Kayleigh Fraser
Kayleigh was always keenly interested in news and politics. She wrote for The Courier, the university's student newspaper, as an undergraduate and is now a journalist for The Northern Echo.
About Kayleigh's Career
Describe your current role:
My current role is East Durham reporter for The Northern Echo, which is based in Darlington. The patch for the paper covers everywhere from County Durham to Teesside as well as some of North Yorkshire.
I don’t have a specific topic that I report about, so my day can vary from doing crime, court, breaking news, features, politics and more.
How did you get into your current role?
While completing my Master's course and my NCTJ qualification, I saw the job role pop up online and decided to take a chance. I was successful, and began working at the paper before I even completed my course!
I saw the job role pop up online and decided to take a chance.
What was the best thing about studying Literature at Newcastle?
For me, it was the options I was given. For my final project (instead of a dissertation) I was able to produce an online exhibition on Donald Trump’s Twitter account and how he used it during his presidency
As I knew I wanted to be a journalist, the staff were so supportive and helped me through every step. I can’t thank them enough for their guidance.
Studying Literature
How has studying Literature helped you in your career?
The skills I developed with writing on the English course at Newcastle have been critical in my role at the Echo. Whilst studying literature you become equipped to ask critical questions and look at things deeply rather than what is simply on the surface. It’s a handy skill in journalism.
What advice would you give to a student interested in or currently studying Literature?
I would say it’s a great degree to study which will give you so many options at the end. If you enjoy reading texts and critical thinking it’s the perfect choice for you and you’ll develop so many transferrable skills that can be used for multiple careers.
Whilst studying literature you become equipped to ask critical questions and look at things deeply rather than what is simply on the surface. It’s a handy skill in journalism.