21st Century Communicator

This a blog piece I wrote whilst on my work experience at 44 communications in 2018. The questions were given to me and the answers provided are my own. This was my first journalistic piece I properly wrote, which is why I have shared it. The link to the article on the company website gives access to this too.

Born in 2001, aspiring journalist Francesca Davis has grown up in a world where the internet, digital communication and social media are part and parcel of everyday life. While on work experience for 44, we asked Francesca about her career goals, tech must-haves and love of Wattpad.

So, what prompted your interest in journalism?

My love of writing and reading that I’ve had since I was young. I also have a real enthusiasm to learn about people and the world around me: being a journalist will feed my inquisitive nature!

What do you enjoy about reading and writing and why?

I love to write novels, mainly young adult romance books. I guess that’s due to my soppy nature and love of all things sweet. Current affairs and happenings in the world interest me too, so I’m always checking out news magazines and websites.

What are your favourite social media channels and websites?

One of the things people find odd about me is that I don’t have any of your usual social media accounts. I’m not against 21st century communications, it’s just I prefer to connect and stay in touch with people in different ways. Instead of Facebook and Instagram, I just use Gmail and Wattpad; it’s a great way to share stories, and it’s exciting to know people have become established writers through the platform. YouTube is probably my favourite website of all time, a great way to listen to all my favourite music.

If you could work for any magazine, who would you choose?

Cosmopolitan. It is very clearly targeted at someone like me and I like reading what they produce. I would absolutely love to write for them.

Which do you prefer to read – print or digital – and why?

For news and information I read digitally. It’s an easy way to get up-to-date and I spend many an evening scrolling through news websites on my laptop. For novels and books though, I prefer to read printed versions. There’s something special about reading stories that way.

What qualities will you look for in an employer?

A boss who is positive, reliable and confident. They need to be a good communicator who is passionate about what they do.

What are the top three things you would like from your career?

To learn new skills, achieve good things and, most importantly, to enjoy what I do and know that I’m spending my life doing what I love.

What is the one thing you couldn’t live without?

My family: they’ve supported me through every decision I’ve made and have loved me endlessly. And, as much as I hate to say it, my laptop. I suppose I’m like everyone else who was born into 21st century communciations: addicted to technology! It’s such a fundamental part of everything I do that I’m not sure what life would be like without it.