Raise Your Game: Your job?

Peta Bee: I work as a freelance journalist, writing mainly about health, sport and fitness for The Times, Guardian, London Evening Standard and other newspapers and publications.

RYG: Why this job?

PB: It never crossed my mind to do any other - I actually enjoy writing and would probably do it even if it wasn't my job. It can be challenging but most of the time it's fun and interesting.

RYG: How did you get this job?

PB: I worked full-time and part-time for various publications before going freelance. Now I am on contract to write a set number of articles for the Times and do a regular column in the Guardian.

RYG: Highlights:

PB: It is well and truly varied - you never know what surprises tomorrow has in store. One day I can be interviewing a Paralympic athlete, the next writing about the burgeoning problem of pet obesity.

There is also quite a bit of travel involved - sometimes to luxury spas in exotic locations although I have also trecked in the Amazon rainforest and been fishing in the Arctic circle. As with any job, there are times when it is more testing than others, but I can honestly say I have never been bored with work.

RYG: Lowlights:

PB: Unpredictable hours and working patterns. And sometimes you do need a pretty thick skin.

RYG: Getting this job:

• Be prepared to start at the bottom and work up. I began writing for my local paper and a magazine while I was still at school, although that is not necessary. After I left university, my first job was as an editorial assistant on a sports magazine which required me to do everything from filing to buying the editor's sandwiches and making tea. Within six months I was writing regularly in the weekly publication.
• By far the best skills and training are obtained on the job - don't be afraid to pick other people's brains and pester people for work experience.
• Building up a contacts book is also useful.
• Perhaps most importantly of all, though, get into the habit of developing and pitching ideas for stories. Initiative will get you everywhere.