E4 S15: Stories That Shape Change – Freelancing in Global Development

Ever wondered what it looks like to blend storytelling, journalism, and global development into a dynamic career? This episode of the Social Change Career Podcast features Emma Smith, a freelance journalist whose bylines include Devex, The New Humanitarian, and The Guardian, interviewed by host Craig Zelizer. Emma shares her journey from Scottish classroom inspiration, through navigating Masters programs, to forging a unique path at the intersection of communications and impact.

Why You Should Listen:

• Behind the Scenes of Global Development Journalism: Learn what it's really like to pitch stories, build a career in freelance journalism, and navigate both editorial independence and communications roles within major NGOs and UNESCO agencies.

• Career Detours & Bridges: Discover how studying journalism and working for child rights organizations shaped Emma's transition to international reporting, even when the path wasn't always clear.

• Finding Your Niche: Hear Emma compare the distinctions—and overlaps—between journalism, communications, and PR, plus actionable advice to help you choose the training and sector that fits your goals.

• Work-Life Realities in Freelance Media: Get honest reflections about the pressures, portfolio-building, and practicalities of freelancing: from writer's block to making rent, Emma shares hands-on strategies for resilience and creativity.

• The Power and Purpose of Storytelling: Explore Emma's thoughts on balancing advocacy, critique, and hope in reporting; learn how stories can make an impact, start conversations, and keep vital global issues in the spotlight.

Resources & Further Reading:

• Devex – Leading platform for global development news and jobs

• The New Humanitarian – In-depth humanitarian news and analysis

• The Guardian – Global Development

• UNESCO – Emma's communications work reference

• Journal Portfolio – Platform Emma uses for her writing portfolio

• LinkedIn – Emma's preferred professional platform and a source for journalism opportunities

• Pulitzer Center – Grants, fellowships, and reporting support

• Rory Peck Trust – Resources and support for freelance journalists

• Solutions Journalism Network

• Crisis Reporting Pulitzer Center

• Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism

• International Center for Journalists (ICFJ)

• Rest of World – Focuses on global technology reporting, with strong support for local journalists

• Global Press Institute (Closing, but see their Language and Style Guide)

• National Geographic – Inspiration for storytelling and visuals

• Guardian Magazine – Long-form global development features

• Recommended platforms for finding journalism grants and calls for pitches: Journalism.co.uk, Journo Resources

Bio: Emma Smith (she/her) brings years of experience in communications, journalism, and development to her work. Originally from Scotland and now based in Barcelona, she has held roles from child rights NGO volunteer to UN communications lead and currently works as a freelance journalist covering global development's most pressing themes. Her storytelling bridges policy, human rights, migration, health, and more—always seeking to highlight the complexities and realities of change.

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