Reflective and Industry Report

PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE

REFLECTIVE & INDUSTRY REPORT

CONTENTS

1. MY CHOSEN CAREER PATH

2. POSSIBLE CHALLENGES

3. INTERVIEW AND CONTACTS

4. FUTURE LANDSCAPES

5. SMART ACTION PLAN

6. BIBLIOGRAPHY

MY CHOSEN CAREER PATH

Since completing work experience in 2016 at Bdaily, a national business article website, I was aware that I wanted to follow a career in writing and producing content for a company. I applied to study fashion marketing degree knowing that I could develop my skills through fashion writing modules. Fashion is also a very big interest for me, therefore I wanted to see where the course would take me.

After studying three years of fashion marketing I decided that I want to broaden my writing skills and hope to one day write for a publication like Vice. I used reflective thinking to make this decision after reflecting over my experience at Bdaily and the skills which I have developed over my past years at university. Budworth et al explains reflective learning to be the “practice of experience-based learning” (2015, p,14).

Vice is a publication which inspires me because it owns such a vast about of smaller publications, for example Noisey and i-D. Because of this it has a lot of versatility when it comes to writing which is something that I would value in my future career. I always find that the articles and content produced in Vice online and print are thought-provoking and inspiring; I personally enjoy writing and reading about things which interest me, and I believe writing is major form of expression. Vice is a global publication however is based in the Netherlands in Amsterdam. The media kit for Vice digital (2016) clarifies that “Vice reaches twice as many 18-34-year olds compared to other media channels”. The media kit also explains that Vice online has 7.34 million unique visits per month and 11 million subscribers to their Youtube channel, due to their wide following they also have 500 partners “representing some of the most resonant voices in publishing”. The information supplied on Vice’s media kit shows that the publication is large and globally renowned, which is another reason why I am attracted to working for their company.

POSSIBLE CHALLENGES

As Vice’s office is based in Amsterdam this would mean possibly relocating which could be a challenge financially and socially. As an anxious person travelling and changing my ordinary routine is a daunting concept, however I would more than willing to relocate as I believe it would open many opportunities for me. Very Well Mind website explains tips on how to overcome travelling fears, including visualizing the steps of my journey and planning ahead.

Another challenge which I could face would be constant travelling to report things from different areas of the world, this would be a mental challenge for me as it could make me unsettled by being in different environments.

Although I am unsure how my emotions would be, the current idea of travelling excites me as I am curious about underground stories I could cover and experience. Another challenge would be the versatility of content, studying fashion marketing I am experienced in fashion writing therefore the change of writing different content could be a challenge. However, in terms of overcoming this challenge I believe that I could easily adapt my style and abilities as studying fashion writing has developed my knowledge on writing and producing articles for all genres. I have gained skills throughout my writing modules developing different writing styles and article styles to adapt to different audiences and genres. Although there may be challenges faced within my future career I believe the challenges can be overcome overtime and the possibility of those challenges do not make me hesitant. I believe that through developing my skills in the workplace and working hard I will overcome challenges and learn to manage them. “Adult learning through experience is very empowering as it opens to the learner knowledge which is familiar, which gives a sense of ownership� (Budworth et al, 2015, p,14).

INTERVIEWS AND CONTACTS

To achieve my goal career it is important for me to build my contacts through networking and getting in touch with individuals. I have tried to contact various writers for Vice, as well as other famous journalists for example Stacey Dooley, however have not received any replies. I will continue to contact more individuals from the industry in order to create a presence for myself and show interest. At the university industry event I spoke to various creatives from the industry and documented our conversations.

The first individual I networked with was Chelsea Hughes, who is a writer for Glamour magazine online, she was very helpful when offering an insight into the industry.

Me: How did you find the environment when you started writing for a magazine, was it very different to other workplace environments?

Chelsea: Not really, it is different in terms of the way you work but all the employees are really nice, and everyone gets on really well Me: Were you disheartened when you lost your job working for heat? Did you find it hard to stay motivated?

