities that gel together.

To give you an idea... Mags' frequent cringe outcries, Becky's FML it's Thursday comments and Tom's heavy sighing all seem slightly odd. But we've all got our own little quirks that we've come to love and with a short amount of time left with these guys, I know it's going to be one of the most rewarding and memorable times of my life.

So here's to press day High Street Business team. Drinks are on Keith tomorrow, wahey!

Sammi

High Street Business Business Business!!!!!!

2011-08-18T00:56:00.002+01:00

Some of us broke their personal records today by staying at PMA from 8am to midnight. We are all exhausted, but although Roberta said this was the point where we were supposed to get on each other's nerves, the atmosphere is still pretty cheerful.

We laugh a lot and support one another, which makes this stressful process much more bearable. I can't remember if I have ever felt this tired before, but I am still loving the experience.

The magazine is coming together nicely, and if it goes to press on time, we will get Saturday off. The prospect of having a full weekend to sleep and do nothing is very motivating, especially because we are planning a big night out on Friday night (if we're still alive by then).

Can't really think of anything else to say as I am about 80 per cent (style!) brain-dead at the moment.

SLEEP.

Gaaaah!

2011-08-15T21:29:00.003+01:00

Sorry about the title...kind of sums up the feeling at PMA right now.

Press week kicked off with a mock law exam. We have yet to find out how we did but my inkling is some more revision will be needed...

And then it was all systems go on High Street Biz! I collated the news and with the help of Roberta put it all in order of importance. I was relieved to find that we have more than enough to fill the book - that is what I was most worried about at the beginning of the course but now it seems like a rather silly worry, writing lots is easy! It's cutting it down that's the hard part.

Our day was punctuated with shorthand and I managed to scrape 80wpm! I am really rather relieved to have it under my belt and tbh I'd be happy if I don't manage to top it, but I'm aiming for 100wpm anyway.

Today was the day that we finally started laying out the magazine, it is so satisfying to finally be getting the copy and pics on the page. Krissie has done a great job at the style guide which makes it much easier for us - thanks Chapleo!

At the end of the busy day another ex PMAer came to speak to us. He has a job available on a financial website...I'm thinking of applying but I still can't get my head around writing something that I know nothing about. Finance to me is saving up for a holiday or maybe, at the complicated end or the scale, setting up a standing order. I will have to get over that if I am ever going to get a job!

I could have easily stayed all night tonight as I was getting really into laying out my features, but I have to think about one and a half hour commute...it would be too depressing to get in at 10pm, go to sleep and get up at 6am!

That is all. Bedtime.

xxx

Free food!

2011-08-13T19:47:00.004+01:00

Our very lovely editor, Sammi, won a competition where she got to have a cooking class with a master Italian chef and cook a group of friends a meal. And guess who she cooked for...? Us!

So we had a lovely break from magazine mayhem with a scrumptious FREE Italian meal at San Lorenzo, Wimbledon. We dined in the restaurant courtyard and the rain held off so we could almost kid ourself that we were somewhere continental. Almost.

The event was sponsored by Birra Moretti so the food courses all had been cooked with beer, except for the tiramasu and the couscous. There was also a lot beer flowing. Sadly I'm not a beer drinker but everyone else got merry.

Sammi looked very fetching in her chef outfit and clearly the master chef thought so too. He liked to sit down at our table a lot and stroke her. No female was safe though...

We vowed to not talk shop (no pun intended) but we broke that vow just a little bit to discuss what we wanted the picture in our centre spread to look like so Krissie could tell the illustrator. However we did manage to forget the magazine for most of the meal!

Today was the eye of the storm though - all peaceful before the mentalness of next week as we lay out our pages and go to press...

London's Burning

2011-08-10T22:03:00.003+01:00

Actually, I'm not going to talk about the riots, which does go against the rules of headline writing that we learnt today, sorry Roberta! Oh dear, and an exclamation mark is in there too, evidently I am aiming this blog at the under 12s market. So the riots have been scary, not that we have seen much off screen but there have been sirens whizzing past and helicopters overhead for the last four nights. I sincerely hope this stops, it has been very scary.

However, this has not been as scary as the prospect of Press Day next Friday. We have one week and one day to get our content finished and the entire magazine designed. Oh dear. But we can do it, especially with bossy boots here as production editor :) We also have Ronaldo to aid the design process who is a fabulous teacher catering for all levels in the group, even me when I get big headed and school him on kerning, oops. Needless to say we are very excited to be puling together a sustainable, professional brand that 'pops' and reaches out to a cross niche market. I think we have high hopes but I know we can achieve exactly what we want.

Congratulation to Becky, our new Sub-editor, who has launched into the role with ample enthusiasm and skill, rather impressed as I'm feeling like a wet lemon but I'm sure I will get into the swing of things over the next day or two. I'm very excited for the magazine to be pulling together and can't wait for the website to go live. I hope you will all be impressed!!

Back to reality

2011-08-07T23:36:00.002+01:00

I was at home this weekend for my sister's wedding. It was a very joyous occasion, and a nice little break from PMA.

On the plane to Nice I actually caught myself thinking I was going to miss PMA. I wonder if I should be worried... We spend so much time working together that it felt weird to get away from it all. I'm pretty sure there will be tears when we all part ways in September!

Of course when I got to France and saw all my family reunited, I quickly forgot about shorthand, subbing and interviewing! We had a lovely time together, and leaving them was hard after only a couple of days.

It also reminded me of what holidays feel like, and I must say it's very easy to get used to it! I'm glad it was only a two-day break because if it had been longer I might not have come back at all!

And here I am tonight, back in London, ready (or not?) to go back to work! Two weeks to go before High Street Magazine goes to press, I can feel the pressure mounting up... But even though I was a little sad on the plane, it felt good to see the Hampstead Road gang again. After all, they are a little bit like my London family now!

An epiphany

2011-08-05T22:01:00.002+01:00

I am finding it slightly hard to believe that we have been immersed in the world of PMA for four weeks now. Where did the time go?

I had my 'moment' this week. Yesterday in fact. I am now a journalist.

I realised this when I called somebody, left a message, emailed them and called again, without even hesitating. I wanted my interview and I was going to get it. Two weeks ago I would have hyperventilated at the thought of being so pushy! That isn't to say I don't still get nervous, I'd much rather the quotes came into my head through telepathy to be honest. It would save a lot of time too.

High Street Business is coming on nicely. Everybody is getting on with their features and the news is trickling in. I'm feeling calm about it at the moment but I sense it may be a different story this time next week......

We've been learning to sub this week. I never would have thought there was so much involved...I thought it was a bit of proofreading, correcting the odd typo here and there and boom. Done.

