So, what do you actually do on a daily basis?
My job predominantly involves dealing with research stories and policy initiatives that MS society is involved in or has an interest in. I deal with the science side of things, such as any new genetic breakthroughs or research work that MS Society have funded, and I go on to help promote that work. I’m also the first port of call for any national breaking news.
How did you get into this profession?
I’ve been at this job for just over two years and prior to that I spent four years as a reporter on a local newspaper. This is a reasonably common route into this type of work.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Its cliché to say that no two days are the same, but it’s true! I love coming into work and not knowing how my day is going to pan out. The variety and pace of the job is what I really enjoy most. The main reason I got into this profession was because I wanted to feel the sense of having done something good and to know my work had made a difference to people’s lives.
Anything you don’t enjoy?
I don’t enjoy reading stories that appear in the papers that we haven’t been called about and are inaccurate, or that we have been called about and are still inaccurate. Lazy journalism is frustrating, especially because we have worked very hard to become a reputable and trusted source for MS information and advice relating to MS and issues around it.
What’s been your biggest achievement so far?
Recently there was a science breakthrough from some research MS Society had funded. We set up a large press conference and put the news out under embargo. The embargo was unfortunately broken the night before, and so the story was already out there prior to the conference being held. Regardless of this it was still a big achievement to see that a lot of the science correspondents still turned up to the press conference to hear from the researcher involved, and get the facts. As a result we still got a very credible and sizable story published despite everything.
Top tip
Never underestimate the potential of your transferable skills. As a Press Officer you get to know your subject inside out so people looking for these jobs must really hone in on the organisation and the issues it deals with.
What are your plans for the future?
The next logical step in my career path is to head towards becoming Head of Press. I would definitely like to stay in the charity sector and hope that the current climate will enable me to do this!