A JMU Journalism graduate has been given a unique way into the world of work, through a new scheme sponsored by Liverpool John Moores University at the Index on Censorship.
The partnership, between the university and free expression organisation Index on Censorship, created a nine-month internship which was secured by 23-year-old Alice-May Purkiss.
Based at the Free Word Centre in Farringdon, London, the 2010 graduate is working in a hub of editorial activity. Alice is writing news articles and blog posts, covering events and utilising social media to raise the profile of the organisation, while working on both its website and magazine.
Head of Journalism, Professor Chris Frost said: “This is a great opportunity for our students to be involved on the frontline of the fight for freedom of expression. Working with an organisation opposed to censorship will teach them a lot about campaigning and a lot about the importance of a free media.”
John Kampfner, CEO of Index on Censorship, explained: “Index is unusual and particularly exciting in that it is an NGO but also a publisher.
“We wanted to give a young journalist the opportunity to prove they could translate the newsroom skills they’ve studied into a real-world role. I’m delighted with how it’s going so far.”
Alice said: “It’s a great opportunity for me to get into working in the media. Index on Censorship does a really important job, which is enabling me to gain a huge amount of experience.
“I’ve reported on the House of Lord select committee into the future of investigative journalism, I’ve covered a Commons select committee – and I’m writing articles every day. Thanks to this partnership I’m living in London and working as a journalist – it’s brilliant.”
The internship will run until June 2012.
UPDATE: after completing her internship at Index on Censorship, Alice got a full-time job as a Web Producer/Editorial Assistant at vouchercodes.co.uk