For this week’s Media Monday we’d like you to meet Shirley Qiu, features producer at The Seattle Times.
- How did you find yourself at The Seattle Times?
I got my start in journalism somewhat by accident in high school, and luckily found a passion there early on. I joined the college newspaper staff once I got to the University of Washington (go Dawgs!) and, a journalism degree and a few internships later, here I am.
2. Which of the projects you’ve worked on are you most proud of?
I am without a doubt most proud of Under Our Skin, a multimedia project we published a few months ago about race in Seattle. It’s super rewarding to see a project that many people across the newsroom worked on and feel passionate about getting so much great feedback.
3. What is your favorite thing about your job?
As much as I enjoy my daily tasks – I get to read about arts, entertainment and food every day, after all – I have to say my favorite thing about working here is the people. The newsroom is full of talented and friendly people who don’t take themselves too seriously, and that makes going to work a lot of fun.
4. What is your day like at your job?
My day-to-day duties include making sure all the features stories look good on the web – from the headline, to photos, to interactive components – posting them on social media, and placing them into our morning newsletter. The extra time in my day goes to coordinating longer-term projects and interactives for the web.
5. Who do you most look up to in the journalism industry?
It’s hard for me to pinpoint one person. Generally, I look up to women in the industry, particularly younger women, who are doing what they love and excelling at it, whether that be writing watchdog reports, podcasting or finding innovative ways to use social media as a publishing platform. It’s really inspiring to see people around my age who are killin it, as we millennials say, so early in their careers.
6. What is your favorite news outlet?
The New York Times has been my favorite ever since it was required reading for one of my college courses. I love the breadth and creativity of their coverage. This is not to say their reporting is the end-all, be-all of journalism, but it’s never hard to find work I admire and enjoy on their website.
7. What is your guilty pleasure?
I could easily binge-watch YouTube videos for hours. Easily.
8. Fill in the blank:
- If I am not working, I am… probably grocery shopping or looking for my new favorite restaurant. My life is very food-centric.
- If I could interview anyone, it would be… Malala Yousafzai. I saw her when she came to visit Seattle and was so blown away by her wisdom, compassion and easy sense of humor.
- My favorite thing about Seattle is… our geography. We’re so privileged to be part of such a thriving metropolitan area, yet within close reach of the mountains, the sea and other green spaces. The natural beauty and literal freshness of our city really helps me remember to slow down and appreciate life here.