As regular readers will know, Sandown High 6th Form student, Kyle Newton, recently spent a week at the VB offices as part of his work experience. We were really impressed with the ease at which Kyle took to the job and his fast turnaround of stories.
If you’d like to do some work experience at VB, drop us a line – Ed
We thought it’d be helpful for him to write some words at the end of the week about his experience and were pleased with what he had to say (we didn’t even have to twist his arm!).
Throughout the week of working with VB, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the experience, a close knitted relationship between the editors and the general ‘half’ laid back approach to writing the articles made it all the more enjoyable.
I say ‘half’ due to the fact it’s more down to Simon and Sal’s organisation of articles and co-operation in editing each other’s writing, which makes the work seem less tedious in comparison to only having your own opinion and facts to rely on.
“Nothing I didn’t enjoy”
There really was nothing I didn’t enjoy about the experience, other than contracting a cold half way through, which took away some of my focus from writing and more onto the Soothers that sat in my pocket.
The room from which I was writing in was great, from the various photographs sprawled across the walls, to the typical writer’s desk with the lamp overshadowing your work – and the retro arcade machine tucked away in the corner which doesn’t seem to serve a purpose other than look good.
The only negative was the stunning view from the huge window which overlooked the vast glistening ocean which would distract me from my screen. OK that wasn’t a negative…
Learnt new skills
In regards to the actual reason I was here … I gained a lot of knowledge when it came down to knowing what style was appropriate for a certain piece, and some do’s and don’ts when writing articles.
I must add that their choice of music was lovely. If I had the chance to do something like this in the future I’d definitely take the opportunity with open arms. I also learnt some great skills when it came down to researching people that didn’t seem to exist and got quite a shameful kick from it I think…
A great insight into journalism
On a side-note, I think my friends became rather agitated after a week’s worth of my conversations revolving around how good Sal’s sandwiches were and the fact I want to go into journalism.
As a whole, I thoroughly enjoyed all parts of the experience and it has definitely enabled me to get a great insight into the world of journalism.
I’d like to thank both Simon and Sal for letting me into their divine headquarters in Ventnor.
Several of Kyles articles were published on VB during his week here.
