Azadeh Williams - Journalist and Content Specialist

Azadeh Williams - Journalist and Content Specialist Azadeh Williams Journalist and Content SpecialistPosted October 20, 2017, by Jenny Sakr With over 3000 published articles across three continents, including feature writing for The Times (UK), The Sunday Times (UK) and Thomson Reuters, Azadeh Williams is one of the most widely read B2B journalists in her field. Currently based in Sydney, Azadeh is the founder of content writing agency www.azkmedia.com and continues her nachrichtensendung, features and content development for IDGs CMO Magazine, Canons Fast Business, Intuit, The Tax Institute, Thomson Reuters Insightly and QuickBooks. Azadeh has also lectured journalism at Macleay College and pioneered both the fashion and business journalism electives. How long have you been in journalism? Since 2002 abfluged editing law journals and publications while still at Law School and continued to write while being a grad lawyer at Gadens, before jumping ship to become a full-time lega l news editor with Thomson Reuters in 2005. What did you study and what are the steps you took to be where you are today? I studied Arts/Law at the University of Sydney, Honours in English Literature, and then an MA at the City University London School of Journalism What did you want to be when you were younger? A Nobel Prize-winning novelist What was your first job? First media-related job was working as a media officer intern at the National Native Title Tribunal, researching, developing and writing content around indigenous water rights. When did you first know you wanted to be in journalism? When I was writing for newspapers in university while studying law. I just loved media, writing and the buzz around news. Explain a typical day at work For my content writing business, its typically about trying to gain and retain new customers, businesses and publishers willing to take on my services. So its a lot of time on the phone, LinkedIn and email. I also develop a content strategy f or clients, so that requires a lot of more in-depth analysis. For feature writing and news writing for publications, I spend a lot of time going to events, visiting executives in boardrooms, meeting and interviewing CEOs and CMOs, then writing it all up. Whats the most interesting thing thats happened to you in your career? I thoroughly enjoyed being a features writer for The Times UK. I went to the UK with absolutely no contacts, I hadnt even visited the country before, but I quit my full-time role at Reuters to pursue a vorstellung to be an international business journalist. Within only three months of arriving in the UK, I had a full page feature on private equity in The Times. That led on to more opportunities with The Times and the Sunday Times, along with various PR companies, legal publications and software companies taking on my content writing and editorial services. Name the best and worst parts of your job Best part Telling compelling and engaging stories that spark deba te, inspire change or celebrate business and marketing leaders. Worst part Its a severely underpaid profession and the new wave of so-called content writers charging a fiver for a piece of content is severely devaluing the industry. Luckily Ive juggled my content writing business, lecturing and niche business and marketing news writing offerings to stay afloat and have a flexible and rewarding career. Whats the most important career tip someone has given you? When I went for a senior editorial job in Sydney after being in London for 5 years, the head of the company met me in the lobby and said youre too good for this role, youre worth millions. Those words have haunted me every day and I still feel like I havent reached my full potential. What do you wish someone had told you before starting in this industry? To build your own news and content writing business when you had the chance and there were fewer players in the field because now its just so insanely competitive like dogs t o a bone. Wheres the best place to start if you want to get into journalism? Best way to start is by interning at a leading publication because once you have a big wow factor name on your CV from the start, youll immediately stand out from the crowd. At the same time, also have your own website and build content on it it shows you are proactive and immediately gets you noticed. Name a career highlight I absolutely loved lecturing at Macleay College I pioneered both the Business Journalism elective and Fashion Journalism elective. To be able to give back and share my knowledge with the students was an incredible experience. Whats next for you? I plan on focusing now on re-building my content writing agency and its offerings, as I know what it takes to provide compelling, effective content that gets measurable business outcomes. Check out some of Azaehs work and connect with her on Web https//www.azkmedia.com/ Facebookhttps//www.facebook.com/azkmediacontent/ Twitterhttps//twitter.c om/azkmediatweet Enquire about a course and make your mark in the world of JournalismBachelor of Communication (Journalism)Study modeOn CampusOnlinePayment optionsHECS-HELPUpfront paymentEnquire Online Enquire OnlineJournalism ResourcesJournalist resumeFreelance writer sample cover letterInterested in becoming a?Marketing OfficerEvent CoordinatorPublic Relations OfficerWriterJournalistPopular Career Searchesbest journalism course in australiagov funded writing coursesaccredited certificates online in journalismaccredited proofreading courses australiawhat can i get with a diploma of journalismJournalism CoursesBachelor of CommunicationEnquire Online Enquire OnlineMaster of CommunicationEnquire Online Enquire OnlineBachelor of Media and CommunicationEnquire Online Enquire OnlineGraduate Certificate of CommunicationEnquire Online Enquire Online Jenny SakrJenny found her way with words while interning during uni, since, shes produced articles on it all from hair and beauty to homeware s, travel, career advice and study tips. On a weekend youre most likely to find her lining up for a table at the latest cafe or restaurant.Related ArticlesBrowse moreCAREER INSPIRATIONFemale entrepreneursSandra Reynolds - Author and Blogger, The $120 Food ChallengeI am passionate about teaching people not so much how to cook but how to eat, how to plan a menu for the week, how to stock up their pantry, how to use seasonal produce.WritingThe Write StuffTheres no more valuable skill in the workplace than the ability to write professionally, and well. Find out why everyone needs to hone their writing skills.CAREER ADVICECreative careersHow To Become A Writer 10 Modern Writing CareersAlways wanted to be a professional writer? From copywriting to screenwriting, we list 10 day-jobs for the modern wordsmith.