Meet Falmouth graduate and journalist Amanda Røed Stave
18 January 2024
Amanda Røed Stave graduated from Journalism & Creative Writing BA(Hons) at Falmouth University in 2018. She’s now working as a journalist for a newspaper back home in Norway. We caught up with her to hear about her journey since leaving Falmouth and her advice for aspiring writers.
When she graduated from Falmouth University's Journalism & Creative Writing BA(Hons) degree, Amanda Røed Stave headed back home to Norway to continue her education and seek out a role in journalism.
Putting her journalism and creative writing skills into practice, Amanda first worked for an advertising agency and as a social media manager while studying media science at the University of Bergen for a year.
Later, Amanda started reaching out to local newspapers and, by word of mouth, she was offered a journalist position at local newspaper Nyss, where she works today.
So - how did you come to secure your role as a journalist at Nyss?
Once I graduated, I went back to my home in Norway and worked at a nursing home while I applied for work. But then I opted to study media science at the University of Bergen for a year. While I studied, I worked for a new advertising agency and volunteered at a student organisation as a social media manager.
Then the pandemic hit, and most of the companies could not hire. So, I took a part-time job in Bergen as a waiter, while I also worked with young adults with disabilities. Then I got a full-time job in a kindergarten where I was given some social media responsibilities.
After that, I called a larger newspaper close to home and asked for a job. They didn't have any vacancies, but soon afterwards the then editor of Nyss called me and said they had heard from the other newspaper that I was coming home and asked if I would like to work for them instead. And here I am!
I would not be where I am without Falmouth University. Of course, determination also helped, but I was often told at interviews that my resume was interesting and different.
Amanda conducting an interview for Nyss during a police training exercise – credit: Rita Løseth
What does your role at Nyss involve?
Nyss covers two neighbouring municipalities in Norway: Sykkylven and Stranda. One is very industrial, while the other is more on the touristy and foodie side. In total there’s about 12,000 people living here.
My responsibilities vary, but they call me 'the IT expert' and I am therefore given a lot of the digital tasks. This means I have an extra eye on how the online newspaper looks (pictures, headlines, etc.), and I do anything video related. I also oversee the reader post/debate panel. Additionally, I use InDesign to help create the actual newspaper, which is published twice a week.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Including the editor and the marketing manager, there are seven of us at Nyss. Because we aren’t that big a team, I get to write about everything and anything, but my editor knows better than to send me to a football game!
I love that I have the opportunity to get to know new people and that I'm part of a great team that's able to write and create stories that contribute positively to the towns we cover.
How did your Falmouth studies help your professional life?
I would not be where I am without Falmouth University. Of course, determination also helped, but I was often told at interviews that my resume was interesting and different (in Norway). What I learnt about multimedia methods also helped Nyss begin a new project with exactly that.
What advice would you give current and future Journalism & Creative Writing BA(Hons) students?
Connections! Anytime you are anywhere near people in this field, get their contact information, befriend them. It’s very valuable when you want a job or a work placement. Oh, and don’t be afraid to call people. Always choose to call instead of emailing. Don’t give up, and don’t let people control your work (unless it’s your boss).
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