How would you describe what you do, and specifically what you do at PinkNews?
My role as senior producer involves me producing video content across our social platforms – mainly for Snapchat. The ‘producing’ part of my title means I am pitching ideas, scripting, presenting and doing voiceovers. This also includes, interviewing, filming, and editing content daily. The ‘senior’ part of the title involves line managing junior members of staff and overseeing edits.

Outside of my day job, I also run the So You Want To Be A Journalist Instagram account, where I post six times a week (or I try to), giving free advice to anyone wanting to enter or progress in the media industry.

What recent project at PinkNews are you most proud of?
I really loved a piece I did a few weeks ago around the disturbing online forums surrounding Millie Bobbie Brown turning 18. I think it’s so important to shed a light on topics like that, and we had some really touching messages from people who were glad we were covering such a pressing issue.

I think outside of my day job, it’s hard to pinpoint one exact post, but whenever someone tells me my content helped them get a job – or even just that it’s been useful – I feel very proud.

Winning Best Newcomer at the Asian Media Awards was also a massive deal to me. To be recognised in that way was amazing, and I got to be in a room with so many industry trailblazers I wouldn’t have met otherwise. And the fact that they were all Asian, like me, made it that much more special.

Can you tell us more about your platform, So You Want To Be A Journalist?
I started the platform after putting out an open call on Twitter offering my industry knowledge to whoever needed it. Through this I noticed a lot of the same things were cropping up. I thought it might be easier for everyone if I had all the information in one place, so the account was born.

The industry isn’t very accessible, so I believe everything I provide should be free to access wherever possible. Afterwards, I was lucky enough to get some funding which meant I was able to pay experts to deliver masterclasses (but have them free to attend), which is such a huge deal for me.

The more people share information and help each other, the more diverse the industry will get. That is my main goal.

What’s your favourite thing on your desk right now?
I actually work from home most of the time, so it’s a big tub of e45 cream for my eczema lol.

If you could pick an emoji to describe what it’s like to work at PinkNews, what would it be and why?
🌞 I picked the sunshine face emoji because it’s such a positive workplace. I really love the team I work with and there’s a fantastic culture where everyone feels completely comfortable to be themselves.

What kind of skills are needed to do your role at PinkNews? And would you say you need any specific training to do what you do?
There are standard journalism skills which are important, like being able to spot a good story and having people skills – as well as the ability to write.

Video editing is also essential; for a more junior role you aren’t expected to be a pro, but practicing your video editing where you can is helpful. Get that Adobe Cloud seven-day free trial, and have a play with Premiere Pro, or Final Cut if that’s more accessible. Even editing on your phone can help.

Our audience is Gen Z, so being able to relate to that and really hone in on that tone of voice is a must!

How did you land the job?
I think proving I had a good understanding of the brand and really showcasing why I wanted to work there helped. Also having research on the brand to back up my ideas and why I thought they would fit; confidence, too!

What was your journey like when you were first starting out?
I’m very grateful that I was able to get stuck in straight away. I didn't have much experience with Snapchat specifically before that, so it took a while to get my head around it. But the team are all really lovely so I got the support I needed.

If you could pick three things that you’ve found useful or inspiring to your work or career, what would they be and why?
Having a mentor. I cannot recommend this enough. My last mentor is the reason I was so inspired to go out and chase the career I really want.

Networking. This doesn’t even have to be in person. Join journalist groups, follow people on Twitter, add them on LinkedIn.

Being kind. You get what you give. If you help someone out in some way, others will do the same for you. Being a nice person will get you a long way.

What would you say has been your biggest challenge along the way?
Self-doubt. I was rejected from a job I really wanted and thought I’d be great at, and I let it get me down for months. I spent a while just feeling sorry for myself and it wasn’t worth it. It was actually seeing the vacancy for my current role – and knowing it was too good an opportunity not to apply – that made me get out of that funk.

What have been your greatest learnings with making money and supporting yourself as a creative?
Budget. I like to plan, so at the start of every month I’ll put all my money into little pots, which makes budgeting easier. I did the same when I got my grant at the end of last year; I set out exactly what I would spend it all on and what would be the most beneficial for my audience. I did a poll to find out what people wanted to see, and used that to inform what would be the best use of the money.

What have been your greatest learnings with making money and supporting yourself as a creative?
Budget. I like to plan, so at the start of every month I'll put all my money into little pots, which makes budgeting easier. I did the same when I got my grant at the end of last year. I set out exactly what I would spend it all on and what would be the most beneficial for my audience. I did a poll to see what people wanted to see, and used that to inform what would be the best use of the money.

What’s the best career-related advice you’ve ever received?
“Don't be afraid! The worst that can happen in most scenarios is that someone will say no.” So pitch that idea, make that connection, apply for that job, ask that co-worker to have lunch, find that mentor; whatever it is.

What advice would you give someone looking to get into a similar role?
Definitely consider all routes into the industry. The path into journalism isn't a ‘one size fits all’ thing. There are internships, apprenticeships, degrees, work experience schemes, and so many different ways that will work best for different people.

If funding is an issue, there are grants and bursaries available which are well worth researching.

Also make the most of how helpful people are and don’t be afraid to ask others for advice if you need it.