We are pleased to share the thoughts of Bradfieldian Jack Blackburn (G 02-07) who works for The Times newspaper regarding his journey into Journalism. A former actor, Jack works as history correspondent for The Times. He also writes news stories of general interest, as well as the occasional book review and other pieces. He also edits the Diary column writing up witty and amusing stories to brighten the reader’s day. After leaving Bradfield, he studied Philosophy and Theology at the University of Oxford before completing an MA qualification at East 15 Acting School and working as a freelance professional actor for 5 years, alongside offering training in public speaking in his spare time.

We asked him the question 'How did your Bradfield education help you?' and his response follows:

In terms of my career path (or paths), Bradfield provided one thing above all others that helped me.This was societies. The gathering together of young people and adults over a little food (and occasionally wine) to talk about Shakespeare or politics or world affairs or philosophy really helped to broaden horizons and hone the mind. A career in acting was obviously helped by throwing one’s self into drama, but both acting and writing work were helped by the confidence, knowledge and wisdom gained from those evenings.
 
Focusing on journalism in particular, I would stress that there are many different areas of the profession: writer, photographer, reporter, sub-editor, cartoonist. Be sure you know what your options are.
 
If you want to be a journalist, then you should know the territory and that is good writing. Read both fictional and non-fictional books and newspapers and current affairs magazines. The Economist will help keep you very well-informed, while The Spectator and The New Statesmen will expose you to a great variety of different journalistic writing.
 
There are avenues into the profession. Nothing will help you more than contacts. You get those by getting stuck in. I’m not sure if there is a student paper or some such at the school now, but there’s no reason not to start. At university, get involved. Ultimately, you will meet people. Never shrink from sending someone you’ve met a letter.
 
And blog! Blog for your friends about what interests you. The best way to learn is to write. Top tip for that: try and write everything you want to, but you have no more than 550 words.
 
Do not turn your nose up at the local press. They do some of the best and most important work in the country. Look for work experience there as well as applying to schemes at the nationals.
 
Get on Twitter. Follow journalists. Try and send them your stuff (but don’t plague them with messages).
 
This could be building up to getting work as a reporter or writing features. Another avenue is applying to be a sub-editor (essentially the proof-readers of the paper). This may not sound massively alluring, but it is where some of our best talent is and also where some of our highest ranking journalists started. Shifts are often available, and it is a way into the world.
 
Or you could go into photo journalism, a career which takes you round the world. I cannot offer much advice in that department, but getting a camera (a proper one, preferably) and taking shots is a good place to start.
 
If you are a talented artist with a sense of humour, cartoons have proved very durable. Definitely something worth doing and showcasing online. In summary, get started as there’s no time like the present. Jack noted that he 'fell into this job having blogged whilst acting and meeting people who ultimately got me where I am. A hobby, alongside diligence and pride, can be the makings of a good career.'

Bradfieldian Will Lyons (H 89-94) is also an award-winning wine writer and regular wine columnist working at The Times and Sunday Times and also for the Wall Street Journal.

After leaving Bradfield, he studied History at the University of Edinburgh, completing a Masters in History before moving into the wine industry as a Private Client Manager for Justerini and Brooks in St James’s, London. Will discovered a passion for wine while at Bradfield at House Dinners and his general interest was spurred in all things about wine including the main regions, where the grapes are grown, how wine is made and reading up on its history. His passion continued at Edinburgh with wine societies and university events and the groundwork for a career in wine was forged. There are parallels with Jack's experience in Will's passion for writing and the importance of his hobby in a recent piece about him which you can also read here