01 December 2005

Aim high, leading editor tells students

Journalism Students at Sheffield University have welcomed their first guest lecturer from the world of magazines - editor of Marie Claire, Marie O'Riordan.

Ms O'Riordan, who has previously edited Elle and more!, spoke for 40 minutes about the challenges facing magazine editors today, then answered students' questions about how to get jobs in magazines.

She said the magazine industry offered fantastic opportunities for talented, young journalists and that students should aim high.

"In magazines, there is no glass ceiling," she said.

The best attribute a student could offer was 'enthusiasm' and although editing could be a tough balancing act, it was also 'the best job in the world', she added.

Ms O'Riordan's visit follows the introduction of magazine journalism into the BA Journalism Studies degree following the arrival of lecturer Liz Nice, a former editor of Bliss.

An MA in magazine journalism is planned for 2006.