Chelsea: It was a shock and it was difficult for a lot of people as they all lost their job as well, I went out and celebrated my new job that weekend and the day after I lost my job. It was disheartening and worrying but I had to keep going Me: Do you have any tips or advice on trying to break into the industry after graduating?

Chelsea: Just don’t give up even though there will be times when you feel like you should if you want something enough you can achieve it I also spoke to Laura Bartlett, who is the founder of travel magazine and website House of Coco. She also discussed her struggles starting up her career and her failures including appearing on Dragons Den and being told she would be unsuccessful, she emphasised the same point of persevering through your career to achieve your goals.

After talking to her she also gave me the email address for one of her writers, so I can contact them about any work places or work experience.

FUTURE LANDSCAPES

My aims for the future is to become a successful writer for an international publication. However, the media platforms for this career are changing due to technology.

Publications are beginning to shift to a broader range of media platforms, for example websites featuring articles and using other media such as videos on Youtube or other streaming sites. “The internet, particularly the web, has opened a huge number of possibilities for magazine publishers and editors” (Whittaker,2008, p,169). Although many people assumed that technology would take over from print publications and there would no longer be a market for print, Whittaker explains “many punters were expecting the end of traditional print media” (2008, p,169).

The introduction of online publications means content which was once only accessible through purchasing is now easily accessible to consumers with internet access, however in turn causes publications to adapt their business model. Whittaker explains “any online publications that attempted to charge for a subscription simply saw readers go elsewhere” (2008, p. 170). Social media is also a key driver for change within the industry of online publications, Mintel’s (2018) recent report claims that 57% of 1624-year olds access online news article via social media links. This emphasises the importance of not only having website making abilities but also being confident with social media applications in my career.

FUTURE LANDSCAPES

Although it is now common for many publications to have an online presence as well as a print publication, so it is important for me to be skilled in both aspects, so I am in a versatile position for different job opportunities. As the generation we live in now is a thriving digital age I have adapted my writing and editing skills for print publications and online publications. I started my writing experience online through studying the new media fashion writing module, this module involved me creating websites and articles with multimedia links such as videos included in the articles. During my fashion writing module for new media module I also developed skills in SEO, search engine optimisation, which is a vital skill to obtain in understanding how to gain an online readership, many brands with online publications value SEO. Studying the new media module has supplied me with a wider understanding of publications in a fast- paced online market, which is susceptible to change due to technology. However, I am currently studying fashion writing for my final major project and here I am developing skills which are also vital for print publications. Whittaker (2008, p.175) explains “While the techniques of designing and writing for web are different to those for print, contemporary designers and journalists need to be flexible to work across both�. My final major project will be a print publication, I can therefore show future employers a portfolio of online content and print content to display my versatility. Vital skills which I have developed for print publication is using InDesign to produce a full spread magazine and changing content such as images to be formatted for print magazines.

2. Display my creative work in a professional manor, achieved by arranging online portfolio and uploading my work. Aim to achieve this by the end of December 3. Gain more varied writing experience, achieved by seeking placements or writing opportunities for various companies or websites. Aim to achieve within a years time.

4. Build confidence when talking to people, especially within the industry, achieved by practicing talking to new people and planning my conversations. Aim to achieve by the end of third year.

5. Develop CAD skills, achieved by making more imagery for articles on CAD applications to gain experience. Aim to achieve by the end of third year.

SMART ACTION PLAN

1. Build more contacts to broaden opportunities, achieved by contacting various people within the industry to build a contact book.

