Hi, I\u2019m Andy. I\u2019ve been at Cardiff since 1999 when I did an MA and then a PhD in Critical Theory and Cultural History.<\/p>\n
“I started work here in 2006, joining the School of Journalism as a research associate. I\u2019ve been lucky to work on some really fascinating research with some inspirational media academics and journalists. In 2010, I started a full-time lecturing post here. I\u2019ve learned so much about how the world of media works, what\u2019s wrong with it, as well as how it\u2019s changing for the better; being able to teach and research that area has been brilliant.<\/p>\n
“There\u2019s two things I love about my job. The first is having the freedom to set my own goals and research unique areas. That autonomy has always been one of the best parts for me. The second thing is teaching; it is a pleasure to meet and work with intelligent young people from all over the world and help them on their journey. There is nothing quite like meeting a student years later and hearing how their Cardiff education has helped them in their jobs, and, more importantly, in their development as thinking, critical humans and citizens.<\/p>\n
“I\u2019ve had many great experiences here, but a few embarrassing ones too. I did once unwittingly do a whole lecture with a broken zip on my trousers, and my shirt hanging out of the fly. A very sheepish student raised their hand and pointed this out, after which I made a red-faced retreat behind the lectern.<\/p>\n
“I have advice for graduating journalism students, many of whom are looking around and getting quite scared about all of the crazy things happening in the world: from the threat of war and climate change, to political and business corruption. But with their\u00a0Cardiff University\u00a0education they are in an amazing position to use their skills and their passion to produce media that can help to make a better world, to expose wrongdoing, and to fight injustice. One of my own lecturers told me: \u201cif you dig for gold, you find a shed load of dirt, and not much gold. If you dig for dirt, there\u2019ll always be plenty, and every now and then, you\u2019ll find a nugget of gold.\u201d I think that\u2019s a good motto for aspiring journalists.”<\/p>\n
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