Name: Lucy GoodchildPresent occupation:Media Relations Manager Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), The Netherlands, GRI is a network based organization that supports businesses in their efforts to be more environmentally sustainable and socially responsible. Education:BSc Microbiology and Genetics, University of Leeds MSc History of Science, Technology and Medicine, Imperial College London Work history:External Relations Administrator, Society for General Microbiology Press Officer, Imperial College London |
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Q: What got you interested in microbiology?I know this is vague but science has always fascinated me. I think my interest in microbiology started in 1995. I lived in Singapore for 2 years (1994-96) because of my Dad's job. In 1995 there was a big outbreak of Ebola virus near Kinshasa, which led to all the major Asian ports (including Singapore) being closed. The virus was in the news every day and was terrifying the public. Around the same time, I had seen the film Outbreak with Dustin Hoffman, and had read The Hot Zone by Richard Preston (which remains one of my favorite books). I thought this virus would wipe out the human race and at that moment I realised how powerful microbes can be. My interest in microbiology has never disappeared.
Q:Can you describe a typical day in your job?So far, there hasn't been a typical day! Generally, I'll check the news in the morning to see if GRI has been mentioned anywhere, spends some time answering emails from reporters and bloggers, and get in touch with journalists to build and maintain relationships with them. I'm usually working on a number of big projects at any one time, so I'll have several meetings with people to discuss different projects, press launches, press releases, the annual report. I often have phone or Skype meetings with colleagues overseas too. I also work on responses to journalists' questions and draft statements from GRI if there is something topical in the news. I try to spend time reading about sustainability reporting to make sure I'm well-informed on any new developments in this field. |
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Q: What do you love most about your job?I love the fact that there is always something new; I'm learning interesting things and I'm getting to know people in different sectors. This job has a strong link to science and climate change research, sustainable development and alternative and green energy, but I'm working closely with business journalists too.
Q: What are the most important skills you need to successfully do your job?Media relations involves a lot of networking, so you need to be good at talking to people and remembering who they are. It's important to be a good writer and editor. A lot of the job is taking complex information and repackaging it for a lay audience so, regardless of the subject you need to be able to understand the concepts and translate them into more simple forms. You also need to be interested in new media and keep up to date with the latest developments.
Q: What two pieces of information do you wish someone had told you at the start of your career?In this industry it's all about who you know - networking is definitely key to success, so get involved in as many events and networks as possible. Get your name out there, in print, on the internet, or on the airwaves. Freelance, start a blog or help out as an intern somewhere. It's amazing how much being familiar on Twitter can help you in a job interview. It's really great fun, but it's hard work, so make sure you're doing something you love. |
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