Alumni Voices: 'The student newspaper, Roar, was a tabloid full of mischief and swagger…'

What attracted you to study at King’s?

As a public research and Russell Group university, I already knew it was one of the best in the UK. What clinched it was the friendly buzz and the Strand campus. I arrived aged 18 as a hungry wannabe journalist, feeling like I was studying in the centre of the world.

What’s your favourite memory of King’s?

The many fun hours I spent in the basement of the Macadam Building, putting together the arts section of the student newspaper, Roar. It was a tabloid full of mischief and swagger, and somehow we figured out how to use Quark Xpress and bagged interviews with a few stage actors. I still have a copy of a letter I handwrote with a fountain pen asking the relevant producers if I could come and review The Mousetrap.

What’s the key lesson you learnt at King’s?

Self-reliance. Nobody spoon-fed you there and that was a good thing. If a book you had to read was checked out of the library, you’d have to find a second-hand copy or think outside the box.

I stayed in Commonwealth Hall in Cartwright Gardens. On my first day, I stuffed my London A-Z in my bag and prayed I’d find each building I needed without getting lost. There was no excuse for lateness and you didn’t dare ask for a deadline extension either. It was good preparation for the real world. It instilled a sense of responsibility.

What was your first job after university?

I worked for the Time Out Group on its travel and consumer guidebooks, and the weekly magazine. At the same time, I did further training at the London College of Printing, which is now the London College of Communication. I learned so much about all aspects of the publishing process. I went from being a fact-checker and a writer/researcher at the Time Out Group to deputising on and editing some of their products, including the annual Time Out Student Guide.

A student brand manager scheme, which was run jointly by Time Out and the National Theatre, got my foot in the door there. I’d never have got on the scheme if I hadn’t heard about it through King’s. It changed everything for me.

You moved to Metro in 2005…

I played down my Time Out experience and took a junior role fact-checking copy on the arts desk. I quickly moved up to writing and revise editing, then more senior roles. I was keen to see what working on a daily paper was like. I loved the pace of it. I was immediately hooked.

You were also Comedy Editor at Metro. What was the best gig you saw?

Tim Minchin performing his debut, Darkside, at Soho Theatre was a show that stayed with me. It was an addictively mischievous show ribbing the pop industry and teen angst, with deliciously devilish lyrics and earworm melodies. It didn’t surprise me one jot that Minchin would later go on to write the brilliant and award-laden, Matilda the Musical.

You became Head of Features at Metro in 2017…

A lot of subjects, from travel to tech to TV, came under my purview. I managed an in-house team of journalists, sub-editors, picture researchers and graphic designers, plus a large freelance pool, on a small budget. I worked closely with our advertising team, too.

It was a bit like conducting an orchestra, hoping to avoid a cacophony of competing editorial and commercial demands. But I had a brilliant team who made it easy. If you enable people to be good at what they do, you’ll come out smiling.

You’ve interviewed three UK Prime Ministers. Who was your favourite?

That’s tricky. I didn’t have a favourite. David Cameron was the slickest, most relaxed and statesman-like. Theresa May was the most reined in, but seemed to agonise and care about getting things right. Boris Johnson gave us the run-around on the day. He wasn’t a details man. But he had that Etonian quality of being able to charm a room full of strangers.

You now work at The Telegraph…

I commission live features – usually very news-reactive ones that are turned around the same day or within 48 hours. I work with fantastic writers, subs, visual and publishing editors and data teams to make sure every story package we produce sings online.

Going from a print-focused tabloid to a digital-first broadsheet has been really exciting. On any day, we could cover a story about a dissident assassination by the Kremlin or a local battle over greenbelt development. My colleagues would make a great pub quiz team.

You’re also a long-time martial artist…

I’ve trained in the traditional Korean martial art of Hapkido since 2005 under Master Tammy Parlour MBE. It’s wonderfully varied: we learn kicks, punches, throws, joint locks, ki meditation and more. It’s taught me resilience and adaptability. It helps me reframe all kinds of tricky scenarios, whether they’re on the street or in the office. It’s also great fun – I highly recommend it!

You also run your own martial arts school…

I set up the Harrow branch of Chang’s Hapkido Academy at the start of 2024. It’s been wonderful sharing what I know and beginning a new beginning. My new students ask me brilliant questions and they have such enthusiasm.

What’s next for you?

To improve anything that I’m doing. There’s always room to keep learning and honing my skills, whether in journalism or as a martial artist. As far as the latter goes, I’m a second-degree black belt and I’m working towards my third dan.

Finally, what advice would you give to King’s alumni aiming for careers in journalism?

Apply to a graduate scheme or get as much work experience as you can. And be willing to go into the office as much as possible – you’re in the centre of London, so make the most of it. Come with lots of ideas, too, and leave your ego at the door. There’s always plenty to learn, and there’s nothing wrong with opening the post, digging through cuts libraries or making tea if that’s what gets your face known. And be prepared to roll your sleeves up at the coalface – editors would prefer to hear solutions rather than problems.

Sharon Lougher teaches adult Hapkido lessons every Tuesday from 7.30-8.30pm at Vaughan Primary School, Harrow HA1 3EU. For a free taster session, email sharonlougher@yahoo.co.uk or call 07946 855803.