7 lessons for a career in journalism, by former Editor-in-Chief of Marie Claire UK
As the new Devil Wears Prada film hits screens, magazine editor Andrea Thompson, who has spent 25 years working in magazines and papers, on navigating the publishing industry.
By Andrea Thompson
As The Devil Wears Prada sequel, which has been 20 years in the making, finally hits cinemas, it lays bare just how much the magazine industry has changed in the decades since the glory days of magazines in 2006 when I was taking my first steps as a journalist in the media.
When the first film came out, I was starting out in magazines and ironically shared the name of the protagonist Andrea (Andy Sachs - played by Anne Hathaway) much to my friends’ amusement. Like her, I had just done a stint at Conde Nast (Features Writer at Glamour Magazine). It was the days of huge budget shoots, bottomless expense accounts, dressing in sky high heels and evening-worthy designer dresses to the office, and parties every night of the week. It was also a time before social media, when magazines were the gatekeepers of all that was glamorous and exclusive.
Like Andy though, I craved the world of investigative journalism. I left Conde Nast to work on features and investigative reporting for the Daily Mail, Sunday Times and Grazia, even dipping my feet into some undercover reporting for Channel 4 and ITV before returning to magazines when I landed my dream job as Features Director at Marie Claire.
In the new film, we catch up with Andy who has lived out her dream as a ‘serious journalist’ in newspapers and - without any spoilers! - suddenly finds herself back in the world of magazines as Features Editor on the legendary glossy Runway. The film neatly spotlights a world that has been turned upside down by the demise of print (and advertising) and rise of digital, social media and AI. We watch as Miranda Priestly and her team struggle to navigate the sweeping changes within the world they once ruled.
As someone who has spent over two decades in the industry and most recently 6 years as editor-in-chief of Marie Claire, I’ve seen all this all play out in real time and yet, it’s still a world I love. After all, where could you jet off to Paris for Couture Fashion week one day and be at a Downing Street reception with the Prime Minister talking about gender equality the next? So if you’re still keen to break into publishing, here are a few things I’ve learned along the way...
Hone your personal voice
We live in a world with relentless digital noise. Your unique perspective is your superpower. Be bold enough to speak up and express your own point of view. Have you had an unconventional background? Are you the only person who looks like you in your team? Use that lens on the world to your advantage and write or speak from a place that feels authentic and genuinely yours. This is your personal brand.
Build your network
You cannot climb the ladder alone. Build a network of like-minded women cheerleaders via social media and IRL who have your back. These women will be your sounding board when things get tough and help you navigate the big decisions that will obviously come your way. If you can, also find a mentor or role model who can help you identify what sort of leader you want to be in five or 10 years time. They don’t even need to be from the same industry - mine was an influential black woman I met in my twenties from the banking world, but she gave me so many useful lessons about how to move through the corporate world boldly yet gracefully as a leader.
Do scary things
Some of the best moments in my life have come from saying yes to things that terrify me: speaking on a live TV politics show, interviewing the Prime Minister, accepting a new job I didn’t feel 100% ready for. These wonderful moments are where the growth is, so seize them. Regularly challenge yourself to step outside your comfort zone and see what happens. You’re capable of more than you think.
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Be prepared to compromise
Don’t get hung up too early on the ‘dream’ publication or role. I always wanted to work at Marie Claire but did a total of five jobs at different publications before I got there and learned so much from each one of them. A goal is great, but side-stepping into unanticipated roles along the way is a great opportunity to experience new working environments and learn new skills, which will ultimately make you better at the job you want when you get there.
Build resilience
You need a thick skin to survive in this industry. Make your peace with being rejected for jobs or pitches and don’t take it personally if your work is criticised. I’ve interviewed countless highly successful women, from actors to entrepreneurs, throughout my career and all of them have credited best learnings to their ‘failures’. The ability to learn from and thrive after setbacks is what being successful in any career is all about.
Stay curious
It’s easy (and lazy) to rely on the same handful of news sources, platforms or accounts. To stay informed and ahead of trends you need to be consuming a wide range of content. Not just the outlets whose opinions you agree with, but those you vehemently disagree with too.
Be disciplined
Creativity is nothing without preparation and discipline. Do your research, prepare thoroughly and stick to deadlines. If you have a big interview, meeting or event, over preparation is key. I always find my nerves dissipate before something I’m scared of doing if I’m confident I’ve done the best job of preparing first.
Look after your health
We work in a demanding deadline-driven industry where an element of stress is part of life. Find something away from the day job that keeps you healthy and focussed. I’m a passionate runner and have always started my work day with a run or work out. It sets me up with a positive mindset for the day and is often the time when I get my best ideas.
Follow Andrea on Instagram here.
