From Claire O’Connell:

When I was an aspiring science journalist a few people treated me extraordinarily well. They took time out of a busy schedule to answer my 10 zillion questions, to advise me on best practice and to help build up my contacts.

I will always be grateful to these people, even though many of them have by now probably forgotten even giving me the piece of advice that made a difference or sending the encouraging email that helped me keep going.

Then there were the sneers. The ones who, when they heard I was starting out, or that I was scouting out a project that may or may not be published, basically hung up. Of course I could have lied and said I was someone I wasn’t, with experience I didn’t have and that a commission was set in stone when it was really far more nebulous. But I was always upfront with people when asking them to be involved in articles or other projects.

Most were happy to help but I recall one female communications official from a large multi-national who effectively dismissed me when I asked if her company could help with a project I was developing.

Funnily enough, when I started getting regular gigs with the national papers I never once went to her when I could have used a quote from someone in her company. I went to competitors instead. And whenever that company came to me looking for media exposure I was quite frankly reluctant to engage with them.

Petty grudge? Maybe. Or maybe it’s just that I think that kind of response is the product of a corporate culture that stinks.

These days I’m getting emails from science communication students or those looking to enter the field. I think it’s wonderful that so many are showing an interest in the area and I try and support them when I can.

Be nice to the newbies, because your response might help them at an important time. And you never know how they may help you in years to come.

This post first appeared on Claire O’Connell’s blog

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