Student in focus: Byron Melton (The News)
In the third of our series of posts exploring the journalistic work that our students complete alongside their studies, recent graduate Byron Melton outlines the steps he took to secure a permanent position at Portsmouth newspaper, The News:
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As a journalism student at the University of Portsmouth, I have often been presented with opportunities to have my work published.
Though I arrived at university with no journalistic experience at all, I’ve been a section editor at the university’s student newspaper, The Galleon, and I’ve now seen my work appear in at least four recognised publications — including The News, Portsmouth.
However, the most fruitful experience throughout my time here has been work placement.
After an editor on the news desk at The News came to speak to my Newsbeat group during second year, I was urged to pop the all-important question: ‘Can I pick up some work experience at your paper?’
I haven’t looked back since.
As I arrived at The News’ office in Cosham for the first day of my two-week placement, I was immediately sent back to Southsea to cover a D-Day parade.
After just two minutes in my very first newsroom, I was sent to interview World War II veterans, a Conservative MP and the leader of Portsmouth City Council. Already, I was feeling the rush and I liked it.
The news desk saw me as a capable pair of hands and that weekend they sent me to cover the Isle of Wight music festival.
This was the first time I had ever been paid for completing the kind of work I could see myself doing in the future. VIP privileges and a weekend of free music were also a bonus.
I left the Isle of Wight feeling like a journalist — I certainly knew I wanted to be one. Thankfully, The News did too and they kept me on for two days a week during my third, and final, year, to run a brand new weekly supplement called Retro.
It was fantastic to have my capabilities recognised and to be paid to have a creative licence at a real, daily newspaper.
Having enjoyed my collective experience at The News so much, I then decided to apply for one of their reporter’s positions as third year drew to a close. What’s more, I got it.
And as I write this, I’m just weeks away from beginning my career in journalism — having started with no experience at all.
For the past three years I have felt as if I’ve been riding a wave of luck that could run out at any moment.
But the reality is, you just have to show willing, be prepared to learn and jump outside your comfort zone.
I arrived at the University of Portsmouth with A-levels, but I’m leaving as a journalist. You can too.
Find out more about Journalism at the University Portsmouth at: http://www.port.ac.uk/courses/english-and-journalism/ba-hons-journalism/
Byron Melton — 2017 graduate, BA (Hons) Journalism
