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Last week, we welcomed Katya, an On-Screen Journalist for ITV News and NULS alumna from 2016. She can be seen reporting on everything from the islands biggest criminal trials, and leading the coverage on anything arts and entertainment related. She encouraged students to trust themselves when making decisions about their future. “If something doesn’t feel right, you don’t have to do it just because you think you have to,” she said, explaining that had she stuck to her original plan, she could have been “years behind where I am now – possibly more – and I might have missed all the opportunities I’ve had since.” Katya highlighted the importance of experience, particularly in journalism, where building relationships and showing enthusiasm can open doors. “Work experience and connections can be vital,” she noted. “If you make a good impression, people will want you back… getting as much experience as possible – even unpaid – is incredibly important.”
She also gave students a look into the realities of her job. One of her biggest challenges involved reporting from court for four weeks to create a major piece for ITV News: “Part of my job is telling a story and making it come to life. If you have no pictures, how do you bring the audience with you?” The final piece, she explained, was picked up across other ITV regions and even nationally. Her work has also brought unforgettable experiences, some of them far from the newsroom. “I’ve been up close and personal with bats, sloths – all kinds of animals… One afternoon I was sea-kayaking to show off the island,” she said, emphasising that whether on-screen or behind the scenes, “you have a real impact on people’s lives.”
Katya pointed out to students that academic perfection isn’t necessarily the key to success in her field. “You do not need to be top of your class to do what I do. I wasn’t…” she said. Instead, she stressed the importance of communication, curiosity and enjoying what you do: “You’re about to spend the rest of your life working; if you don’t enjoy it, there’s no point.” She also encouraged students to take part in school activities – especially those that build confidence. Drawing on her own experience, she said, “When I was in school productions, that’s when I thrived most – and everyone around me thrived too… Even if you don’t think you’re the best, being part of a team is so important and you gain soft skills that are crucial for so many jobs.”
Katya’s visit offered students a grounded, realistic and encouraging look at the world of journalism – showing that with the right curiosity, confidence and willingness to try new things, opportunities can appear in unexpected places.
Louis Bond: “The site of the camp was much larger than I had ever expected. Much of the camp was destroyed, but there were the cabin like structures at the front of the complex which were tiny in comparison to the number of people who were forced to stay in them. At the rear of the
Mount Pleasant, Newcastle-Under-Lyme, Staffordshire, ST5 1DB
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