The first two days at my internship have been surprisingly smooth. I was anticipating a culture shock but it's been quite the opposite. I was put to work right away yesterday inputing a list of NGO events for Third Sector's website. I have my own corner office space with plenty of room for supplies, papers, even food. Offices in the UK are much more spacious and collaborative than those in the U.S due to the lack of cubicles. In fact, 4 or 5 staffers usually share one long desk.
The editors have trusted me enough to man the phones myself. My first task yesterday was to call several British NGOs including the Institute of Fundraising and acevo and fact-check/get additional info on their upcoming events. Every person I spoke with was friendly and helpful.
Today, I upped the stakes by researching and writing not one but two web articles. One was on "Charity Talks," a year-long lecture series for non-profit workers. The second article was on a contest offering a total of 6 million pounds for two organizations that demonstrate effective social enterprise, i.e. charity or something that benefits society. I conducted a quick interview for each story. Considering I used to loathe interviewing sources, it was a remarkable turnaround and it's giving me confidence that I can continue with journalism in the future. I can't wait to see the articles on the site tomorrow. I will post the links then.
This is the first time in a while I've worked full day hours, 9:30 am to 5:30 pm. I really like the whole scheme. Dressing up, getting my coffee, taking the tube, arriving at my desk...The working world is underrated.
Thursday, 30 October 2008
Tuesday, 28 October 2008
The Day Before...
My internship at Third Sector Magazine starts tomorrow. The impression I got from my last visit was mixed and somewhat limited. I liked the professional and polished look to the office. I wasn't able to meet with any of the staff besides the Editor in Chief who I interviewed with. He seemed well in-tune with the issues and current events related to the non-profit industry. I was excited to hear that government policies would play a subsantial role in the editorial content. The Editor in Chief also said I would be able to write small features and sidebars including blurbs about specific NGO actions and ideas.
What do I hope to get out of this experience? Besides the typical office skills, I want to gain an understanding of the relationship between the "third" sector, the media and the government. I want to know about the publication's readers. What are their political leanings? Are they mostly industry professionals? Are their decisions influenced by what they read in this magazine?
A lot of the work I will be doing is similar to my tasks at the Career Center. I will be working mostly with the web editor, I was told during my interview. They are considering revamping their site and I will play a role in developing improvements and producing content. I have noticed that the content on their site is pushed together making the font small and the page seem cluttered. There are almost no multimedia features as well. I hope to work in changing these problems.
Reflecting on my current state in the academic and professional world, I was glad to hear during the interview that this internship will combine government, current events, journalism and new media. I've observed these topics converge and I hope to add my knowledge of it to the editorial table at Third Sector Magazine.
What do I hope to get out of this experience? Besides the typical office skills, I want to gain an understanding of the relationship between the "third" sector, the media and the government. I want to know about the publication's readers. What are their political leanings? Are they mostly industry professionals? Are their decisions influenced by what they read in this magazine?
A lot of the work I will be doing is similar to my tasks at the Career Center. I will be working mostly with the web editor, I was told during my interview. They are considering revamping their site and I will play a role in developing improvements and producing content. I have noticed that the content on their site is pushed together making the font small and the page seem cluttered. There are almost no multimedia features as well. I hope to work in changing these problems.
Reflecting on my current state in the academic and professional world, I was glad to hear during the interview that this internship will combine government, current events, journalism and new media. I've observed these topics converge and I hope to add my knowledge of it to the editorial table at Third Sector Magazine.
Saturday, 25 October 2008
Seven Days, Four Cities, One Duffel Bag: My trip around the UK
I finally returned Thursday night after the hectic, improvised journey that took me to the farmlands of Western England, then to big-city Manchester, historic Edinburgh and for a brief time, York. I can't expand on every detail here but there is a lot I want to discuss. The trip, for all it's ups and downs, made me think about my life past, present and future and what I want to get out of it. The sad truth is: I don't have the answer yet and I'm not sure I will for a long time. However, the trip, which I undertook by myself, tested my ability to survive. It may seem silly to put a lot of weight on a supposed vacation but finding shelter, food and transportation on a daily basis and having little clue on how you're going to end up the next day is a tough chore and it makes you grateful for what you have.