Aim to achieve this goal by the end of third year

Whittaker, J (2008) Magazine Production Routledge

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Mintel (2008) News Consumption – TV, Print, Online and Social – UK – November 2018 [Online Report] Access Available <http://academic.mintel.com/display/859757/> Budworth T. and Shihab Ghanem Al Hashemi W. (2015) Reflective learning: an essential tool for the self-development of health and safety practitioners Routledge Vice (2008) Vice Media Kit [Online report] Access Available https://upload-assets. vice.com/files/2016/01/15/1452894236compressed.pdf Very Well Mind (2018) 6 Ways to Cope With the Fear of Travelling [Online Article] https:// www.verywellmind.com/what-is-the-fearof-travel-2671901 Chelsea Hughes (2018) ‘Industry Event Interview ’ Interviewed by Lois Wandless [ 19/10/18]

Following Gilda, was Victoria Readington who owns Fashion Pony, a fashion based public relations business within Leeds, which provides fashion marketing for many different brands. Fashion Pony is distinct from other fashion marketing businesses as they offer digital PR and advertising as well as using social media influencers and campaigns. Victoria set up Fashion Pony 7 years ago and since then the brand has continued to grow from organising small PR experiences and fashion shows to running Made Up Leeds, a cosmetics event with over 5000 attendees. Victoria offered helpful advice on gaining industry experience and achieving a career within the industry. She emphasised the importance of networking with clients and employers and how making a presence for yourself is pivotal when gaining a career in the industry. I also found that Victoria gave useful advice on the concept of visioning, which is the concept of setting goals for yourself to achieve. The concept is to find an end goal of what you want to and then plan how you will get there, this provides motivation and organisation which can aid with finding a career. Victoria also mentioned finding what your passion is and homing in on it to motivate yourself to achieve your goals, she also recommends using SMART objectives and using incremental changes to reach your end goal. I found that Victoria offered helpful information and was an interesting person to listen to.

INDUSTRY REPORT

This autumn I attended an industry event hosted by Leeds Beckett University, this event was created for fashion and fashion marketing students to gain knowledge on the industry and how to achieve careers in the industry after completing our degrees. Many people from the industry attended the event to give presentations and advice on their experience with gaining a career in the industry, guest speakers ranged from stylists to publication writers and even Leeds council advisors.

Gilda Smith Leigh opened the presentations, she works for Leeds council and gave a talk on the benefits of building a career in creative industries in Leeds. Although she could not give information on her industry experience within fashion, she did supply strong information on why staying in Leeds is beneficial option for a future career. She offered information and statistics about working in Leeds and the opportunities for careers, I was able to take away information such as there are 3000 creative businesses within Leeds. She also supplied helpful information about Leeds inclusive growth strategies and the support which can be given for start-up businesses within Leeds.

INDUSTRY REPORT

Victoria was followed by another speaker called Harry, who owns a blog called The Norm Can Conform, he is a photographer and creates fashion visuals. Although Harry was an interesting character and was enjoyable to listen to I did not find him helpful in terms of giving professional advice. Harry explained how he found that “blagging” his way into the industry was very useful and how he lied his way into fashion shows to get photos. Although I found him inspiring as a person and I believe he is a unique individual the advice which he gave was not the most professional and was not very credible as although that method worked for him it may not for the majority of people. His presentation was very brief however I did take advice from him which was to always offer your services to people and take opportunities.

Personally, the most useful speakers at the industry event were those who work in writing industries, such as Chelsea, Laura and Kate. Chelsea currently writes for Glamour magazine however I believe she was an inspiring speaker as she was unfortunate when finding her career path. She first entered the industry writing for Heat however she lost her job within a week of beginning, although she faced this obstacle she still persevered and gained her current job at Glamour. Chelsea was a very relatable person for me, she was down to earth and humble and gave motivational advice on not giving up times get difficult. I also spoke to Chelsea after her talk and presentation to find out more about the writing and magazine industry, as this is my desired career path and I wanted to find out more information about the industry. She was really helpful and friendly when answering my questions and I used her as my interview for my reflective report. I also spoke to Laura who created the travel publication House of Coco and she gave another inspirational talk which carried the same messages as Chelsea on persevering to achieve the goal you want. These speakers who have faced problems and obstacles within their career were important to listen to as they offered motivational advice and also were reassuring that things won’t always work out how you desire but it is possible to still achieve your goals through it.