18 Features
It was so different to what I’d been
studying here, I found it really
enlivening and invigorating.’ Time
abroad was just one of the things that
kept Henrietta motivated to study for
a career in what is often perceived
as an unstable industry. When asked
how she stayed optimistic about her
career prospects, she is generous with
advice and encouragement for other
future journos.
‘Don’t get caught up in the idea that
it’s just news. Yes, it’s a changing
industry but I see new things
popping up all the time. If you’re a
self-motivated individual who thinks
outside the box then there will always
be opportunities out there.’
Having now dipped her toes in many
areas of the industry, Henrietta is
quick to point out that a humble and
patient approach is definitely needed.
‘It just takes time and you just have to
go through the process. You can’t be
great at it straight away. Even though
you’ve got a degree, everything
will still feel foreign and hard and
uncomfortable at first. Immerse
yourself in every aspect of the industry
you can, look for role models and
how other journalists' careers have
progressed, and get as much work
experience as possible.’
Now, as Content Director for bella
rae magazine, Henrietta is passionate
about empowering and engaging the
next generation of young women.
‘We feel that they’re an audience
who are actually a little bit more
sophisticated than they’re often
given credit for. Other magazines in
the market are a bit same-same for
them. It’s boys, it’s fashion, it’s celebs.
There’s nothing wrong with that,
but why stop there? Why not add to
the diet of what young women are
consuming in the media?’ As someone
who describes herself as never having
fit