Interview: Sky News correspondent and author Inzamam Rashid

Hayat Life talked with Sky Net correspondent and journalist Inzamam Rashid about his career in journalism, making it in a tough field, and more. 

How did you get started in journalism? What’s the journey been like? 

As a young kid, I remember watching a lot of news growing up. My dad wouldn’t let me and my brother stay up watching TV past 9pm unless we watched the news. I remember my brother going to his room and I stayed and watched right until the end. I was fascinated by the story-telling and how we were sat comfortably in our living-room, trusting people to tell us what was happening in the world. So I knew from a very young age I wanted to be a journalist – there was no doubt about it. 

The journey itself hasn’t been easy, it hasn’t been plain-sailing and there is still a long way to go – but It’s been exhilarating and I’ve genuinely loved every minute. This is an incredibly tough industry, and I genuinely believe even tougher when you’re a young, Asian, Northern journalist trying to break-through and make your voice heard. There are so many barriers. But it really is an industry which can be hugely rewarding. You can make change, have huge impact on people’s lives and tell stories from pockets of communities that others may not be able to. It’s that what has spurred me on and continues to today.  

What’s the most rewarding part of what you do? The most difficult? 

I think the most rewarding part has to be when someone agrees to talk to you. Trust is a big issue when it comes to news and journalists. To know an interviewee has the trust in you to tell their story to millions of people is a really comforting and rewarding feeling. It doesn’t come without pressure or immense responsibility – but it’s a really great onus to have.  

The most difficult part of the job is being off. Being away when there are big stories breaking. It’s quite sad when you think about it, because taking time away and having some moments out and away from the madness of news is crucial – but as someone who loves reporting on big, important stories – not being there for them is a hard pill to swallow.  

Any advice for those interested in breaking into the journalism field? 

BE PREPARED TO WORK VERY VERY HARD.  

You have to put the time in to make it in this field. There’s no denying that. It can be brutal and ruthless, but if you work hard, focus on where you want to get to and what you want to do. It is very possible.  

Network network network! Go to events and speak to people – show them why you’re special, a bit different, offer something which their organisation may not already have and be persistent.  

Watch a lot of news and try to find a mentor, someone you can talk to about a range of things – from the journalism itself to career advice.  

There will be hurdles a long the way and it’s highly likely you’ll fall at one of them – if you do, get straight back up and keep fighting through. The bruises and falls will be worth it in the end.