Carly Fields
What do you do?
Primarily, I'm a specialist maritime editor and journalist. But at heart, I'm a shipping person, so that means that I branch out into other maritime-related areas. Over my careers, I have written and delivered bespoke shipping courses at international locations, given guidance to shipping companies on media relations and engaged in consultancy work on specific sectors. Virtually all of my outcomes are published work - I take great pleasure in bringing together people from around the world and using their thoughts to create a narrative that can be enjoyed by a wider audience.
What does a typical day at work look like?
When I'm writing and editing, my day will be largely spent at the computer in my home office, but when I am information gathering or networking I can be anywhere. In the last two weeks I have been to Houston and London, enjoying dinner at the House of Lords, a conference at the International Maritime Organisation, and presenting Next Generation awards to specialists on a conference stage in the US. It’s the diversity of this job that I love.
How did you get to where you are?
When I finished my degree, the first job that I was offered was with Lloyd’s List newspaper, maritime’s well-respected daily paper. While I hadn’t considered journalism as a career, I have always enjoyed writing. Being able to combine my love of shipping and my enjoyment of writing made perfect sense. I spent six years in a busy newsroom with relentless daily deadlines, which create a sense of urgency in news creation that I’ve found incredibly useful throughout the rest of my career. I left to start a freelance career and have never looked back. I’m fortunate to have had such a great grounding in journalism.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I’m a very keen badminton player, playing in the county leagues for a mixed doubles and ladies team. I love the competition and also the camaraderie of a team sport. I also love reading high fantasy books, although finding really good ones can be difficult!