On Tuesday 22 June the Sixth Form enjoyed an inspiring talk from alumna Charlotte Griffiths. Charlotte left NHEHS in 2003 and read Politics at Leeds University. Charlotte is now a journalist with a weekly column in the Mail on Sunday. She completed the Daily Mail Group’s first ever trainee scheme winning one of only around 10 places per year and has worked there for the last 13 years. Charlotte is also a panellist for a weekly Mail+ TV show called Palace Confidential which has a huge viewing audience in the US. 

Charlotte spoke brilliantly about how she won her place on a graduate scheme, being tenacious, working hard and playing hard, sexism in journalism, the importance of local newspapers, the survival of print media, the value of social skills in the workplace and the importance of following your instincts.

Charlotte spoke of her experience as Editor of Leeds University student newspaper and covering big stories such as the death of Meredith Kercher (a Leeds University student) and also gossip around Prince Harry’s then girlfriend Chelsy Davy (also a Leeds Uni student).  She also told of amazing perks of her current job including designer clothes, red carpet events, ski holidays covering Prince William in Verbier, free trips and stays in luxury hotels around the world.

The Sixth Formers asked great questions and learnt a few top tips such as getting as much work experience as you can, always securing a subsequent work experience at the same organisation before you leave and the importance of working hard for A levels!

A big thank you to Charlotte for her time and sharing her experiences and top tips.