Introducing: Sarah Gillespie. Co-chair for Women In Media

Hello, I’m Sarah and I co-chair the Women in Media group and work as a lecturer on the Media & Communications, Journalism, and Professional Writing Skills courses at the college.

Before that, I worked in a variety of roles in print and digital media, from editorial assistant at a wedding magazine to the digital content manager of a publishing company.

I really enjoyed working in the industry and how fast-paced it is. When I left it, I was responsible for 12 websites, 31 social media accounts, three YouTube channels and one podcast so there was never a dull day. And the time I got sent to Milan for an hour-long meeting with a wedding dress designer but managed to wangle a three-day stay out of it was pretty cool too…

Since then, I’ve absolutely loved switching career paths and working with students (even if 2020 was a ropey time to make a big life transition). It’s so nice to be around people that are as obsessed with TikTok as I am because my friends #cantrelate.

Content-wise, I love it all. I’ll switch off Love Island – which I’ve watched scrolling through the Twitter hashtag – to listen to a Guardian Long Read podcast episode about the collapse of society.

The students I teach probably like my cat Biscuit more than me. He’s a frequent cameo at my Zoom classes and normally one of the oldest people in the class as he’ll be 21 in May!

What I’m currently watching: Inventing Anna. There's a great podcast on BBC Sounds called Fake Heiress about the story so I was intrigued to see the contrast with Shonda Rhimes did with it for Netflix.

What I’m currently listening to: Normally Capital Dance or R1 Dance when I'm working and drag podcasts when I'm not (Sibling Rivalry and The Bald and the Beautiful are my faves).

Favourite TV show: The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story. It's the perfect mix of crime and camp.

Favourite motto: Have a good time while there's still time!