About Time: You Broke into Journalism at #SETSessionsBy Angelica Malin
“It’s all storytelling, you know. That’s what all journalism is about. Storytelling”
Imagine an editorial space where anything is possible. No idea too wild. No writer too inexperienced. One day, we decided to put 30 aspiring journalists, lots of snacks, pens, paper and ideas together in the room. The result was rather beautiful. After hours of chatting, networking and brainstorming, the end product was fantastic feature ideas, tons of energy and a seriously inspiring day of creative writing. See the photos from the last event here.
So we did it again. And again. Now, every month, About Time Magazine hosts #SETSessions – a chance for aspiring journalists to gain one day work experience in a real magazine environment. You can book the February event at here.
We don’t believe journalism should only be open for established journalists – and we think you should be able to try out different career paths before settling. Lifestyle journalism can feel like a closed club, the table of the cool girls at lunch you’re not invited to join, and we say it’s about time that changed. We invite you to become one of the outsiders, one of the SETTLERS.
In February’s #SETSessions, we’re doing something a little special. One of the biggest challenges in running a magazine is keeping part of the zeitgeist, and on top of trends, news and opportunities for creative editorial. In this Valentine’s special #SETSessions, we’re asking all attendees to work around challenging special themed content.
For the first time ever, on the 14th February 2015, both About Time Magazine and AFT Magazine will be crowd-sourced editorial platforms, displaying work produced by aspiring journalists across the country from this masterclass day. If you’d like to come along and have the chance to have your writing broadcast to 120,000 people – grab your spot here.
In the morning you’ll meet the team, hear their stories, find out about the magazine, before being asked to brainstorm around specific themes – and pitch them in 4 minutes. In the afternoon, you’ll write copy, ask your questions and find out how to pitch your work to publications. As well as lots of new friends and contacts, a few of the skills you’ll take away from the day:
– How to think creatively around editorial themes
– How to pitch publications and editors
– How to use social media effectively to boost your content
– How to make your blog shine
– How to build a personal brand
– How to grow your followers on Twitter
– How to write copy quickly and effectively
The £15 ticket price includes welcoming breakfast and snacks. There will be a chance to pitch and write for both websites and build a portfolio, and a Q and A sessions with some of London’s most successful young business owners.
Now it’s time to check out some photos from the last #SETSessions – thank you Leon, Propercorn, Chi Coconut Water, Bounce Balls, and Two Chicks! Photos taken by the wonderfully talented Emily Tapp – see her portfolio here and follow her on Twitter here!