Not the case. I won't bore you with the details but there is a LOT to keep in mind. I really liked it though, I wouldn't mind being a sub-editor one day.....I think it appeals to my perfectionist streak.

I also passed my 60wpm shorthand this week - that was my aim for the end of the course so I am really quite pleased. The feeling reminds me of getting my KiteKat badges at gymnastics when I was little (anyone else remember those?)

My proudest moment of the week though has to be Roberta telling me today that she thinks I should try and sell one of my features to a magazine. The only thing I have ever had published is a cheerleading competition report in my student newspaper, and my blog, but I don't think that counts. So to be told that my work is good enough for real-life people who aren't my tutors to read is a huuuuge confidence boost.

It's official. I'm a journalist. PMA is working.

Here is a video to remind you what we are missing while cooped up in the bubble.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kr0tTbTbmVA

Subbed-out

2011-08-04T23:15:00.002+01:00

Subbing has doubled my coffee intake. Even trebled it. And now I'm worried that I might be suffering from "caffeinism":

'Drinking more than 6 cups/day might cause “caffeinism” with symptoms such as anxiety or agitation. People who drink a lot of coffee every day may need to drink more coffee to get the same effects. They may also become “dependent” on coffee to the point that they develop withdrawal symptoms if they suddenly stop drinking it.'

And I've also just invested in some Nescafe Intense because I still have 800 words to write for the morning about male volleyball players. (Not entirely taxing research).

Aside from coffee- CONGRATULATIONS to Lottie and Melodie for passing shorthand at 60 words a minute. INCRED.

Subbing and cockapoos

2011-08-03T19:46:00.004+01:00

The title of this blog pretty much sums up my day, but I probably should say a little bit more in explanation...

Today was the second day of subbing. One of my articles (the one on the world's rarest sheep, which I have probably mentioned in an earlier blog post) was produced with a flourish by Keith and handed around the class for everyone to destroy. By which I mean sub.

I don't think I'm the world's most natural sub and the hot weather probably wasn't helping as I have found my concentration drifting off very easily over the past two days.

Keith kindly let us have the afternoon off to ring people up for the gazillion articles we have to research and write. One of the features we have to write is a general composite feature and I have chosen to write mine on crossbreed dogs. I chose this topic because it was literally the fluffiest topic I could think of and I felt like I needed a break from high brow topics. So I have been on the phone for the past two days to dog enthusiasts. Dog enthusiasts are also generally happy to rabbit on about their dogs too which makes a nice change from the more surly people I have had to deal with. There are some crazy crossbreeds out there like cockapoos (cocker spaniel and poodle) puggles (pugs and beagles) and labradoodles. And I've really enjoyed looking at cute puppy pictures for ahem *research*.

Anyway I thought I would end by sharing the crossbreed love.

Subbing!

2011-08-02T20:27:00.011+01:00

Even the good writers sometimes make mistakes – all sub-editors should probably know this.

Today we were thrown in the deep end with the first day of sub-editing. We worked through sheet after sheet of brain frazzling exercises on house style, spelling/grammar and sentence restructuring (verb not noun, first not second etc) to correct and tighten copy with the hope of leaving fewer of us seeing red on our submissions.

We also did shorthand tests to 40 and 50 wpm which, if passed, act as a backup if we fail the exam. Not incredibly reassuring.

Tonight we are starting the humiliating process of sub-editing each other's work... Mags's is up first!

And as always, the word load is getting heavy: an ever-present pile of resubmissions, features and three news stories is really starting to take its toll :( But not long left now...

PITTER - A visual journey / interview thing.

2011-08-01T22:33:00.000+01:00

As the PMA post-graduate course reaches its fourth week, we are delighted to interview two of the courses hottest stars.

We are joined by Rebecca Waller-Davies, renowned for her plague ridden elegance and Thomas Hobbs, the model professional who thinks a football shirt is suitable office attire.

So Becky, how do you feel at the start of the fourth week of the course?

Thomas, when you think about Shorthand how does it make you feel?

What is your favourite part of this course Becky?

How about you Mr. Hobbs?

And finally what do you have planned for the rest of the week?

This fine collaborative body of work was brought to you by Thomas William Hobbs and Rebecca Claire Waller-Davies.

I digress.....

2011-08-01T01:13:00.002+01:00

After a celebratory lie-in this morning, I was elected Production Editor yesterday, I was well on my way to having an early night tonight as well. I wanted to take full advantage of the last opportunity we will have to sleep properly for the next three weeks. Alas, after watching a very old and haggard version of Lady Gaga take James Kahn's position in the Den, it was time for our Flat Plan planning session.

It's all ready for tomorrow but it is 1.19am and I am still awake!! What happened to my day?! There is still one re-sub to work on, two news pieces to find, three emails to write and a feature to research by 8am tomorrow before diving head first into our final session on features with Roberta. And if you think that's scary we have Subbing with Keith for three days this week. I am shaking in my sandals! (Although I haven't really had much opportunity to wear them in the sunshine due to the work load. I can always dream!

I'm rather looking forward to our big magazine meeting tomorrow. We shall be launching a timetable which involves some very tight turnovers on our peers and I find it necessary to apologise profusely in advance, but it shall and will be stuck to! Roberta said that I should get a stick to keep people in control which sounds a bit daunting and suggests I shall be very stressed and frazzled by the end of the course! This blog has become rather fragmented due to my weary mind, I'm now thinking about my mini boxes of cereal which I'll be taking into PMA each morning to have cereals at my desk, I'm actually quite excited, I think that's a bad sign. To anybody reading this who is contemplating joining the course: No, these blogs are not for dramatic effect, and no they aren't just for show when actually we're just partying around North West London. But it is fun! Perhaps if I get a stick to wave around it may even be more fun.... I think it's time to end a day of major digressions!
Night all!

Krissie.

The beginning of the end of the week

2011-07-30T09:12:00.002+01:00

So it's Saturday morning at 9am and we're all here fresh faced. It's a luxury now coming into PMA at this time wearing jeans, or in Tom's case... shorts and a football top!

I feel we're all getting to grips with the routine now. Although many of us feel like zombies during the week, we cope with the late nights and early mornings. What keeps us going is coffee on tap, chocolatey treats brought in by Ploy and Keith and a lot of laughing. Yes, laughter really is the best medicine in this case, otherwise you cry!

But I do think crying is necessary on this course. Everything builds up over time; be it deadlines and resubmissions, writing shorthand texts about fashion being fickle, pressure to call people for interviews, understanding media law, calling landlords about broken radiators or trying to fight off illness. You need to cry to let it all out and move on, it's like a our mini moment of madness.