With that said, here is a summary of my trip (with photos!):
^Shropshire is a small county near the border with Wales that encompasses the city of Wolverhampton, traditional villages such as Ludlow and plenty of rolling hills and farmlands. Here is a view of those hills from the front yard of the Kirkup's home. The Kirkups, old friends of my mother, hosted me at their home over the weekend.
^Roger and Vilna Kirkup saw me off at the train station Monday afternoon and posed for this photo.
^After leaving the Kirkups I stayed Monday night in a grungy hostel in the northern city of Manchester. I was able to get some scenic views Tuesday morning of the downtown city.
^I arrived in Edinburgh Tuesday afternoon after a four hour train ride from Manchester. The next morning I was able to take a free tour of the city courtesy of New Europe, a travel company offering inexpensive and free activities for tourists. I snapped this photo of the famous Edinburgh Castle.
^When in Scotland, do as the Scottish do. With that in mind, there was no way I could pass on haggis, the infamous dish made of innards cooked in sheep stomach. It tasted like peppered ground beef! Here you see my plate of fried haggis served with Scotch Whiskey, another true-blue Scottish treat.
^I left Edinburgh Thursday afternoon and made a train transfer in York, a scenic college town in eastern England. I had a two hour wait for my next train so I took a few photos including this one of a medieval fort along the city's Ouse River.
With that said, here is a summary of my trip (with photos!):
^Shropshire is a small county near the border with Wales that encompasses the city of Wolverhampton, traditional villages such as Ludlow and plenty of rolling hills and farmlands. Here is a view of those hills from the front yard of the Kirkup's home. The Kirkups, old friends of my mother, hosted me at their home over the weekend.
^Roger and Vilna Kirkup saw me off at the train station Monday afternoon and posed for this photo.
^After leaving the Kirkups I stayed Monday night in a grungy hostel in the northern city of Manchester. I was able to get some scenic views Tuesday morning of the downtown city.
^I arrived in Edinburgh Tuesday afternoon after a four hour train ride from Manchester. The next morning I was able to take a free tour of the city courtesy of New Europe, a travel company offering inexpensive and free activities for tourists. I snapped this photo of the famous Edinburgh Castle.
^When in Scotland, do as the Scottish do. With that in mind, there was no way I could pass on haggis, the infamous dish made of innards cooked in sheep stomach. It tasted like peppered ground beef! Here you see my plate of fried haggis served with Scotch Whiskey, another true-blue Scottish treat.
^I left Edinburgh Thursday afternoon and made a train transfer in York, a scenic college town in eastern England. I had a two hour wait for my next train so I took a few photos including this one of a medieval fort along the city's Ouse River.
Saturday, 18 October 2008
Hello from the West Midlands!
I neglected to mention in my last post that I would be starting fall break last Friday. The break is a week long during which I am spending time in the western English countryside (west midlands) near the city of Wolverhampton and then in Edinburgh, Scotland. I am here in the countryside now with family friends and it's been a pleasant experience so far. I'm getting a feel for how a British family truly lives outside the glitz of London.
The most enriching aspect of my weekend so far has been the enthralling conversations I have with Roger, the head of the household here. We compare American and British politics and culture. There is a strong support for Barack Obama here in the remote farmlands of England. As I noticed in London too, there is a fascination with the current election and the way Americans vote. Topics like the validity of the electoral college, the mix of religion and politics and racism in America come up frequently in table conversation. These topics are not important elements in British politics so they are seen with awe among people here. They want to know why Americans voted for George W. Bush, why Sarah Palin was deemed a good vice presidential candidate for John McCain and why Obama is openly accused of being socialist or a radical Muslim. Needless to say, many Brits are liberal by American standards. It's good to add to the discussion with the knowledge I gained from my recent course in British politics. Hopefully, I can paint Americans in a good light and explain that we have good intentions despite our questionable political choices.
I am using the family's computer right now and I can't be on too long because it's late. I will drop in during my vacation from internet cafes and the such to post updates. On Monday, I will make my way to Edinburgh and hopefully catch a tour to Loch Ness and see if I can spot that pesky monster.
