So let’s practise – my name is Deborah Gbenro, or Debbie from Lowvelder. I am a journalist. That really does sound professional, I must say… Just so awkward making myself known as such.
It’s been more than a minute being a professional journalist and I am getting the hang of it. The journey, well, has been nothing short of amazing.
My initial thought was – was this more or less what I had expected?
Honestly, I did not know what to expect. I just told myself that whatever comes my way, “I’ve got it”.
I have been blessed to work with a wonderful team, which is inclusive, patient and overall helpful. Kudos to the Mbombela community. Everyone has been welcoming and putting up with the newbie.
Without a doubt, I survived the past couple of weeks. Here I will share some of the tips I learned along the way. I hope you find them helpful.
Shall we?
Moving to a new city
- Now, if you move to a new city like I did (from Johannesburg all the way to Mbombela), make sure you know of someone who can do the runarounds for you when it comes to getting a place to stay. I received first-hand assistance, thanks Ms Tarina.
- It is vital that moving day is not before your first day at work – you will be sleep-deprived for the rest of the week, which is not a lekker feeling. I literally yawned all through my training during the first week – which is just rude. There is a reason why I only moved in the night before, though.
- Ask about the morning traffic so you know how to plan your movement. You don’t want to be late for your first day on the job. And no, I’m not saying this because I was late. In fact, I was half an hour early… And still sleep-deprived.
- Don’t rush to make random friends, but try to build meaningful relationships instead. They will come in handy.
- Take as much time as you need to settle down, but focus on getting into your normal routine or adjust it as necessary – ASAP. You will feel a lot more comfortable.
- Talk to everyone who is willing to talk to you. You’ll learn more than a thing or two.
- Find out how things work in the city. You surely don’t want to feel dizzy while on duty on your third day. However, the heat in Mbombela was not welcoming; I now carry a bottle of water everywhere I go.
- NB – never miss a call from your mom.
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My experience as a journalist so far
- First on your agenda is to familiarise yourself with the style in which the company does things. This will ease things for everyone who works with you and reduce their extra workload.
- Your boss (or news editor, in my case) will throw you in the deep end. He or she expects you to know what you are doing, so ensure that you brush up on your skills. They will give instructions and advice, but you have to know your game.
- FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS – it will safe you a lot of headaches.
- Hopefully your work environment will be as friendly as mine. Take note that everyone is willing to help, just ask.
- Take a tour around the office and city with someone who knows the area well and is willing to assist. This will help you with getting around.
- Lastly, keep reading Lowvelder.
TIA.
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