I had mine briefly where no PMA PGs could see, although I was in the middle of Euston station! I saw a friend briefly from my hometown Birmingham. It was a nice reminder that with all the craziness of this course, there is an outside world out there. But with a little moment of feeling homesick, I walked home to my lovely house where four lovely PGs were waiting and it just made me realise how lucky I am.

We have such a great support network here. Any moment where someone is feeling down, frustrated, happy or scared, you always have someone to share it with. Our little PMA family is shaping up nicely, and I'm getting that lovely homely feeling with the group this morning talking about Stacey Solomon and KFC doing breakfasts!

I just hope the rest of the group can cope with me as editor on High Street Business - I can only apologise in advance guys :)

Sammi

Let's try to see the big feature...

2011-07-28T20:27:00.002+01:00

My life has been revolving around PMA for almost three weeks now, and I need a break. I'm also feeling a bit homesick, so I've decided to use my blog today to escape from all the writing and resubmitting, and talk about everything I love about Nice...

First of all, it's the kind of place where you don't need to have a lot of money to have a wonderful time. Landscapes are so beautiful that you can just pack a picnic, take your car and spend the day out in the mountains or at the beach... I miss the beach too, and the holiday atmosphere. At this time of the year, the streets of the old town are buzzing with tourists speaking a thousand different languages (okay, mainly English and Italian, but still!). Everyone wears sandals and eats ice-cream... Which brings me to the next thing I miss: FOOD! Socca, farcis, pissaladière, ratatouille... Every meal is a feast and lasts hours. I miss having time to eat properly too, but that has nothing to do with London, it's just the PMA craziness!

Another thing I love in my hometown is going out to listen to live music at local pubs... There's a strong English community there, and everybody knows each other... All of those things combined create a very laid-back atmosphere full of simple pleasures.

But to be fair, as much as I miss Nice, I wouldn't want to be anywhere else than here at the moment. PMA is tough, but I love a good challenge, and I already feel much more confident about my ability to become a good journalist. The road is long but I'd say we're definitely on the right track! Now back to Nice for a little cheesy video (ooh, that reminds me, I miss cheese too!)

Featuristic

2011-07-27T08:23:00.002+01:00

This post is also a day late. I watched Top Gear last night thinking I was all up-to-date, but I must remember that this is never the case at PMA.

We are well and truly stuck into features now. I brought in some cakes for everyone on Monday as a sweet accompaniment to the first stressful day of feature writing. They went down well. If I fail to make it as a journalist at least I have a backup career as a baker extraordinaire.

I had a bad experience over the weekend with a phone interview. I pride myself on my politeness so when a man I didn't even know was rude to me because he thought I was a 'spy', I was really quite offended. After what I thought was going to be a permanent fear of phones, I decided to get over it yesterday and call some people - and they actually spoke to me!

The friendly independent retailers are one thing, but press offices at big organisations are another. So far one unnamed department store has refused to talk to me because they don't deal with trade press, and another promised to get back to me yesterday afternoon and now, the next morning, I still haven't heard a peep. And my deadline is approximately now. Time to get on the phone and practise being a pushy journo type....

We had another PMAer from the summer 2009 course come to speak to us yesterday. I rushed off to get my train halfway through, but I managed to get a look at the magazine he is working on and it's really cool to see that he has loads of bylines...hopefully that'll be me soon. The job hunt so far has been fruitless but it's early days!

I'd better get onto this press office if I have any chance of scraping my deadline...TTFN.

Delayed blog.

2011-07-26T17:41:00.003+01:00

This blog entry has missed his deadline. Bad planning from me. I blame it on a busy busy Monday tackling features.

Recruiting a candidate with an interesting job for a Witter interview (answers of 140 characters only) was tricky. Even trickier is finding someone with a life that's so interesting we'll be able to write 800 words about their average day. Lesson of the day: features are tricky. Tricky but fun.

We all got on the phone to interview people for our news and feature pieces for High Street Business which was less scary than I'd thought. Apart from one conversation with a county council member who said I was very vague. Awkward. I'll never be vague again.

Ex-PMAer Penny came to talk to us in the evening about jobs, the magazine and team work which was a massive help. Tales of boozy lunches and lighting displays means that her magazine, LUX, might be bombarded CV's over the coming weeks...

An eerily quiet Sunday

2011-07-24T20:43:00.004+01:00

Unlike last weekend where I spent my Sunday at the Lambeth Country Show on the look out for a news story in torrential rain before speeding back to my flat to get the story in for Roberta by 6pm, today was very quiet. Eerily so. I think I was expecting Roberta to ring up and say: "Surprise! I want a front page scoop on my desk in 3 hours, go!" [Do note that I have used the house style for the reported speech]

So really there is nothing particularly exciting to report today. I rang up a lovely lady to interview her for a story for 'Retirement Business'. She was at the polo but happily rang me back. Then I did more resubmissions and shorthand.... again.

We are starting features next week. Roberta has not exactly instilled hope in us that it will be good. In fact we have been warned that people start the course hating news and wanting to do features and leave it loving news and hating features. Good good. Bring on week 3....

End of an era, start of something AWESOME!!!

2011-07-22T23:59:00.004+01:00

The past week has been totally different from the first on PMA, but they did tell us they would keep us on our toes!

Roberta was gone for two days of the week, which felt more like a fortnight, but she did return with wonderful gifts in the form of piles of resubmissions to trawl through. A postcard would have sufficed!
We spent the majority of the week with puddle filled shoes as we frantically searched for events to cover and people to interview. The most unusual event of the week was interviewing Frog, a stall owner in Camden market with a giant green mohawk and the most amazing shoe collection. Luckily for Tom, Becky and I resisted temptation to slip into shopping mode, but it was a struggle. The most controversial event of the week was definitely being told by a rather set-in-his-ways gentleman that Camden Market was ruined by the presence of "too many of them ethnics"... awkward!!
Moving swiftly on, as there is no time for dawdlers this summer, this week marked the end of an era for me. I regrettably missed the joy that is video editing and attended my graduation. As torrential rain hit London, Manchester was full of dry sunshine and happiness, what a role reversal! Tomorrow, much to the amazement of my former class mates, I shall be heading in to 'the office' for 8am. Yes, on a saturday. This has become second nature for us all at PMA but I am told this is crazed behaviour. But I don't care, because it's awesome and I love it!! Oh dear... I think I need some sleep....

The shakes

2011-07-22T22:34:00.002+01:00

Well it's the end of week two and PMA now seems like normality. Albeit a slightly stressful normality.

I can barely remember what we did today (a blur of video editing) so instead I'll ponder about what might happen tomorrow...