The most enriching aspect of my weekend so far has been the enthralling conversations I have with Roger, the head of the household here. We compare American and British politics and culture. There is a strong support for Barack Obama here in the remote farmlands of England. As I noticed in London too, there is a fascination with the current election and the way Americans vote. Topics like the validity of the electoral college, the mix of religion and politics and racism in America come up frequently in table conversation. These topics are not important elements in British politics so they are seen with awe among people here. They want to know why Americans voted for George W. Bush, why Sarah Palin was deemed a good vice presidential candidate for John McCain and why Obama is openly accused of being socialist or a radical Muslim. Needless to say, many Brits are liberal by American standards. It's good to add to the discussion with the knowledge I gained from my recent course in British politics. Hopefully, I can paint Americans in a good light and explain that we have good intentions despite our questionable political choices.
I am using the family's computer right now and I can't be on too long because it's late. I will drop in during my vacation from internet cafes and the such to post updates. On Monday, I will make my way to Edinburgh and hopefully catch a tour to Loch Ness and see if I can spot that pesky monster.
Thursday, 16 October 2008
The Interview
The past week has been a busy one. It's midterm time again and I actually had get some work done. Adding to the stress was my internship interview yesterday morning. This wasn't the normal competitive interview as the internship had been arranged beforehand by FIE. However, I still had to sell my skills and prove I wasn't a total nutcase or slacker. Here is a self-Q and A to breakdown what happened.
Did you get there on time?
I had some trouble putting on my new tie and I left later than I had wanted. The location, however, is two tube stops away so I arrived five minutes before my scheduled time at 10.
What was your first impression?
I was surprised at the modern appearance of the office building. Like many places in London, the neighborhood and the building's facade seems traditional and humble but the interior has a modern style to it. The office was one long room, sans cubicles, and there were plenty of new computers clicking away. Overall, the place was professional but edgy. I was intrigued.
The editor in chief, my interviewer, couldn't find a quiet office space so we went to Starbucks for the interview. I thought that was unique and very friendly.
What questions did he ask?
I had heard from other students that their interviewers didn't inquire too much about their skills but spent more time explaining what their tasks would be like. My interviewer certainly wanted me to explain my work experiences and the skills I had. He also tested me on my education history. What is the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and how did I get involved? What is my GPA? He went through each of the work experiences listed on my resume and grilled me on what I did at those jobs.
What are your tasks?
Apparently, Third Sector Magazine is revamping their website to compliment the print version better. The editor told me I would be working with the web editor on some of these projects. I will also be writing small features for the print publication, including profiles on small non-profit organizations.
How confident are you about these tasks?
This work is reminicent of what I did at the Career Center in terms of working on new projects and doing small write ups. I'm more than confident I can complete these tasks well. This is in my comfort zone but it also allows me to apply my skills to the real world. I'm really lucky I can get some clips too.
When do you start and what are your hours?
I start Wednesday, Oct. 29 which is the day the FIE internship program begins. I intern Wed, Thursday and Friday until Dec. 18th. My hours are 9:30 am to 5:30 pm with an hour for lunch.
Did you get there on time?
I had some trouble putting on my new tie and I left later than I had wanted. The location, however, is two tube stops away so I arrived five minutes before my scheduled time at 10.
What was your first impression?
I was surprised at the modern appearance of the office building. Like many places in London, the neighborhood and the building's facade seems traditional and humble but the interior has a modern style to it. The office was one long room, sans cubicles, and there were plenty of new computers clicking away. Overall, the place was professional but edgy. I was intrigued.
The editor in chief, my interviewer, couldn't find a quiet office space so we went to Starbucks for the interview. I thought that was unique and very friendly.
What questions did he ask?
I had heard from other students that their interviewers didn't inquire too much about their skills but spent more time explaining what their tasks would be like. My interviewer certainly wanted me to explain my work experiences and the skills I had. He also tested me on my education history. What is the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and how did I get involved? What is my GPA? He went through each of the work experiences listed on my resume and grilled me on what I did at those jobs.
What are your tasks?
