Now I’m sure I got it right

With my second week at What’s Up Information completed, I’m now certain I made the right choice. It’s not like I had expected to think to think otherwise, simply that my foray in to the world of journalism has so far been successful and part of me is expecting something will go wrong. There will, of course be hiccups along the way, but I’m sure I’m adequately prepared for them by now. For now though, I am going to enjoy the situation I find myself in and the work that I do.

New faces

I had my first experience of an editorial meeting this week. It gave me a chance to get to know some of the team I had not yet met, and was a very productive way of making sure everyone is on the same wave length. I think this communication is vital in any organisation to ensure people are working towards a common goal and know their role in reaching it. I’ve had jobs in the past where huge amounts of time and effort are wasted – simply because the workforce is operating inefficiently through poor interpersonal communication.

Tweet!

Just like my Poached days, I’m learning some completely new skills every day. And, just like at Poached, they are useful, transferable skills. Just yesterday I found myself posting event news on Twitter, and replicating the post on a blog and on Facebook with the touch of a button. In addition, I discovered the immense benefit of TinyURL when trying to stick to Twitter’s 140 character limit.

I’m becoming more confident in my ability using the content management system too – and I’ve added plenty more news and events stories to the website. The trickiest part by far is still writing the headlines, but with a little creative, outside the box thinking, I find I’m improving.

User power

Thinking creatively plays an important role in a lot of my work here. A lot of time goes in to thinking up ways of improving the layout, copy, and style of the website. My main ideas so far are around making the site user feel more involved – like they are a part of what makes the site work. Given the opportunity to do this through feedback facilities and a user forum should allow the user more influence over the site’s overall tone. The target teenage audience are likely to rebel against anything they are told do like or do, so creating an environment where they have some say is preferable.

Light relief

My brain was given a welcome rest on Thursday, when I attended a party/gathering downstairs from the What’s Up office. Our building is made up of several units, each housing a different business – from photography to modelling. The party, laid on for all units and in celebration of enterprise in Hackney, included speeches, music, food, drink, and a fashion show. It was a bit of fun – and was one of those moments where I thought ‘how did I get here?’ One year ago I was in rehab, and now I’m a journalism intern in Hackney. And I’m at a warehouse fashion show. Not that I’m complaining – it reinforces my opinion on the drawbacks of long term plans.

That tricky second week... or maybe not

Overall, then, week two has been highly successful – with new people, places, experiences, and skills all contributing to the success. Long may it continue!