My learning curve at The Independent

by Chloe O’Connor
MA Journalism

First impressions

It was almost breath-taking when I first arrived at the Independent office at Northcliffe house. The splashes of decadence and grand furnishings can make even the toughest upper-lipped feel intimidated. Once I got past the flamboyant ‘Editor’s hallway’ and very serious writers scurrying around the place, it was very refreshing to be greeted by the team. They were all so enthusiastic to greet me and eager to offer as much help as I needed. As an aspiring national journalist, this was music to my ears as it was my first in-person national paper.

Initially, the office was quite quiet as people were still working from home, but my mentor was in for most of the time I was expected to come in. My mentor was brilliant. He took me for a coffee and got to know who I am and whom I have written for. Every day I was being challenged to not only report my own stories but learn how to source exclusives and develop my investigative journalism skillset. I never felt alone or without support. Even on the one day, I had the whole office to myself as everyone was working from home on Friday.

Confidence boost

This week developed my journalistic skillset drastically. I was taught how to go from a reactive reporter to a proactive journalist in a matter of days. I was able to build connections with key contacts in and around London to whom I had previously not had access. Such people include the Mayor of London’s office and Elton John’s office. On top of this, I was shown the real importance of shorthand and how valuable it is for time and efficiency. Since I’ve got home, I have not put my shorthand book down.

This was a priceless experience, but it cost me a pretty penny; my department did support me with some costs. This being said, don’t let the money scare you away, it was a turning point in my future planning and decision making. There is no comparable experience when the journalist opposite you gets the exclusive on Rishi Sunak’s wife exploiting a non-dom status.

Culture shock

I also obtained many transferable skills and life experiences. Working in London is completely disparate from the rest of the UK. There are small differences in day to day living with the biggest being pace. I come from a lively city so I didn’t think it would be much of a culture shock. Oh, how I was wrong.

The second I got off my first tube, I was shouted at for standing on the wrong side of the escalator. Doing this meant the queue of people couldn’t run up the stairs in a hurry. Everyone appears to be in rush and has something to do or somewhere to go. Being able to experience London culture was necessary. I was completely torn over the decision to move there as I had not previously visited the capital for living and work.

Getting your foot in the door

Trish was able to set me up with this fantastic experience through one of her life-saving newsletters. Those weekly emails are little golden gems; they provide the best advice and opportunities for any communications career. If I had any advice, take on any experience you can and always say yes to opportunities, you never know how they might change you.