Apparently, Third Sector Magazine is revamping their website to compliment the print version better. The editor told me I would be working with the web editor on some of these projects. I will also be writing small features for the print publication, including profiles on small non-profit organizations.
How confident are you about these tasks?
This work is reminicent of what I did at the Career Center in terms of working on new projects and doing small write ups. I'm more than confident I can complete these tasks well. This is in my comfort zone but it also allows me to apply my skills to the real world. I'm really lucky I can get some clips too.
When do you start and what are your hours?
I start Wednesday, Oct. 29 which is the day the FIE internship program begins. I intern Wed, Thursday and Friday until Dec. 18th. My hours are 9:30 am to 5:30 pm with an hour for lunch.
Wednesday, 8 October 2008
Internship Placement Meeting
Tuesday was the long awaited day of my internship placement meeting. Before I go into details about the placement, I want to express my sense of accomplishment and also my ambivalence about this moment in my abroad experience. I use these two terms because I'm proud to have assimilated to everyday life in the UK. However, I'm nervous about the second half of the semester. I will finally get a taste of the working world in London, both the positive and negative experiences. I also fear the dreaded end of the semester. I don't want this experience to conclude. I still have two months but the past thirty days comprised some of the best moments of my life. But I also like to think that taking more risks in life and challenging myself will bring me the same joy and a diversity of experiences regardless of where I'm living.
My interview will be next Wednesday, Oct. 15th at 10 am in the Wolverton Gardens area, just a few tube (metro) stops from my flat in South Kensington. Most of my information about it comes from a very thorough packet distributed to individual students at the meeting. Here are the key details.
My possible tasks
-Updating websites
-Daily administrative tasks
-Research for articles
-Organizing information
-Opportunity for writing
Dress code
Business casual.
Days I work
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday from Oct. 29 to Dec. 18.
Who reads Third Sector Magazine?
"Many of our 8,000 readers are chief executives, trustees and senior managers in charities, voluntary organizations and social enterprises. Others are Parliamentarians, lawyers, finance professionals and private sector executives concerned with corporative responsibility."
Let's analyze this. The tasks fit the typical intern job description. My favorite right now is “Updating websites.” That suits my interest in new media and hopefully it will teach me a little more about HTML and other web applications and software. Another task that stands out is “Opportunity for writing.” FIE said journalism interns would most likely not do actual reporting. Therefore, I’m cautious about this task but optimistic that I’ll be set loose in London to get sources, gather information and all the other reporting activities. Just kidding. I’m petrified.
It will be interesting to see how much will happen in that month and a half of interning. Will it go by quickly like the past month or will it drag on, weighed down by the stress and rigor of professional demands?
How prestigious is Third Sector? The company description gives the impression that it is an important publication, one with possible influence on top-level players in the UK political and business world. I hope to learn more about the role Third Sector plays in the UK professional world.
My interview will be next Wednesday, Oct. 15th at 10 am in the Wolverton Gardens area, just a few tube (metro) stops from my flat in South Kensington. Most of my information about it comes from a very thorough packet distributed to individual students at the meeting. Here are the key details.
My possible tasks
-Updating websites
-Daily administrative tasks
-Research for articles
-Organizing information
-Opportunity for writing
Dress code
Business casual.
Days I work
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday from Oct. 29 to Dec. 18.
Who reads Third Sector Magazine?
"Many of our 8,000 readers are chief executives, trustees and senior managers in charities, voluntary organizations and social enterprises. Others are Parliamentarians, lawyers, finance professionals and private sector executives concerned with corporative responsibility."
Let's analyze this. The tasks fit the typical intern job description. My favorite right now is “Updating websites.” That suits my interest in new media and hopefully it will teach me a little more about HTML and other web applications and software. Another task that stands out is “Opportunity for writing.” FIE said journalism interns would most likely not do actual reporting. Therefore, I’m cautious about this task but optimistic that I’ll be set loose in London to get sources, gather information and all the other reporting activities. Just kidding. I’m petrified.
It will be interesting to see how much will happen in that month and a half of interning. Will it go by quickly like the past month or will it drag on, weighed down by the stress and rigor of professional demands?