We haven't seen Roberta since Monday... This means she must be itching to give us a mountain of exclusives to find. It's imminent and rather doom laden as we all have about 20 resubs to trawl through in addition to whatever will be added to the pile tomorrow.

But enough of my moaning. This week we've had a two day masterclass on social media (lesson learnt: get on Twitter), we've covered a rather grisly rolling news story narrated by an always sincere Roberta and produced video vox pops of Camden market traders. All in a week's work.

Oh - and I managed to produce a 'beautiful Haiku on digital marketing' thanks to my utter lack of HTML skills.

Which is something that needs to be fixed in the next hour to make my midnight deadline. It's on...?

A (P)ositively (M)ental (A)dventure...

2011-07-21T23:09:00.020+01:00

This blog seems to have turned into a series of endurance diaries of how we're surviving the treacherous vicinities of Mornington Crescent. I think I can now appreciate why that is.

With 14 days under my belt, PMA has provided a course which has destroyed my sleep pattern and basic ideals such as having enough time to cook a wholesome meal. I now find myself dreaming about shorthand. For example, last night I dreamt I was peddling a push-bike through the corridors of the hotel from 'The Shining' only to be confronted by two evil Teeline vowel indicators. Yes, apparently my dreams are now influenced by Stanley Kubrick and Ann Dix.

But from a personal perspective the course has definitely re-shaped my views of an industry I mistakenly thought I had already figured out. The condensed nature of the course has made me realise just how important perfect copy is to a journalist and I now feel like it is my mission to achieve consistently good levels of grammar.

Yesterday we learnt about Google Analytics and Diigo, two great ways of utilizing the internet to our advantage. Diigo allows users to save bookmarked websites into groups - something that will be a great aide to our upcoming High Street Business magazine. Whilst Google Analytics allows users to accurately analyze their website traffic and I was proud to see that my blog is mildly popular to Scandinavians.

Last week we attended the 50+ show and it was a memorable experience to say the least. It provided a real opportunity to find a fresh angle of how businesses are currently catering to the 50 plus market. I can now also reveal that I am officially a member of Grannynet, an admission my colleagues will probably ridicule me for.

I will end this blog with a link to every good Journalists theme tune. Rumour has it Hunter S Thompson used to dance to this during LSD fuelled investigative journalism. Okay so I probably made that last bit up. But this self-indulgent, cheesy 80's tune has gotten me through the last few weeks and its infectious happiness makes every rejected news piece feel slightly less painful.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccenFp_3kq8

Enjoy - Tom.

I'm on a blog roll

2011-07-19T19:47:00.003+01:00

So today has been eventful both in and outside of PMA. This morning, we were introduced to Dan Thornton - master of the web - who showed us many things that are still a blur to me. I know Krissie was teacher's pet today so I'm hoping I can score some brownie points in this blog post with some hyperlinking action!

One great website I didn't know about when finding credible news sources is http://www.whois.net/. It's scary to think that websites such as Wikipedia have a wealth of information, but we know not to trust it. However, any Joe Bloggs could be sat typing on his laptop in his bedroom making up any old news and yet people would believe it!

Another thing I was introduced to was Google Plus. I've been told it's the new Facebook and it's going to conquer the world - I'm scared! I feel any ounce of my social life and keeping friends and family up-to-date at the moment depends on using Facebook. So trying to enlist on another website, along with writing nine news stories, learning Teeline, researching for High Street Business magazine and looking for jobs is out of the question! It's okay, Dan has informed me Google won't be taking over the social networking world just yet, phew!

On a slightly more concerning note, a pandemic has hit PMA! Lottie fell ill on the weekend as she mentioned in her post, but today three more PGs have either gone home sick or not even made it! So I decided to make a run for it with Krissie, Melodie and Mags to Boots at 6pm and stock up on the vitamins! Plus I'm counting on Riva's judgement with the Pollen-B supplements that she swears by. But I swear by chocolate and a nice cup of tea this evening!

So to make all my ill friends better and anyone else reading this blogpost, here is a video of Rupert Murdoch being hit in the face with a cream pie! Enjoy :)

Week two already...

2011-07-19T12:43:00.002+01:00

Only one week has passed since we first stepped into the PMA building, and yet it feels like it’s been a month. In seven days I wrote 16 news stories, resubmitted them about a thousand times (I will get you one day, KaliPro!!), went rambling around Camden Town desperately looking for women with strollers, got offered a mug and a super cool ruler/calculator at the 50+ Show, got soaked at the Shoreditch Festival, and learned how to write ‘toadstools’ in shorthand (which I’m sure will prove very handy some day).

Yesterday we all arrived fresh and rested after a day away from PMA. It took us quite a while to decide on our beats for the magazine, but we made it. Then followed a press conference/news writing marathon about a gunman’s 24-hour killing spree... And when Roberta, aka Detective Henshaw, burst out laughing after solemnly saying the shock was “very profound”, we knew it was time to stop.

Now, as a tribute to The Apprentice that ended on Sunday night, let’s have a look at our highlights from Monday:

- Krissie found her knew favourite shorthand outline: URGENT. Good one Krissie!

- Sammi was elected editor or High Street Business! Yay SAMMOOOO!

- Lottie was offered the position of news editor, although I’m not sure she’s in the mood to celebrate tonight after a whole day studying with a fever... hang in there Lottie!

- I am now deputy editor of the magazine, and I have absolutely no idea what a deputy editor is supposed to do...

- We had an epic walk home in the rain after 12 hours at PMA. Zigzagging between puddles and hitting trees with our umbrellas while Sammi sings Singing in the rain is actually a lot of fun!

- And the quote of the day goes to Becky: “I’m always happy at the beginning of the week but by Thursday I’m like f... my life!”

End of the week....

2011-07-16T20:36:00.003+01:00

So today is my actual day to blog...and I really can say 'it's the end of the week'! Kind of. Apart from the ten news stories and load of shorthand we need to do tomorrow.

I felt quite ill this morning on the train in, but I put it down to exhaustion and powered through the day. First of all Keith put us through our paces with a spelling test - we all thought we could spell, but it appears not. Thank you, Keith, for the reality check!

At lunchtime, when we were just settling down to an afternoon of resubs and news writing, Roberta sprung a little surprise upon us. We have until tomorrow at 6pm to go to an event of our choice in London, find a news story, and write it. I was desperate to stay at home tomorrow and rid myself of exhaustion, so I decided to go straight out on story hunt. After some wandering around the V&A looking for the person I was hoping to speak to, I stumbled across another potential story, so interviewed them instead. I was really surprised that they were happy to speak to me, I'm convinced the image I present is '17 year old on a school trip'!

