The Interhacktives spoke with Leia Reid, a data journalist at Brandwatch, who did the GNI Fellowship with the Times and Sunday Times in 2019 to get her advice for anyone thinking of applying this year.
I know a lot of students are concerned they don’t have enough experience under their belts to be considered for this fellowship. How much experience did you have before you applied and how important do you think it is?
So I’d done quite a bit of work experience throughout my education. It was a requirement at college and I picked some up on the side too because I enjoyed; I enjoyed my placements and learning about newsrooms, so I applied for any and every opportunity that came up.
But if you haven’t been able to get some experience under your belt, don’t worry. Highlight how you can bring that new voice to newsrooms. I think attending networking events and being involved in any journalism related community helped me scout this stuff and make meaningful connections with people I learned a lot from. I’d recommend that for anyone who hasn’t been able to get any.
And what do you think is the most important thing to highlight in your application?
The most important thing to do, is to emphasise how you can bring a new underrepresented voice to the newsroom with your skills. Give examples of when you’ve done this, or how one of your skills fits perfectly within the role you’re looking at and really flex those qualifications.
What would be your advice to students that have a keen interest in data journalism but haven’t had much data work published before the application deadline? Will this matter?
It’s not all about bylines! I think it’s about a keen attitude and your journalism foundation. That said I met lots of other fellows, even in the UK, that didn’t have a journalism foundation, they were experienced in their sector and wanted to break into journalism. I did have a bit published before this, and I’d had experience at several different institutions in Britain, but I think the EJC and team recruiters want someone who is dedicated, wants to be a part of this community, and can show an example of any kind of well written and researched work.
Do you have any general top tips for the application process?
Beware, all that white space seems intimidating, but it’s not a lot. It’s very low on characters. So be specific, and again really highlight how you, and your skills, can bring a new voice to journalism. I honestly didn’t even think I would even get a ‘thanks for applying’ because the scheme is so popular, so please, please, please, even if you think you can’t, it doesn’t take long to fill out and get your hat in the ring. And as my mum always says, ‘the worst anyone can say is no.’
How valuable was your experience as a fellow?
This was the most valuable placement of my career to date. I learned a lot functioning as an actual journalist in one of Britain’s top sellers, and I made great connections in the fellowship and newsroom.
And what sort of work did you get up to?
Research, creating daily visualisations for online and print deadlines and working on my own projects.
Hopefully Leia has given you that confidence boost you needed to really consider applying for this year’s fellowship and what it may entail if you’re lucky enough to be picked.