How to get into writing: How the Content team got their jobs at Reddico
Have you ever wondered how to get into writing? Well, there’s not one step-by-step way to achieve this goal. And our content team are proof of this – they’ve all taken different routes to their jobs at Reddico. We asked them to explain how they got here.
Holly, Content Lead
“The year I could apply to uni was the last before the fees went up, so I just went without really thinking about it. I did English Language but if I’m completely honest, I don’t know if it was necessary for what I do now.
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“I had a great boss there for around a year, who seemed invested in helping me develop my writing skills. I did learn a lot, including an intense two-week course in international cash management, but I struggled to stay interested in it after she left. A change in manager can really make a huge difference to how much you enjoy a job.
“I started at Reddico around three-and-a-half years ago as a junior writer. I guess when I think about it I’ve progressed a lot. Now, I lead the team. It’s been hard work and there has been a lot of change at Reddico while I’ve been here, but there’s a lot of opportunity to push yourself and grow. That’s what I’d recommend anyone to look for in an employer – evidence that they actively support the progression of their team.”
Simon, Midweight Content Writer
“I always wanted to be a journalist. I was told I didn’t need a specific qualification for that, so I just pursued the subjects I was most interested in: History, Classical Civilisations and English Lit. They were all essay-based, so they set me up for a career in writing… just not the one I thought I’d have!
“My first proper job was working in a printer factory. There was me, a flimsy little 18-year-old emo kid in skintight jeans, surrounded by people who can only be described as ‘big, burly men’. The only reason I had any kind of connection with colleagues was because of my knowledge of football. I got about £200 a week, which at the time felt like more money than I could handle. In hindsight, given the hours and hours of physical labour, I think I was criminally underpaid.
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“I spent my first two years after uni working from home for a sports news website. I also spent a few years writing for Bleacher Report while I was studying. They were tiny back then, but they’re one of the leading sports media outlets in the world now.
“I found the job at Reddico by chance more than anything. I typed something like ‘writing jobs kent’ into Google. The free Nandos advertised in the job description was what caught my attention.
“It’s hard to succinctly describe my progression from then to now. I knew nothing about SEO back in 2016. While I’m far from an industry leader in 2019, I have a strong understanding of how to write for search engines. You learn a lot of that on the job, I think. The more you do something, the better you get at it.”
Beth, Midweight Content Writer
“I grew up with the dream lots of little girls have: to be a ballerina. Except… I’m a shy person and hate being watched, so I had to rethink that one! I always loved making up stories, so I ended up studying Creative & Professional Writing at uni. My specialty was non-fiction, but autobiographical and biographical pieces and travel writing – nothing like we do here. I loved my degree and it made me a better writer, but I don’t think you need one to work in this industry.
“I took a lot of work experience placements while I was studying and they helped me figure things out just as much. I went into them thinking I wanted to be a journalist of some kind, and came out thinking the opposite.
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“I got the job as a junior content writer at Reddico after I moved back to the UK, about two years ago now. I only had basic knowledge of SEO, but that’s grown as I’ve taken on bigger projects. I love it here – we’re given the freedom to work in a way that suits us, but someone is always there if you need feedback and support.
“My advice to anyone who wants a writing job is to get as much experience as possible; you’ll hone your skills and get a better idea of the job that suits you best. And don’t be afraid of having someone else proof your work. A fresh perspective is so valuable.”
Andy, Proofreader & Editor
“Like millions of other teenagers, I was convinced that my destiny was to become the next J.K. Rowling. Even at the time, though, I realised that the vast majority of writers still had to support themselves with (whisper it) an actual, feasible career. Writing has always been my main strength, so I knew that I wanted to be involved in writing and/or editing in some form or another.
“I studied English and Creative Writing for my undergraduate degree, followed by English Literature (specialising in Shakespeare, for maximum pretentious hipster points) at postgraduate level. I wouldn’t say my university studies were strictly necessary for the job I do now, but they definitely developed my writing skills and made me disciplined enough to meet deadlines and deal with high volumes of work. In that sense, they were a useful development opportunity that prepared me for the professional world.
“Before joining Reddico, I worked as a Learning Support Teacher at my old secondary school (fulfilling every student’s dream of seeing inside the teachers’ staff room) and then as a private English Tutor for a few years.
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“I was keeping my eyes peeled for proofreading and/or editing roles in Kent, and couldn’t believe my luck when I found the Reddico listing for this exact job description. I only joined earlier this year, and so the world of SEO is still quite new to me, but I’ve made a lot of progress already – it’s a very supportive learning environment here.”
You can read the rest of the How We Got Our Jobs series here:
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