As someone who has always enjoyed reading and writing more than anything else, I had long considered a career in journalism. Like most people who love to read and write stories, I pursued a degree in English. I studied at King’s College London, where I was able to challenge myself and explore all aspects of literature.
After I graduated I felt elated, like a balloon, full of information and experience. Having finally completed the goal I had been working towards for so long, I felt like I had what I needed to continue to rise. Instead, once the initial euphoria had passed, I felt a little deflated, lost even.
I stuck to what I knew to be true. I knew I needed to keep my writing skills sharp. I knew I needed to maintain the same level of curiosity and inquisitiveness which had driven me throughout my English degree. And, perhaps most significantly, I knew I needed to find a way to channel those skills– the ones I’ve developed and value most– into something meaningful and professional.
Naturally, I continued to write for pleasure. This has always been my focus– both in terms of my career and simply for the joy of it. However, by continuing to write without being tethered to the expectations of my tutors, I found that what I missed the most was, in fact, writing with purpose.
The BlueSky Thinking internship offered exactly that: purpose.
The internship consisted of two weeks of paid, remote work, during which I was assigned a new research paper each day to transform into an accessible, engaging article. The focus changed daily and ranged from narcissists in the workplace to the mental health of heterosexual partners when the woman’s earnings exceed the man’s.
I found I loved the challenge and the time pressure. I was able to focus intently on the subject at hand and allow my imagination to flow and create a (hopefully!) interesting article. I woke up each day excited to get started and seeing my work published on the BlueSky Thinking website was so fulfilling.
I worked closely with Kerry and Chloë, who guided me through the work with so much consideration and care. They gave me incredibly detailed editorial support on all of my pieces, teaching me how to read my work like a writer.
By the end of the internship, I felt like I had finally found that elusive sense of direction I’d been searching for since graduating. Writing with purpose, collaborating with such a supportive editorial team, and contributing to BlueSky Thinking’s inspiring mission to make academic research and business expertise more accessible reignited my passion not just for writing but for the value of communication in all forms.
Now, I don’t feel at a loss at all. I feel grounded, challenged, and excited for what comes next.
Author: Ella Coates
