ROISIN DERVISHO’KANE

Magazine

By Megan Geall

What is something you wish someone would have told you about the industry when you first started? Delivery, framing, and communication often count for more when it comes to longevity in the industry than painstaking details or perfect craft. The industry, like society, isn’t a meritocracy. You need to sell yourself and your ideas constantly. For some people – because of social advantages or personality traits – this comes easily. If that’s not you, then however much it gives you the ick, developing these skills needs to become a priority.

What is one highlight from your career?

My cover interview with Leah Williamson, in which she opened up about her endometriosis and got sweary about historic sexism in football, was probably my first real scoop. The story was picked up by news outlets and broadcasters globally and it was a viral success on social media. Endometriosis, according to Twitter data, was the 10th most discussed topic on the platform on the day the cover came out. It felt good to have helped make a meaningful impact.

What was your favourite study snack while at City?

I didn’t eat much. Diet Coke and lots of coffee.

What’s the most useful thing City taught you about journalism?

Kill your darlings.

If you had to describe a stereotypical journalist in two words, what would they be?

Delicate ego (myself very much included).