I don't really look for any special qualities. I either know people for work, or through that mysterious alchemy of coincidence and emotion that creates friendship.
2. What do you do?
I am a professor of Journalism and I run a journalism think-tank.
3. Why do you do what you do?
Because it is enjoyable and I am good at it. And by chance.
4. Is this where you thought you would end up?
I never really had a clear idea of where I would end up. But I did not expect to be a journalism professor until I applied for the job.
5. What values are you committed to?
Mainly scepticism about saying that I am committed to any one set of values.
6. How many hours do you work in a typical week?
I am working all the time in a sense because media is now 24/7 so I never stop learning. But in real terms? I guess 40-50 hours.
7. What skills are required in your position on a day-to-day basis?
A keen interest in journalism and how it's changing. An ability to teach and research.
8. Are there any negatives to your job?
Lack of time.
9. What is the background of most senior-level executives in your SBCC circles?
Too varied to list.
10. What do you wish you knew at our stage? (IE: Entry-level SBCC practitioners)
I think it's important to know that it is not about your technical qualifications and much more about your character and aptitutde. So with journalism it is vital to be very curious and hard working not just clever.
11. What is the best piece of professional advice you've ever received -- and used or implemented?
Make yourself indispensable.
12. If you could do it all over again, would you do it differently?
In a million ways but perhaps in no ways at all.
13. What should keep entry-level SBCC enthusiasts up at night?
The competition from so many well educated committed rivals!
14. What professional organizations are you associated with, and in what ways?
LSE - London School of Economics
15. What mistakes have you made?
Too many to list.
16. What one thing do you still struggle with?
Numbers.
17. What traits impress you the most in a working professional, irrespective of their area of expertise?
Commitment - flexibility - self-criticism.
18. Considering all the people you have met in your line of work, what personal attributes are essential for success?
Impossible to define because success is so various - it also depends on your definition of success - some of the saddest, loneliest, narrowest people are very 'successful'.
19. What's the best advice you can give to help plan a career rather than simply work to keep a job?
Look at people 5-10 years ahead of you and think would you like to do their job.
20. What has been your most rewarding accomplishment?
So many every day in the sense of a successful class but perhaps most of all my books and my work with Channel 4 News in Africa in 2005.
21. What developments in the horizon could affect future career opportunities in this field?
Far too many to list - journalism is changing radically as is education - so an ability to adapt is vital
22. Can you recommend a "must-read" book that will help us broaden our skills as working professionals or inspire us to reach our highest potential?
I don't really like the idea of 'must-read' books.
23. As a communicator, if you could write a book on a social issue; what would it be and why?
Well I am going to write a book on how emotions play a part in social media and journalism communication - so that's the one for me.
24. What's the most valuable question we should ask the next SBCC maven who is interviewed on this blog?
Do you think your answers will be of use to anyone?
END//
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