<< Previous Profile 2 of 11 | Next >>
From Precious
February 29, 2008
02. Jocelyn Akuffo
Journalist | Media
Precious: Your route to the job?
I actually graduated in psychology, which often raises a few eyebrows, but I always had a passion for writing at school, and English was always my favourite subject.
I chose to do a sensible degree, and started writing the problem page for Roots magazine in my second year at university. Things basically spiraled from there. When I finished university, I was split between the two (psychology and journalism), so I decided to take a year out and embark on journalism full time to see if I enjoyed it as much as I thought I would, and the rest they say is history!
I edited a magazine for a charity whilst freelancing to mainstream magazines like Pride magazine. I moved through to deputy editor, and then to editor of Roots magazine, just before it folded. I also did some courses - proofreading, sub editing and practical journalism - so that I had that backing and they have both paid off in a big way. Then I moved into trade publishing, working as the deputy editor of Builders' Merchants News, where I really got to see what being a journalist was about. I worked with an extremely talented editor who inspired and encouraged me - you're lucky if you have the chance to work with someone who is not selfish with information in this industry.
All the while, I still maintained my freelance work, writing and subbing for top titles like Woman's Weekly, Woman and Home, Practical Parenting, New Woman, Black Beauty and Hair… I moved to Gardens Monthly because I wanted to work in consumer magazines. Working on trade titles, a lot of the time they are subscription-based, or they cannot be bought from even the larger retailers, and one of the things that still gives me a buzz even today is seeing my work on the shelf! After all these years, that excitement is still there!
Precious: Describe a typical working day.
These days, I'm so busy at work that I literally wake up at about 7am, rush to catch the train, go to work, often working through lunch, rush to catch the train home, have something to eat, spend time with my husband, have a bath and then go straight to bed. It is that busy that to fit anything else in!
Previously, I seemed to have endless energy. I'd go to work, wok hard, come home and work some more- sometimes staying up to 2 or 3am! I'd be writing articles, researching, putting ideas into practice, sending emails etc at some random time in the morning, and would literally have to be dragged from the computer to go to bed! I'm working on getting back to that state of energy! It really paid off!
Precious: What do you love most about your job?
The creativity mostly, but I also like the fact that you can see the fruits of your labour quite soon afterwards. In most professions, you have to wait months, or even years to see what all the hard work has achieved. As a journalist, sometimes the turnaround is just a couple or a few weeks before you see your magazine in print! I really like that, it drives me.
Precious: Is there anything that you really dislike about it?
Some people can be bitchy- especially in consumer magazines, but you need to rise above it.
Precious: What's been the most exciting event of your career so far?
To be honest, it's all been exciting. From seeing my first article published, to being flown to Milan to cover a press event, to doing subbing shifts on some of the most successful magazines in the country! I've cherished every opportunity. But the one opportunity that will be the icing on the cake for me is getting my own column.
Precious: How do you see your career progressing over the next five years?
I would like a column. That's one of my aims for this year- to have a column in a mainstream magazine. I've written a few for Girl About Town on hilarious subjects like toyboys, irate train passengers, what having a big booty is all about etc, and I enjoyed it immensely. I would like to continue that, and finish off my novel, too!
Precious: What do you do to relax?
I watch soaps. Regardless of how busy I am, I always keep abreast with what's going on in Eastenders, Coronation Street, the lot! I also do karate once a week so that releases a lot of tension.
Aside from that, when I get the chance, I like to read. And music of course! That's something I can't live without. I listen to it in the morning on the way to work to help me wake up! And then at night, slow jams are the best when it comes to winding down.
Precious: Any advice to those who wish to follow in your footsteps?
You need thick skin to work in this industry. Some people will reject you, some may even put you down, but if it's what you want to do, don't let anyone come in the way of you and your dream. Also, some people will try and exploit you - get you to work for free. If you have to, just do a one-off piece to get something in your portfolio, but leave it at that! My motto is: "if it's good enough to print, it's good enough to be paid for!"
<< Previous Profile 2 of 11 | Next >>
