CV

Ismail Mulla

Email: i.mulla8562@student.leedsmet.ac.uk

EDUCATION

2009-2012: Leeds Metropolitan University BA (Hons) Journalism – First Class Honours

Skills gained from the course:

• Ability to write accurate, taut, engaging copy
• Understanding of the media environment
• Gathering news, researching and writing
• Developing, creating and editing digital content (audio and visual)
• Shorthand at 90 words per minute
• A basic understanding in Media Law and Public Affairs
• Organisational skills, keeping to deadlines
• Working as part of a team
• Leadership, working with a group of people for best result on assessed work

WORK EXPERIENCE

03/09/12 – 13/12/12, Awaaz News, Editor, I have increased the pagination of the newspaper in the short time that I have been. The profitability of the paper has also increased since.

13/08/12 – PRESENT, Paigaam, Editorial Consultant, Journalist.

14/09/11 – 31/08/12, Awaaz News, as senior reporter I have also given editorial input, both in terms of stories and the general aesthetics of the paper. Been the driving force behind the new digital presence and taken lead in terms of content produced.

28/05/12 – 1/05/12, Spenborough Guardian, was invited on the strength of my work at the sister paper Dewsbury Reporter to cover for one of the reporters who left the paper. Worked on several stories and went out door knocking around the scene of an accident.

19/03/12 – 23/03/12, Yorkshire Evening Post, in my second stint I managed to land a page three lead and broke exclusives for the paper, including trouble involving far right group EDL.

09/01/12 – 13/01/12, Dewsbury Reporter, was invited back to the paper after my first stint. During this week I managed to land a front page splash by interviewing a robbery victim (who couldn’t speak English) in Urdu. The editor even gave me a mention in the Yorkshire Weekly News Group newsletter ‘Paperclip’ praising my work.

14/11/11 – 18/11/11, Dewsbury Reporter, I did a week’s work experience at the paper. Here I got acquainted with content management system Atex. I also went out to press briefings with local police and NHS. I also went to a court hearing. At the end of the week I had stories published in both the Mirfield and Dewsbury Reporter of that week.

11/07/11 – 15/07/11, Yorkshire Evening Post, spent a week at the YEP in Leeds. During my time at the paper I got to experience how a newsroom is run. I also had several stories published in the paper that week some with by-lines.

18/02/11 – 05/05/11, Yes to Fairer Votes Leeds, Press Officer, spent 3 months working as an intern for the Yes to AV campaign. Here I helped write press releases, set up events, fielded questions from local and national media. I also built up a media list for the campaign with local, regional and national media contacts. In addition I also helped out in other areas such as phone canvassing. It helped me understand how the media works and my communication skills also improved.

10/11/06, Dewsbury College Reprographics Department, spent two weeks at Dewsbury College. There I gained skills in IT and Communication.

EXTRACURRICULAR WORK

I currently write music reviews for Virgin.com. As well as running my own blog. https://ismailmulla.wordpress.com/

At university I have written for “The Met” student paper. I was a Student Academic Representative for my course in my second year. I am also a founding member of the Journalism and PR society at Leeds Met.

I set up a college magazine in my first and was the editor in the second year I also contributed stories. I help start the student paper at High School in addition to writing for it.

I worked with IYCE (Involving Young Citizens Equally) to create a DVD called Local Democracy in Kirklees, aimed at educating young people about Local Democracy, working alongside professional media content production team Mezzo.

INTERESTS

JOURNALISM

I have a substantial portfolio of work, covering current affairs, politics to sports.

CRIME FICTION

Watching and deconstructing crime fiction. I like looking at the different conventions used in various forms of crime fiction and sub genres such as film-noir. I am writing my own crime story and creating a screenplay.

TESTIMONIALS

“Ismail is one of the most talented young journalists I’ve had the pleasure to work with. He is resourceful, smart, curious, hardworking, diligent and serious. I have no reservation – at all – recommending him to you.”

Sean Dodson, Journalism Tutor, Leeds Metropolitan University.

“Ismail has been an absolute gem. Showing the work ethic, motivation, people skills and efficiency of someone who has worked in the media for many years. Whilst acting as our press officer Ismail wrote press releases, set up events, fielded interviews and questions from regional, as well as national media.”

Daniel Brett, Director of Communications & Press for Yorkshire Yes to Fairer Votes.

“In his own words Ismail “had the mantle of editor thrust upon him.” Expecting to be a humble reporter, he was swiftly promoted and rose to the challenge in every way. Ismail’s writing went from strength to strength… He has a wonderful way with words. I wish him all the best for the future.”

Ellie Chitham, English Tutor, Huddersfield New College

“Ismail was a conscientious and highly motivated media student, who researched and read widely around the subject… Ismail was very supportive of others, as well as working very effectively on his own initiative. A pleasure to teach”

Debra Niessen, Media Tutor, Huddersfield New College

References available on request.