Day in the life of a freelance sports journalist
And more details of our Journalism Work Experience and Mentoring scheme
This week our work experience student Evan Hurst spoke to Chris Bertram, a freelance journalist for BBC Sport and Top 100 Courses editor with Golf World, about what his working day looks like.
What is the first thing you do once you log on?
Check emails is the obvious answer but it is rare I won't have looked at emails on my phone as soon as I wake, especially because my work involves people all round the world so I can get an email from anywhere. But certainly, I'll answer a few emails even if I have previously read them.
How do you like to structure your days? And is it important to find a schedule that works for you?
BBC work is shifts so that can mean starting at 0600 or finishing at 0100. That's the life! If I am on an early shift with BBC I will have had enough of work when I log off at 3pm. But if I'm on a late, starting as late as 3pm, often I will do golf work beforehand - so it’s not impossible that I work for 15 hours pretty much straight through.
I wouldn't say I structure the days in any detail even with no BBC shift; I certainly don't write anything down - but I will always have a target in my mind of what I want to achieve that day. Usually it’s unrealistic so I rarely do all of what I set out to do, but usually come close. Emails are a big part of it - I actually have to set aside time (an hour) at times to keep on top of them.
Does your working day differ from a journalist in an office?
Yes, although more because of the obvious lack of social interaction and the fact I can put some washing on in between writing some copy. But it also means a lot of liaising on Teams and Zoom. The work itself is no different.
How do you remain focused without an editor looking over your shoulder?
Unless there is sport on TV to distract me, I don't find that an issue at all. I am my own worst critic on work efficiency - I definitely don't need anyone telling me to work hard.
Finally, what does your day look like when you have no work commissioned?
Other than Covid it never really happens to be honest but if I am quieter I will plan ahead - and I absolutely love the feeling of getting ahead, being on top of emails, having invoices up to date and so on.
You can find Chris on Twitter @CJ_Bertram
Evan has been doing some fantastic work for us as part of our Journalism Work Experience and Mentor scheme. If you are interested in gaining some remote work experience the next round of the scheme starts on 15th March.
We link those seeking media experience with a database of freelance journalists who are able to offer work experience and mentoring on a remote basis. Those taking part get the chance to learn from experienced journalists across the globe how to research, interview, write and promote content.
To access the scheme (which runs for a year), all you have to do is sign up to our online induction (if you can’t make the live event we can send you a recording), which explains how it works and how to make the most of it. It’s £10 which covers the admin costs of running the programme but there are bursary places available so please get in touch if you have any questions or want to find out more at freelancingforjournalists@gmail.com
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Thank you to all of you have already signed up for bonus content, which includes extra podcast episodes, resource lists and exclusive Ask us anything sessions. This past week, premium subscribers got a fantastic newsletter with real-life successful pitch examples. For anyone who wants more support with their freelancing and access to all this extra help, it’s just £40 a year or £3.33 a month. Honestly its a bit of a bargain and is a completely tax deductible business expense. Any questions just shout at freelancingforjournalists@gmail.com
Triumph of the week
Having a week off counts as a triumph right!
That feeling when
You finally sort the last edits on a piece that you started months ago
We love to hear your feedback on everything we do, so feel free to drop us an email anytime at freelancingforjournalists@gmail.com
Bye for now!