Now I'm home, and I have realised that I'm not just exhausted, I am actually ill. I have a fever of 101.4. Great timing.

Sorry Keith and Roberta if the work I produce this weekend is sub-par, which I suspect it will be considering my current state...slobbed out on the sofa and shivering.

What a note to finish week one on!

Old news!

2011-07-15T21:29:00.003+01:00

Well as much as I would like to say 'week one is over!!!' I can't. We have to be in at 9am tomorrow, although I am disproportionally excited about the half an hour lie in -I am the only commuter so I get up at silly o'clock. I have actually found that I am surprisingly productive on the train, except when I'm asleep on the man next to me with my pen poised over my shorthand notebook, maybe dribbling a bit too.

After a mock up press conference in the morning today, we were sent to a 50+ exhibition with instructions to find EIGHT news stories in one afternoon. It was very hard. I can't tell you how many times I heard 'it's a brand new product, it's only been on sale for a year!' I'm sorry, but that is not new.

Everyone at the exhibition was in 'sales' mode so it was hard to get them to talk about something other than how wonderful their old product is. We don't care. When we did find something we could (possibly) write about, it became obvious how much we are going to need shorthand....my notes are a mess.

With nine stories to write, one to resubmit, and a lot of shorthand to do, tonight certainly doesn't feel like a Friday night!

2011-07-15T20:47:00.002+01:00

8.45 am and PMA had morphed itself into a Kent police press conference. And Roberta had become both Detective Sergeant Jim Joyce and Asda manager Richard Abbott. This was our chance to turn our hands to some interviewing- pretty tricky when neither 'detective' nor 'sergeant' role off my short hand quite yet.

Quick lunch and off to 'The 50+ Show' at Olympia to hunt down eight news stories. Real life. No Roberta in sight. Meeting Anne Robinson's personal shopper (apparently there's no 'Weakest Link' chat in real life- she's really nice) was a definite highlight. The low light? Forgetting to wear trousers which meant the climbing wall was out of bounds for me. Something to remember for next time...

Bring back 50 word word limits! Otherwise known as Save Our Sanity...

2011-07-14T20:13:00.004+01:00

Keen to keep us on our toes, literally, Roberta not only sent back all our resubmissions for resubmission, she also set us 250 word limit stories and made us do a vox pop.

After all the stress of trying to cut down news stories to 50 words, I mistakenly thought 250 word articles might be easier. I was wrong. And judging by the comments from fellow PGs as we poured over Microsoft's press release in the morning, I am not alone.

This afternoon we got a chance to stretch our legs as Roberta unleashed us on the streets of Camden, armed with questions to spring on the unsuspecting public. It was really nice to be out of the classroom and in the sunshine. Ann Marie and I luckily also found people happy to tell us their opinion on proposals to encourage more home births.

No comment today from a Camden local quite topped the following quote from a man I approached when we did our Camden area quiz on Monday: 'Why are you asking me questions man? I smoke dope'

Now back to those resubmissions...

News, news and more news

2011-07-13T21:34:00.032+01:00

Today was the second day of news writing, except there was more of an active twist – we actually wrote some.

Three news stories as opposed to yesterday's miserly one; each against a tight 20 minute deadline. But it turned out to be a very valuable and, dare I say, fun lesson in just 50 words.

Yes we all had to get used to our copy being vandalised by scrawly red biro and the growing pile of resubmissions, but there was plenty of incessant laughter along the way, including the curious cases of the loony chocolate Easter bunny woman and the last chicken and mushroom slice (in case you didn't notice, that's 50 words).

We also did shorthand up to 80 wpm, which was at times, frightening. Those damn 'toadstools'...

Everyone got to finish much earlier today which was great!

And it begins...

2011-07-12T19:15:00.003+01:00

It's the end of our second day and we've already realised how easy we had it yesterday. No more 5-30 finishes for us!

After much discussion and mediation we've allocated our sectors. A surplus of girls on the course meant that we were all clamouring for independent shops and trying to foist finance and government off onto anyone but ourselves!

We decided who our typical reader is. 'Eve' is 44, an entrepreneur and quite possibly into organic produce and yoga.

We also experienced our first shorthand lesson from the Chairman of the Shorthand Association no less! So far, so manageable but now it's hometime and homework.

All this to the smell of very strong coffee.

Junior Journalists ransack Camden Town!

2011-07-11T18:23:00.003+01:00

The PMA Postgraduate Diploma in Magazine Journalism kicked off today at 8:30am sharp.

After a somewhat sleepless night spurred on by nerves and broken radiators, we were launched head first into a news test. The day consisted primarily of discussions about the publishing industry and debating the content of our publication: High Street Business.

The highlight of the day was arguably the ‘Crescent Challenge’, essentially an Apprentice-style scavenger hunt. (But Lord Sugar’s got nothing on Roberta!) On our return to the boardroom the more competitive Junior Journalists in the group were very disappointed to learn that our hunt was not a competition. We felt rather embarrassed about our ‘rearranging’ of library books!

At 6.30pm we are all homeward bound with ambitious aims of early nights after what was apparently a very short day. What have we let ourselves in for…

The end is nigh

2011-03-09T11:25:00.002Z

After nine long weeks it's hard to believe that we've almost completed the course.

Exams have taken their toll but at the same time we all passed shorthand (some at faster speeds than others), and we're now still waiting for Media Law results.

3 members on the PTC (Periodicals Training Council) board came in to talk to us about the course. Editor of the Radio Times among them, advised me to sell my story to the Indy. That would be a decent by line.

If you want to become a journalist this course definitely gives you one of the best chances. We're now all hell bent on getting jobs in the industry. Not easy but I'm feeling a whole lot more confident than I did nine weeks ago.

Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/festival_biz

and on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Festival-Business/133214506744722

www.festivalbusiness.co.uk

End of days

2011-03-09T10:24:00.017Z

The past nine weeks have been amazing. But now we are faced with the daunting prospect of having to survive out in the real world. As we all desperately try to find our perfect first jobs, it seems clear that it is not going to be easy, even if we are all simply fantastic.

In between the job hunt I have been working on my feature for CN, trying to get to the core of why retrofitting and refurbishment is so important. So as I bid adieu to the experience, I hope it is just the beginning of many more adventures.

Fever pitch

2011-03-07T11:51:00.000Z

Yesterday was a Sunday but the delegates were at the PMA building by 9.30am ready for their media law exam. The mock exam before work placements provided a useful pointer and the kitchen was buzzing with people testing each other on the Reynolds defence.

