News Associates trainees enjoy night of glamour at London Press Club Ball
A group of News Associates trainees got the opportunity to network with top names in journalism at the exclusive London Press Club Ball.
The ball took place on Friday 7 October at Grosvenor House in Park Lane, London, and our postgraduate fast-track and undergraduate trainees got to dress to impress and connect with people from across the industry – including some News Associates alumni.
Every year, the London Press Club Ball invites editors, correspondents and presenters to get together and celebrate the achievements of journalists, with proceeds going to the London Press Club and the Journalists’ Charity.
Had a fantastic evening attending the @londonpressclub ball and hearing @ArthurJEdwards advice for young journalists. Thank you to @NewsAssociates for the invite! pic.twitter.com/g8MX4Rhtgu
— Laura Beveridge (@LauraBeveridge7) October 8, 2022
Fast-track trainee Georgina Findlay said: “The London Press Club Ball was a dazzling event and it was great to see journalists letting off some steam at the end of a busy week.
“We met a range of people from the media industry including past editors and deputy editors of the Sun, the Mail on Sunday, Vanity Fair and Hello! – and a few of us even left with a business card or two.
“It was also a lovely chance to spend time with the other fast-track trainees, as well as to chat to the News Associates staff about things other than the IPSO code!”
Rachel Duffy, also on the fast-track course, said: ‘‘It was really inspiring to hear from such experts first hand. Everyone was very welcoming, and the atmosphere was incredible.’’
The ball also gave trainees the chance to socialise with each other outside of the classroom.
Fast-track trainee Theo Burman said: “The ball was a brilliant experience that really made me feel like part of the journalist community.
“Getting to meet so many household names was a great way to network and I’m glad I got to make to most of News Associates resources.”
Had an absolutely lovely time at the @LPCBall last night! It was great to chat to so many amazing journalists (and have a dance too 🕺🏻) Thank you @NewsAssociates for inviting us! #LPCBall #LondonPressClub @londonpressclub pic.twitter.com/PU2miojT95
— Eve Bennett (@_evebennett) October 8, 2022
Part-time trainee Peter Gilbert said: “As well as the chance to mingle with potential future employers, my favourite part of the night was meeting School of Journalism undergraduates and other trainees on their News Associates their journey.
“It was nice to hear their experiences and discuss things about being a trainee journalist (shorthand being the number one topic)!”
As well as getting to mingle with journalists and colleagues, the trainees were treated to live music and complimentary drinks.
Second year School of Journalism trainee Holly Nichols said: ‘‘It gave me the opportunity to speak to some of the trainees on the fast-track course, who I normally wouldn’t cross paths with, about their experiences at News Associates.’’
Eve Bennett, a fast-track trainee, said: ‘‘It was amazing to get the chance to meet so many established journalists and get their top tips for success in the industry.
‘‘I left feeling a lot more confident that hard work will pay off and there is a place for me in journalism.
‘‘The open bar and tasty food were also considerable highlights, as well as the fantastic live band who got everyone dancing!’’
Fast-track trainee Martha said: ‘‘I particularly enjoyed speaking to Daily Mail royal editor Rebecca English about being a woman in journalism.”
News Associates editorial development manager Lucy Dyer said: “It’s great to be able to offer our trainees to attend events like these and see them networking outside of our newsroom.”
Don’t worry, exclusive events aren’t the only way to get your foot in the door of the journalism industry!