By Sayli Mohite
In an era where career pivots are becoming increasingly common, my journey from architecture graduate to magazine journalist is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. I hope my story illustrates that the skills honed in one profession can seamlessly translate into another, often in unexpected ways.
The architectural foundation
My journey began in the structured world of architecture. As a child who always wanted to make a career in design and the arts, I decided to merge the two and become an architect. As an architecture student, I studied design principles, structural integrity, and the intricate balance between form and function. My days were filled with drafting blueprints, creating 3D models, and understanding the minutiae of building codes. This rigorous education cultivated a strong work ethic and sharpened my eye for detail – skills that would later prove invaluable in my journalistic endeavours.
The spark of change
Despite my dedication to architecture, I couldn’t ignore the growing restlessness within me. I loved designing buildings, but I felt a pull toward something more dynamic, something that involved constant learning and storytelling. My passion for writing and research, which I had nurtured since my teenage years, began to resurface with increasing intensity.
While interning during my fourth year of architecture, I became disillusioned with the long working hours, poor work ethics, and low wages. These factors were major reasons why I did not continue in architecture. Nevertheless, I completed my final-year thesis and graduated with flying colours.
After graduating, I started a blog. What began as a writing hobby soon became an outlet for my creative expression and a platform to voice my thoughts on various topics, from urban planning to architectural theory. This blog led to my first job as an architectural writer at a marketing firm in Mumbai. Soon after, I began taking up freelance writing assignments and was fortunate enough to write for international publications such as Love That Design and FOAID. My break into journalism came when I had the opportunity to work for ITP Media Group as a Sub-Editor and Digital Content Creator for Hotelier India Magazine and Commercial Design Magazine. This role made me realize that journalism is something I truly enjoy and would like to continue as long as I can. Unlike the architectural internship role, this job did not feel like a chore at all; it was engaging and fulfilling to my soul.
Bridging two worlds
Transitioning from architecture to journalism was not an overnight decision for me. I meticulously planned my move, recognizing the importance of leveraging my existing skills. Architecture taught me to observe the world around me and appreciate details that others might overlook. This perspective is crucial in journalism. My unique background allowed me to write insightful pieces that bridged the gap between technical jargon and engaging content. Editors and readers alike appreciated my ability to clarify complex architectural concepts without diluting their essence.
This experience was a turning point. It was a perfect blend of my two worlds. I realized I could offer a fresh perspective that was both informed and accessible. My articles began to attract attention, leading to more opportunities in mainstream media.
Embracing journalism
Later, after gaining satisfaction from my work in journalism, I decided to pursue a master’s degree in journalism, specifically magazine journalism, given my previous involvement in managing magazines (both digital and print). I moved to the UK to pursue an MA in Magazine Journalism at Nottingham Trent University, which was an unforgettable experience. I also completed work experience with the Nottingham Post and Voice Magazine, and I look forward to many more opportunities in this country.
Looking back, I see that entering the broader field of journalism presented the challenge of establishing myself in a competitive industry. I tackled this by diversifying my portfolio. From covering feature articles to writing news and in-depth pieces on urban development, I embraced every opportunity to hone my craft.
Today, after completing my master’s degree in journalism, I feel more confident as a journalist and as a person. I have a newfound respect for all journalists known for their incisive reporting and eloquent storytelling.
My articles have been published in various prestigious outlets, and I continue to contribute to architectural publications and beyond, bringing a unique blend of technical expertise and narrative flair. I would like to be the editor of a well-reputed architecture and travel magazine or perhaps start something of my own – who knows what might work out?
My journey feels like a testament to the idea that career transitions, while daunting, can lead to fulfilling and successful outcomes. My advice to others considering a similar path is clear: embrace your unique background. Every skill you acquire and every experience you undergo adds value to your new role. Don’t be afraid to blend your past with your present.
Sayli’s tips for people who wish to move to magazine journalism:
- Start by pitching your unique ideas to various publications and begin freelancing. This will give you a clear idea of whether or not you enjoy the work.
- Try getting a full-time job to see if you enjoy the teamwork and publishing process.
- Don’t be afraid to pursue a degree or take a short course in journalism to get a better understanding of industry writing.
- Invest in bold articles and pitch innovative ideas; no one wants to repeat the same conventional stories in their publications.
- It is okay to fail; accept rejection and move on.
- Develop your own writing style and determine your niche – what you actually want to write about for the rest of your life.
- Before publishing or writing any article, ask yourself, “Would I read this?”
- Make good connections in the journalism industry and always be kind to PR professionals.