The last blog

2011-03-06T15:55:00.000Z

With this blog, I am one step closer to becoming a post-grad and hopefully a journalist. It has been the longest nine weeks of my life and there have been times where I've not been sure it was worth it. But I've learnt a lot. And, just to be different, here's a list of some of the most important things I've learned:

I'm a lot stronger than I realised
You have to keep Camden, Camden
Pret's popcorn is amazing
I drink far too many gingerbread lattes
I am rubbish at writing blogs

And, most importantly, I'm going to be a great journalist.

So long, suckers

x

The beginning of the end

2011-03-06T15:40:00.000Z

Blog four! I never thought I'd make it this far. Now, some sneaky people have been back dating their blogs. I would do that but I can barely remember last week. And of course I'm a paragon of truth and honesty.

But there are a few things that I haven't talked about that I really should have. Namely my placement, which was kind of a turning point for me.

Seeing how a successful magazine was run - and realising that I was more than capable of being a part of it - almost made the pain and suffering it took to get here worthwhile.

All I need now is an actual job...any takers??

Why I don't want to be a broadcast journalist...

2011-03-06T15:20:00.000Z

Good to see more people adapting my interviewing style.

PMA: an emotional journey

2011-03-06T14:43:00.001Z

I have a bit of a rep at PMA for being negative. Surprising, I know. As such, I thought I would take this chance to explore the range of emotions I have had throughout the course through a series of pictures.

The beginning: slightly grumpy

Having to get up so early didn't exactly do much for my moods, but I was still an eager young pup wanting to learn...

The middle: losing the will to live

Resubs, shorthand, Festival bloody business,

spending 12 hours a day in the PMA office. Never. Again.

Festival Business press day

The horror!

Today: awaiting the lobotomy

A shell of a human being.

They tell me the nightmares will stop soon though. See? I do try to look on the bright side.

Five Blogs...

2011-03-06T14:22:00.001Z

So I have five blogs still to write before I my folder can get processed. This is a particularly terrifying prospect considering my brain feels like it has been scraped out. I have nothing left to give. So, expect a lot of pictures and a lot of lists. Speaking of which...

The five worst things about PMA:
- Sub-editing 'Wolves'
- Lack of space
- Spots (caffeine and junk food-induced)
- Being forced to blog about PMA
- Staying awake half the night revising for a law exam and more than likely failing it anyway

Happy bloody days...

Can I go back to making tea and making photocopies please

2011-03-06T14:20:00.003Z

An email I sent to my course lead tutor outlining some problems at my placement:

While I'm here: The Engineer magazine feature. Essentially, it won't be done in time. Which is driving me dangerously close to apoplexy.

The features ed has not been easy to please. Last Friday, after a number of 'no thank you' replies I organised to go to the bio-engineering department of Imperial and speak to someone about neuromorphic computing systems, neurophysiology with its relevance to the development of AI.

Features Ed said If I did 1200 words on this, and it was any good, he'd take it. So I interviewed the algorithm-minded lunatic of a professor who may, or may not, have been speaking in ancient Greek or Khoisan African clicks.

A combination of being cut short by mr press-fucking-man and not knowing if/who/when/how I'd got any relevant content, left me with nearly enough, but not enough, information. This was yesterday; the soonest they could arrange it.

I've since transcribed the interview and it's okay. But to try and chisel away at this menhir of a task I need, god help me, to speak to him again. This, I've been told cannot happen until Monday. I'm off to take some anti-hypertensive beta blockers.

Resubs coming soon.

Best,

Damien

I've seen the job for me

2011-03-06T13:10:00.001Z

Go on God, please give me this job:

Kerrang!, Reviews Editor

date posted: Wednesday, 16th February 2011

Kerrang! - the UK’s biggest and best-selling weekly music magazine - is looking for a Reviews Editor who will help drive the award-winning title to new heights of editorial excellence.

The successful candidate will be highly organised, capable of generating, commissioning, editing and writing must-read, accurate and original content for the magazine’s Reviews Section, ensuring that Kerrang! covers all the key releases and gigs every week. A thorough knowledge of Kerrang!’s world (classic and current) is a must, as is the ability to juggle an admin-heavy workload, and great contacts with key PRs.

Previous magazine experience is preferred (experience using Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite is an advantage) and equally important is the ability to work within a relentless, high-pressure office environment.

Amen

Christmas hampers

2011-03-06T12:57:00.001Z

So the exam is done. The media law exam that is.

I reckon all I'll remember is that if it looks like you're going to have to reveal your source BEFORE the trial begins then make sure you burn all of your notes.

It got me thinking didn't it. If you were to compile and sell journalist survival kits what would be in them. A Christmas gift perhaps.

Dictaphone, notepad, red pen, weapons grade coffee, hip flask (brandy) and now, Zippo.

Any takers?

And now the end is near, and so I face my final curtain.......

2011-03-06T12:56:00.000Z

My last blog! I am so relieved, I find this need to write and be witty on demand quite trying.

The course has been great. Tiring but great.
I have a second interview next week at a trade magazine, something I couldn't have even imagined before PMA so they must have done something right.

I wish I could be a bit perkier in this post, but with folders still left to sort out and having just done a media exam which I think I haven't past, I'm not feeling super peppy.

Here's some Frank to lighten the mood;

Arrivederci, goodnight.

The final post

2011-03-06T12:44:00.000Z

My final blog post on the long and winding PMA road. I think I should highlight my highs and lows along the way...

Highs:

an invite to Glastonbury festival
being a movie director for the day - Camden: a tale of woe. Coming soon to a cinema near you
editing 'the only weekly magazine for festival organisers and their suppliers'
trying my first grenade

Lows:

an invite to Glastonbury... to check out their sewage lagoon, of course
rubbish tea bags
press day breakdown
BETT: NEVER AGAIN

It's been 'a journey'. Over and out.

The most productive lunch time

2011-03-04T15:31:00.000Z

I've come to the conclusion that I rather enjoy blogging. If this is what tweeting is like I amy very well join that world too...

I had the most productive lunch today....

On it I discovered that one hour is long enough to go to Westfield, do some (very minimal) shopping and still have time for Pret soup of the day and a chocolate brownie.

I shall rather miss my 35 minute commute next week, when the long treck back to Camden once again ensues. But the I figure, the week after that I shall be missing my Camden-travels and the tales that go with it.

You can never win really.

Oh yeah - must add this SUNSHINE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It may be bloody freezing, but at least the sun's out. Maybe it's a sign that Spring is on its way after all.

Exam-a-licious

2011-03-03T13:16:00.005Z

Next week is gunna be pretty bloody hectic. We have a law exam on Sunday, surely that isn't legal Roberta???! Then it's proofreading, shorthand, magazine industry and bamm we are done. Fastest yet slowest nine weeks of my life.

