Welcome back to “6 Questions For A…”! Each week, we’ll ask someone 6 career-centric questions about themselves.
This week we’re chatting with Alyshia Hull. Alyshia is a freelance writer, inspirational speaker and a recent college grad. Her work has been published in magazines like Girls’ Life and by businesses such as Bossbabe and ThredUp.
Tell us about the kind of tasks are in a typical day in your role.
As a freelance writer, my assignments hold a lot of power over my schedule. So as my assignments change, my schedule changes too. With that said, being self-employed means I have to have some consistency. Daily I check and respond to emails, pitch editors, receive assignments and make edits where needed. In addition to writing, I also help some of my clients with their social media strategy. With a lot going on – it is important for me to have a clear to do list. My job is filled with deadlines, so organization is the key part of my day.
What is your favorite part of your job?
I like that I get to connect with new people, daily. As a freelancer, I get to meet new editors, new journalists and learn from them at the same time. I have a lot to learn and nothing excites me more than someone who is willing to teach me. Oftentimes I am writing for various publications and enjoy building relationships with whomever I can. I think the adults call this networking.
What are some challenges you face?
There is always something more to do. Oftentimes, I have to remind myself to take breaks, or that it is okay to close my laptop for the day. While this is a challenge, it is a fun one. I love that I have a job that makes me want to work harder and longer.
Who inspires you and why?
Oooo, I don’t think it’s possible for me to say just one person, I am inspired by a lot of people, the Her Campus team included. When I think of who I want to be, I oftentimes think of this crew. Their work ethic, business and ambition make me want to step it up. I love that they go after what they want and inspire others in the process. I choose an entire team of people and not just one person because there isn’t anything that inspires me more than a group of women working together.
Share some advice to someone aspiring to be a writer!
Surround yourself with the right people. I can honestly say, any writer or editor who has ever achieved more than I have, they have never judged me. You could say it is because they are nice people, this is true. But I say it is because they have been there, they too were once in my position. Both the good and the bad they understand.
What did you want to be when you grew up? How did that change over the years?
For as long as I can remember, I wanted to be a writer, but I wasn’t sure how to get there or how to become one. Over time, my dream of becoming a writer didn’t change, but my strategy and goals within that dream did. For me it was a lot of trial and error, today it still is. I had to learn my audience and how to display my message in the best way possible. These things have changed over time, but my love for writing never has. Like any career, it is all about growth.
Alyshia is a freelance writer, inspirational speaker and soon to be college grad. Her work has been published in magazines like Girls’ Life and by businesses such as Bossbabe and ThredUp.