How prestigious is Third Sector? The company description gives the impression that it is an important publication, one with possible influence on top-level players in the UK political and business world. I hope to learn more about the role Third Sector plays in the UK professional world.
Saturday, 4 October 2008
Thursday, 2 October 2008
UK Newspapers: Trashy vs. Traditional
Introduction: My "Media and Britain" professor asked us to do an assignment comparing British tabloids and British newspapers. We also have to ponder why tabloids are so popular here in the UK. Though I don't have all the answers, I thought I might share a brief analysis of this topic. Enjoy!
British media is known the world over for its distinguished bastion, BBC News. The British Broadcasting Company’s news branch is still heralded for its brave reporting during the German blitz in World War II and today for its in-depth coverage of world events. One would assume that all British media, newspapers, radio and TV programs alike, follow the rich standards of the BBC. However, non-Brits may be surprised to discover the supremacy of tabloid culture in the UK.
In fact, the Sun, a tabloid, is Britain’s best selling daily paper with an average circulation of over 3,100,000 per day and a readership of over 8,000,000 per day. Those figures are well ahead of the Daily Mail, a conservative tabloid-light. The Daily Mail has an average circulation of about 2,300,000 per day and a readership of almost 5,300, 000. The Sun is also light years ahead of the more distinguished papers, The Guardian, average circulation: 338,000, and The Times, average circulation: 612,000.
Compare this to the U.S. The national newspaper USA Today leads in circulation with over 2,500,000 copies per day. Following suit are two respected publications, the Wall Street Journal with just over 2,000,000 and the New York Times with about 1,600,000 per day. Keep in mind that the Sun still has a higher circulation than all three of these papers in a country much, much smaller than the U.S.
But what makes a tabloid by far the biggest newspaper in the UK, a feat not seen in the US?
One possible reason is the newspaper culture in the UK. Comparing the population of the UK with the US, it is evident that a higher proportion of Brits read newspapers compared to Americans. In the US, newspapers may be favored by those interested in news topics such as the economy and politics. People interested in celebrity culture will turn to magazines and television instead of forming a daily habit of reading a newspaper. This does not reflect on “American intelligence” or “American priorities." Withholding stereotypes, it may reflect a difference in culture just as more Brits drink tea while America is more of a coffee culture. I hope to explore this topic more in depth later.
British media is known the world over for its distinguished bastion, BBC News. The British Broadcasting Company’s news branch is still heralded for its brave reporting during the German blitz in World War II and today for its in-depth coverage of world events. One would assume that all British media, newspapers, radio and TV programs alike, follow the rich standards of the BBC. However, non-Brits may be surprised to discover the supremacy of tabloid culture in the UK.
In fact, the Sun, a tabloid, is Britain’s best selling daily paper with an average circulation of over 3,100,000 per day and a readership of over 8,000,000 per day. Those figures are well ahead of the Daily Mail, a conservative tabloid-light. The Daily Mail has an average circulation of about 2,300,000 per day and a readership of almost 5,300, 000. The Sun is also light years ahead of the more distinguished papers, The Guardian, average circulation: 338,000, and The Times, average circulation: 612,000.
Compare this to the U.S. The national newspaper USA Today leads in circulation with over 2,500,000 copies per day. Following suit are two respected publications, the Wall Street Journal with just over 2,000,000 and the New York Times with about 1,600,000 per day. Keep in mind that the Sun still has a higher circulation than all three of these papers in a country much, much smaller than the U.S.
But what makes a tabloid by far the biggest newspaper in the UK, a feat not seen in the US?
One possible reason is the newspaper culture in the UK. Comparing the population of the UK with the US, it is evident that a higher proportion of Brits read newspapers compared to Americans. In the US, newspapers may be favored by those interested in news topics such as the economy and politics. People interested in celebrity culture will turn to magazines and television instead of forming a daily habit of reading a newspaper. This does not reflect on “American intelligence” or “American priorities." Withholding stereotypes, it may reflect a difference in culture just as more Brits drink tea while America is more of a coffee culture. I hope to explore this topic more in depth later.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