Hazed and confused

2011-03-02T19:43:00.000Z

It's worrying times now. Our illustrious leaders have decided to move our media law exam to next Sunday morning - I think they have grown to hate us. I still have so much to do with what seems like very little time to do it. Hopefully have a breakthrough tomorrow and it will plain sailing.

I have been doing placement and then hitting PMA afterwards. I have forgotten what real life is like. Think a job is going to seem like a blissful change of pace, a holiday almost. Thats if I ever find a job - we were supposed to start applying from day one, but right now my main concern is passing.

PMA birthday

2011-03-02T18:21:00.009Z

After missing two days of productivity thanks to some horrid virus, I forced myself to get back to work today. Ecobuild. The thing dreams are made of. Or something. ExCel is this week filled with construction sorts being excitable/business-like about the future of our world and the industry's role in shaping it. It was rather fascinating. I'm sure I would have liked it better had I not been sick.
Today's birthday is being spent at PMA re-writing Zsar Zsar's obituary. No celebrations for Pennie. No time.

The end is nigh

2011-03-02T09:53:00.021Z

I've only got a few days left at New Media Age and I'm going to miss it. Any work place where Facebook and Twitter are rich sources of news is a hit with me. It hasn't all been viral ads and augmented reality but on balance it's been a lot of fun.

The ominous final week of PMA looms large and frankly I may need a new pair of pants. There's plenty of work left to sort out in my folder and as a bit of light relief we've got exams as well.

Oh joy.

It's not my turn to blog, but...

2011-03-01T10:33:00.000Z

It's press day at PR week and instead of doing the frantic scouring news, I'm reading our blog.

Not quite sure why, perhaps lack of sleep, too much crappy food and the need of a good night out - which isn't cut short by 'oh shit i have to go to school tomorrow,' but it's all left me feeling a wee bit on the emotional side. AND THEN, i came across this:

It's the last blog from last year's course. I remember reading it before and not really paying attention. But this time round it's left me feeling a little bit teary.

REALLY REALLY REALLY REALLY sad that it's nearly over :-(

Rachel speaks the truth.

It's hard to believe that nine weeks of hard work are coming to an end. Don't get me wrong, I have about a million zillion trillion hours of sleep to catch up on as per the other day when I could hardly string a sentence together. But PMA has really changed the way I write and definitely the way I present myself as a journalist.

When I met the guys from the last course, I distinctly remember one of the girls saying to me: "Don't say you are a student, always say you are a journalist". And it is true. This course makes you realise that you havecome a long way and you deserve to be known as a journalist because you have worked bloody hard.

But let's be honest, here are the five things I have learnt from PMA
1. Apostrophes - yes Keith, I have learnt from you.
2. Nobody cares what you think - a Roberta favourite
3. Sainsbury's is the only supermarket out there
4. Don't use a video camera without sound
5. READ THE BLOODY NEWS (or be in last place...I was so close!)

It's been productive.

Natasha

The beginning of the end

2011-02-28T13:48:00.000Z

God today is well and truly a miserable day. Yesterday was a much better day...No sunday blues this time, just monday ones! This is mainly to do with the fact that it's just occurred to me how close to the end we are and how little time left we have together.

Can't believe it's only been a week since fest biz went to print...and an entire week since we were all there...and so a mini reunion ensured yday. Not in the guise of drinks and food of course....but in the form of re-subs, pma and or course caramel chocolate shortcake biscuits. In the words of Georgie "i may never eat another one again."

It's quite sad really, we only have a week placement + a week exams to go. The it's all over. I miss everyone already.

Nina may very well kill me for this - but yday, she mentioned a reunion of sorts, at her house, involving sunshine, bbq and beer. Sounds like a plan.

Lets finalise a date guys...

Light at the end of the tunnel

2011-02-27T13:01:00.000Z

It's less than two weeks to go until we're all fully qualified journalists. It's both exciting and daunting. Exciting because I finally feel confident about what I can do. Daunting because I have to convince other people to be confident in what I can do and give me a REAL job.

Placement has been fun so far, although I'm strangely missing the PMA fever. I've been begging for more work. Who'd have thought it?

With our exams approaching and the incessant features deadlines, I've been very well-behaved this weekend and have spent the evenings sheltered away from the outside world. There's nothing more uplifting than writing an obituary late on a friday evening with only a bottle of wine for company. I must say, the more lubricated I get, the more I consider my chances for that Pulitzer prize.

And yes, I still really want to be a journalist. I best get back to that Pulitzer prize-winning feature...

First Week of Work Placement

2011-02-26T19:15:00.001Z

So I've just completed by first week at GP. I'm on the news desk so I've been writing lots of short news stories. The journalists in the office don't write any features, they're all commissioned so I'm hoping I'll get to write a long news piece next week!

Weirdly I've found this week more tiring than the weeks before, even though we've been working shorter hours. I have to admit that I haven't been keeping up with shorthand - massive error. Next week's evenings are going to involve a lot of cramming!

It's been quite strange not seeing all the PMA people this week. We've become a bit of a family and I'm finding I miss everyone!

Soho from a window

2011-02-25T21:07:00.006Z

8.59pm

The dull, brain-sapping glare of the office lights are working well. I should feel, well, at least a little tired. But I don't.

Centaur Publishing at night.

The computer is all I can see. The half-cut denizens of Soho are all I can hear.

My feature is nearly done. Nearly.

Now to treat myself.

Egypt meets weavers, bags of baby duck. 13 and a half tog.

Mmm, bed.

Decisions decisions

2011-02-25T16:38:00.006Z

I've just been offered a press trip to St. Moritz, Switzerland. Skiing, fondue and with a dash of luck, a svelte PR to hold my hand.

Swiss dish of melted cheese served in a communal pot

It means missing PMA graduation day. I missed my undergraduate graduation day too. Mum wasn't happy.

To do or not fondue?

Placement shenanigans

2011-02-24T13:12:00.000Z

It's my fourth day at Third Sector and I've come to the conclusion that I would really enjoy working for a B2B. Many consumer magazines cover the same thing over and over, but at placement I am learning something new every single day about the voluntary sector. Which is pretty cool!

I really really really really really would like a job please ta.

Karma?

2011-02-24T11:54:00.005Z

Last night at Sutton station I was nearly arrested twice. The first time I was entering the vicinity with a colleague, Janie, only to find twenty PCs with dogs awaiting me on the platform. Janie was telling a story about how her brother once got stopped, when a dog became enamoured with my bag. So, I was taken to the side, told to take off all my clothes (apparently it was a joke) and searched.

