In honour of our fabulous PR placement student, we’ve decided to do things a little differently this month and showcase a journalist from a student publication. Zlatna Nedev is the Fashion and Lifestyle Editor for Bournemouth University’s Nerve Magazine as well as a presenter for Nerve Radio. When she’s not busy with assignments and deadlines, she loves delving into New Philosopher magazine and dancing to Eminem’s new album. Here Zlatna answers the infamous Sunny Bird PR questions…
1. What are the 5 words that best describe you?
Ambitious, open-minded, spontaneous, passionate and a little bit crazy.
2. What magazine do you love reading and why?
I absolutely love magazines. My collection got so big that I had to get rid of half of them because I just didn’t have enough space. I know people prefer the digital alternatives now, but I just like the feel and smell of a brand-new magazine. I like to look around different shops and pick up magazines I’ve never seen before or special editions. If I had to choose a favourite it would be New Philosopher.
3. What is your favourite book?
I’ve always liked Russian and English classic literature such as Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina and Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë. Sadly, I haven’t had much time to read since being at Uni.
4. Which song makes you dance?
Right now I have Eminem’s new album on repeat.
5. Tell us about your proudest moment.
For me it’s not about an exact moment, it’s more about the hard work and the decisions I’ve made to get where I am now. I’m proud for being brave enough to move from Bulgaria to England and do what I love.
6. What’s your dream career?
Two years ago I would have said a magazine editor straight away. Now, I’m more open to not putting myself in one category. I love journalism and writing and talking about our society. In the past couple of years, I’ve fallen in love with radio, presenting live and connecting with the audience. I’m passionate about so many things, so I hope my future career will allow me to be creative and inspire people to question things.
7. Where are you happiest?
Anywhere with my friends. I am lucky enough to be surrounded by positive, supportive, energetic and ambitious people so this is where I’m happiest.
8. Who would be your number one dinner guest and why?
These questions are getting more and more difficult, aren’t they? There’s this Bulgarian actress, her name is Stoyanka Mutafova. She’s 96 years old and she’s still on stage working in theatrical plays every day. Her nickname is Ms Natural Disaster and she really is one!
9. If you could have any superpower, what power would it be and why?
I want to make everyone appreciate each other’s differences.
10. If you had to ask us one question what would it be?
What journalistic skills cross over into the PR industry?
There’s certainly a lot of the same skills required for both industries. Here’s what the SBPR team thought were most applicable:
· Lizzie: Writing, interviewing and working to deadlines I think are the strongest transferable skills.
· Georgie: Knowing what makes a good story.
· Alex: Developing a thick skin!
· Laura: Knowing what journalists are looking for when pitching to press.
· Raluca: Content creation and storytelling.