When I saw the opportunity to work for ‘The Times’ doing some research at LSE I was overjoyed and determined that I should not miss this opportunity. If I could collect 25 15-minute-long surveys over six days then I could earn £4 per survey or £100. It sounded great.

Today I was in University from 10.30-4pm. Apart from a half hour lunch break, I was on campus collecting surveys all throughout this time. I completed 8. Somehow, the surveys weren’t taking 15 minutes. It wasn’t just the 66 or so questions (made of multiple parts) but the time it took to get someone involved, to tell them about the survey, how to do it, be courteous for their participation etc. If I reach my quota of 25 surveys- that would mean I would be getting an hourly rate of just over £6. If I don’t reach my quota that means I would get an hourly rate of around £3. My normal job which is less hassle and more enjoyable pays £10 per hour.

It is really difficult wanting to enter into the world of journalism or wanting to work for any large company for that matter and to be able to keep from compromising your standards. If someone offered me £3 to do work anywhere else I would presume they were joking! However, I cannot blame the Times- I was drawn to the honeypot!

For now, I’d rather stick to my old job- flyering, doing data collection and giving feedback on live music to record labels… even if it does mean I say I work for ‘The Big Squid’! It might not sound as glamorous as the Times but I have met more journalists doing that job than with the third year students who participated in my surveys.

Better luck next time….