Name: Jessica Bailey
Position:Features Writer/Photo Researcher
How did you score your job at DOLLY?
I studied Media and communications and majored in journalism at university. I managed to nab myself some work experience in the DOLLY office in my last year of uni. At the end of the week I asked if I could volunteer one day a week of my time to come in as an intern. I spent the next three months researching gossip, writing quizzes, compiling confessions, photocopying references and vox popping. I happened to be in the right place at the right time and was offered a job as the Editorial Coordinator of DOLLY, a role I would stay in for the next 18 months. I worked really hard and ended up landing myself the cover stories and features which helped me score my role now as features writer and photo researcher.
What does your job involve?
Everyday I come into work and sift through the hundred emails I have from PR contacts, photo agencies and overseas publications. I look at all the pics and sort out which would be suitable for DOLLY. I then get to writing stories, researching story ideas to pitch at our next features meeting, interviewing celebs and real girls and compiling the pages you guys love!
What do you love most about working at DOLLY?
We have a really lovely team at DOLLY and it’s honestly the most coolest, casual environment I have ever worked in. The parties and the chance to chat to your fave celebs is pretty cool too. I always have an awesome story to take home and tell my fam at the end of the day!
What’s the hardest part?
The deadlines! My job can get pretty crazy. It’s not unusual to have 77 emails in your inbox in the morning or have to work late hours.
What advice do you have for anyone who wants to work at mags?
Get out there and do work experience at your favourite title. During that week, you need to work really hard and efficiently to show the editors and writers that you are better than the 156 other girls who walk through the doors. Set yourself up in a media based uni course and do as much work experience/internships as you can possibly handle. It’s such a hard industry to crack so you need to be willing to do everything from coffee runs to photocopying to writing and chasing sources. There is no room for divas and everyone has to start somewhere.
What's next on your life to do list?
I’d like to keep moving up the ranks in mag land. I’m unsure at this stage. I think there’s a certain thrill about not knowing where life is going to take you!
