I liked the way the syllabus started with a traditional and wide-ranging first year, and gradually allowed you to hone in on your interests. And the campus is pretty.

I did a couple of internships and a documentary project funded by Royal Holloway's Helen Shackleton fund, then worked at my local newspaper whilst saving up for a master's degree. It all helped me to land my current job.

I try to break news about big businesses. I always wanted to get paid for writing things that people want to read, and I have the ability to ask important people whatever I want (within reason).

The course itself. Studying English honed my ability to digest large amounts of information rapidly, then analyse and explain it precisely and concisely.

After that, the best thing was throwing myself into all sorts of societies and hobbies—sports, acting, debating, and of course the student paper. It's harder to try your hand at such a variety of things outside of university.

When you're chasing a story, put in one more phone call than your rivals. Don't hesitate to talk to people—the average person will try to answer your questions.

Read and write as much as you can, as often as you can. Ask people on the 'rung' above you for advice; they're often happy to give it.

National Council for the Training of Journalists

Work and Internship opportunities

Plus, see special interest groups on www.linkedin.com