Walking through the revolving doors at the Belfast Telegraph, my stomach was churning with nerves and excitement, those butterflies would not keep still. Despite all that I was really looking forward to my week's work experience.
Margaret Thompson, took me under her wing and explained what I would be up to for the week. Day one was getting to know people - that was fun. They were all busy doing the kind of reporting jobs that really appealed to me as a young journalist.
My experience of journalism at Children's Express, which is a youth news agency, really made me want to get some work experience at the Belfast Telegraph.
Day two I really got stuck in. I went with Kathryn Torney and the NSPCC's Colin Reid to Holy Cross School to report on the latest developments.
Until that day, I did not know real details about it. School friends had been talking about the protest and I had a fair view of the Protestant side of things.
However, after seeing what goes on from the Catholic side of the road and I now understand the conflict better and get how it affects both sides.
After Holy Cross, I was whisked off by Kevin Hurley to the Magistrates Courts. The case involved two nightclubs and dubious vodka. It was drawn out and long but still a good experience overall.
On Wednesday, I went to the sports desk. People were friendly but I can definitely say now I will not becoming a sports journalist, not my thing.
On Thursday, I went to the community Telegraph. The people were really friendly especially Robin Young (editor) and Graham Luney (sports). I got to go out with two photographers to a hairdressers, they were having a fundraiser for the American tragedy and they wore pyjamas to work. I also helped to type out a story and took the tour around the building.
On Friday, I went to the Community Telegraph again and it was very much the same but was very good.
It has been a great experience working at the Belfast Telegraph, people have been really busy but really helpful to me. If you are interested in journalism you could not get a better placement.
About the team
This article was written by Thomas Kielty. It was published in the Community section of the Belfast Telegraph.
