JESSICA HOLLAND

By Tom Flanagan and Megan Geal

Who did you think was going to be ‘big’ in the industry from your course?

Me ha! I was probably quite full of myself at the time because I’d started journalism in my teens. I was not expecting Josh Widdicombe to become a famous comedian, although our fnal group project was a comedy website that he oversaw.

Who is the best person you’ve ever interviewed?

People that have broadened my world view like when I camped at Standing Rock [in Dakota, US] during the pipeline protests and met indigenous leaders. Also young people from Syria and Yemen who had been displaced by civil war which made issues with migration and borders feel real, human, and urgent.

Have you ever experienced sexism in your career?

Absolutely. I experienced and witnessed sexual harassment during my early jobs in journalism. I’ve been freelance since 2009 and I’ve found that women editors have been the ones who have championed my career and given me chances. I found that at university, male and female aspiring journalists shone equally, but as soon as pay was involved, men’s careers tended to advance more quickly than most of the women, even before kids came into the equation. I think men were also trusted to do things they’d never done before, whereas it felt as though women needed to prove themselves frst.

What is your fondest memory of City?

Gathering in the pub after class, and music journalism with Stevie Chick. We all loved hearing his tour bus stories of interviewing bands on Friday afternoons.

What is the main challenge to journalism in current times?

Social media, people not reading, and a lack of funding. I wish there were more magazines in the UK that were serious about writing, like the New Yorker.

What’s the most useful thing City taught you about journalism?

In terms of practical skills – shorthand. I started as a news reporter and could not have done that job without it, especially when court reporting. Also, learning how news stories should be built.

I remember being told: ‘Always quote the real person before the council spokesman,’ while on a placement at the Ham & High, which was absolutely true.

What is something you wish someone would have told you about the industry when you frst started out?

I might not have listened. I remember meeting someone very senior when I was doing work experience, who just barked ‘Don’t go into journalism!’ Looking back, maybe I should have asked why? But other people told me a lot about the industry, which was really helpful. I would try to speak to people whose careers I admired and ask them how they got there. As usual in journalism, there are no absolute rules about a career path.