24 Aug Reporting Across the World
I dream of becoming a foreign affairs reporter. I came to China to get my first glimpse at what it is like to report in a country with a different language and different press regulations. My journalism internship at an online media publication, has given me the opportunity to do so.
Every morning, I am tasked with reading Shanghai’s newspapers to know what is going on in the city. I write short bites of major news stories and they are published at the end of the day to WeChat subscribers; Instead of having to read 5 different long news articles, subscribers can get a quick update. I also write articles and I research on the assigned topic, explore the city, and gain a new insight about Shanghai city life.
This is the daily routine, but it is one that will get interrupted when there is breaking news. I was given the chance to report the explosion at the Pudong International Airport. It’s one of those moments where I am so concentrated into the task at hand that I can forget about everything around me; It’s the adrenaline to be the first to publish, but with a critical need to get every detail right.
In journalism school, I learn the rules, the guidelines, the ethics, and practice my writing. It’s putting these lessons into practice when I can start to learn about myself. I start becoming aware of my strengths and weaknesses. There is certainly one realization I can take from this internship. Writing about the explosion was one of those moments where I have no doubt that I want to pursue journalism.
I want to report for an American audience and give insights about bits and pieces of the world.
Shanghai taught me a valuable lesson though. I must really research, immerse and adapt in a country before I can begin to understand the culture and why things happen or don’t happen. An open mentality can help me get there.
Mica Pauline Tiu is a Content Writer working with Absolute Internship, which offers internships, remote projects, immersion programs, and faculty-led experiences for students and graduates across the world. Passionate about student success and global education, she has collaborated with the team for four years on blog articles and alumni stories. Her background spans PR and digital strategy, with experience producing lifestyle features, press releases, corporate documents, and pieces on beauty, sustainability, and entrepreneurship. Outside of work, she co-runs an independent animal welfare project, leading its creative and marketing efforts, and organizes cat-centric community events that support rescuers, creatives, and small businesses.
No Comments