Much to my relief I'd left my crystal meth at home and was released from their clasps. Had they read my Festival Business feature or was it just another case of bad karma? Janie was waiting with a smirk on her face so I stumbled over, tried not to look too guilty then felt a tap on my shoulder as a sinister looking railway inspector showed me his badge. "Can I have a word with you please."

By now my day from hell couldn't get much worse. Apparently my popularity with the police made them suspect I had a fraudulent ticket. It didn't help that my travelcard no longer works on the barriers and so I've been showing it to the guards each time.

Anyway, on my train journey to Caterer this morning I saw a lot of lone trainers, a pair of ladies undies and a dead cat. This morning I received my latest nickname 'Felon' after Janie told everyone my story. I am now the talk of the office, for all the wrong reasons.

Avoid Sutton.

Placement time

2011-02-23T19:41:00.001Z

I'm on placement now at the exciting Local Government Chronicle. I'm into politics so it's actually quite interesting. I have mainly been writing news stories for the website and it's gratifying to know that people have to pay to see my work (the site has a paywall) - even if I'm not making any money from it myself. The hours are sweet compared to PMA. Starting at 9:30 and finishing at 18:00 is an absolute dream. Still have loads of PMA work to crunch through though. But it will all get done somehow someway.

Placement time

2011-02-23T19:41:00.000Z

The SHAME

2011-02-23T13:08:00.001Z

Day three at Caterer and I just messed up an interview with a new member of the prestigious Master Chefs of Great Britain clan.

I decided to turn down my neighbour's kindly offer of a headset and take notes instead. What was I thinking! A 'Minute on the clock' interview turned into '30 seconds in a pool of sweat' and now I need to call him back for another 200 words.

I couldn't hear what he was saying (nice excuse!) and was so busy trying to write the painfully staccato answers he was giving me (in longhand may I add) that I couldn't think of anything else to ask. Everyone in the office mocked me hard when I finished. "Hmmm- that was a bit short! Don't worry it was your first one! We'll give you another one later"

I didn't want to explain that I'd been interviewing people all month so I shut up, sipped on my cold tea and choked- very loudly and in front of the editor/whole office. The email on 'sorry I didn't make you a cup of tea earlier' swiftly morphed into 'that's karma for not making me a tea!'

Oh well, today a printed copy of the new edition was placed on my desk with a cheeky byline next to my 'Future Inns Hotel Apprentice' news story. "We don't normally put them there but I squeezed one in!"

It's not as good as my online byline on Dominos Pizza Dagenham. Yes, they subbed it to death but if you google my name I'm famous!

So this is why we're doing this!?

6am

2011-02-23T07:59:00.000Z

My body woke me up because it knows how much work it has to do. I have five tabs open in my browser: The Education Bill, Geoffrey Canada's appearance at the Conservative Party Conference, Education Secretary Michael Gove's speech at that conference, an article about eight free schools and Blogger.

I also have four documents open: the PMA style guide, research with clippings I've cut and pasted from the internet, a PDF about pupil referral units and the feature I'm trying to write.

I'm going to the BESC exhibition at ExCel today to gather interviews for another feature commissioned by the editor at my work placement. Need a coffee.

Being a real journalist

2011-02-22T18:41:00.000Z

With day two of my work placement at Construction News out the way, I am even more excited at the prospect of this being my life. I have been working on a feature for the magazine today and spoke to a really interesting man about eco-houses. With my fear of telephones well and truly vanquished, I relished in a day spent making calls and asking questions. This is my world. I will force my way in and make it my home. Somehow.

It was press day at CN today, along with many other publications in the emap building. It was nothing on our press day.

I am now back at base with Ben hoping to make it through a backlog (and frontlog) of work that needs to be done. By starting with the blog, the aim is to ease myself in. I have missed PMA over the last couple of days, a little reminder that it is all almost over. Things will never be the same again. I hope to keep at least a few of the guys I've met.

I know the world of online is all about visuals and multimedia of sorts, but I'm not going to post any. I don't want to deter your attention from my beautiful waffles =p

The big, bad world

2011-02-22T11:57:00.001Z

I'm sure I'm meant to blog today. (well not entirely sure otherwise I wouldn't have started with that assertion)

Soooo.....placement week has begun, day 2: it's press day and I've already been threatened with legal action. Nice. Note to self: School boy error: not keeping a record of one's interview notes.

On a lesser legal note: a company = it, not their. And the second time you refer to a person, it's by their surname. Of course I knew all of this. I blame the pressure of an intensely quiet office and the notable absence of a) Simon singing b) Damien squealing c) Jerome's phone calls to Buckingham palace d) the sound of the kettle boiling. (note how there are no girls in my list) e) Claire singing The hills are aliiiiveeeee, with the sound of muusssiiiiccc f) Robbie reminding us that "this is not a zoo".

I'd like to re-iterate Pennie's statement from last night. I want to remain a student journalist my entire life and never have to actually do it for real. And then Gemma's un-answerable question: "why are we doing this"

On a brighter note: I had the news editor tell me that he loves my leopard print fur coat. OOOOHH YEAAAAH !!!

lots of 'physical' love xxxxxxxxxx

Are you experienced

2011-02-22T09:37:00.031Z

I won't be spending two weeks listening to Jimmy Hendrix as the title may suggest. I will however, be doing two weeks work experience with the wonderful folks at New Media Age.

I'm one day in and having a great time. The magazine's subject area is pretty interesting and everyone has been very accommodating.

Tune in next week for the thrilling new post. Work Experience Week II: This time it's personal.

We did it?!

2011-02-19T12:48:00.003Z

And so, week six closes and Festival Business is about to receive its "post-mortem". The concept of putting the magazine to death is strange, since it's been our baby for the past frantic weeks. But I say death to it! I've had no sleep for days and have the most hideous bags under my eyes.

On a more serious note, I think we put together something to be proud of. Bye bye Festival Business.

Better late than never

2011-02-18T18:46:00.000Z

It's nearly seven PM on press day. I can't remember what I did on the day I was supposed to blog, so I'm going to have to talk about what I did today. I subbed on-screen which is where you trim little bits of articles and news to make them fit within the bounds of the boxes laid out by the desktop publishing software. I subbed the sub's work which was quite a proud moment for me, although I was rather nervous at first. I had to lose about forty words and it's never easy to start the process of messing with something that someone has put so much effort into. The scary thing is that once you start, it can become a bit of a cutting frenzy. I haven't actually left the building at all today because the influx of subbing and proofing was endless. I notice that it's getting lighter. The birds are a bit more vocal. Spring is nearly here but the seasons seem a bit irrelevant when you're under this much pressure. I think when the magazine is finished I'm going to take a copy of it and sit in a park to read it. And then maybe I could tear the pages out and make a bed.