From East Sussex College to Automotive Journalism: Joe Miller

Joe Miller went from studying Creative Media Production at East Sussex College to becoming a successful automotive journalist. His journey shows how a good education can help you build a great career in the industry you love!

Now a journalist for Classics World and Classic Car Buyer, Joe shares his journey and the role the College played in shaping his professional life.

After completing the Creative Media Production course at East Sussex College, Joe used the knowledge he gained in video production and social media to create and grow his personal YouTube channel, which served as his primary portfolio.

This self-initiated project opened doors, eventually leading him to a week’s work experience with Kelsey Media. “Following contact with various automotive writers, I was put in touch with Kelsey Media MD, Phil Weeden, who offered me a job on the Classics World YouTube channel and Classic Car Buyer weekly newspaper,” Joe explained. “This was due mostly to the portfolio of video and other production work I showed him.”

A typical day in Joe’s life as an automotive journalist is a blend of research, writing, and production. “I spend a good chunk of my day researching facts and figures for pieces I’m writing, then collating archive photos or organising photo shoots for specific magazine features,” he shared.

On shoot days, Joe borrows cars from dealerships or viewers, extensively photographing and filming them. “We take static shots before driving the cars to take notes for written features and record our ‘piece to camera’ while driving for the video,” he explained. The variety and creativity in the role are what Joe enjoys most, as he combines his passion for media with his love of cars.

Reflecting on his time at East Sussex College, Joe highlighted the practical skills he learned, particularly in video and audio editing, as being invaluable. “The basics of video and audio editing were incredibly useful in producing videos both for my personal projects and Classics World content - I not only applied what I’d been taught, but used that foundation knowledge to further my skills. An understanding of social media promotion and SEO greatly helps with marketing our products to ensure their success,” he says.

Joe also credits the support of his tutors for his positive experience at the College. “All of my tutors were very supportive, answering any queries when I had them and helping me to understand specifics,” he said. “I never felt I couldn’t ask questions or contribute to discussions, and working in such intense, hands-on situations on the practical side of the course in particular led me to form friendships with several of my tutors, who I’m still in touch with almost ten years later!”

Joe’s appreciation for his time at the College has inspired him to give back. He frequently returns to East Sussex College to speak with current students, motivated by both nostalgia and a desire to help others. “I feel the Creative Media Production course and the people involved with it were invaluable in building the foundations for my media career. To be honest, I never imagined I’d be able to do what I now call a job, nor would I have been able to without the college and what it taught me,” Joe said. His advice to students is clear, “Make the most of what the course offers.”

When asked what advice he would give to his younger self, Joe said, “Pay close attention, make the most of this – you won’t be working at McDonald’s forever!”

Joe’s story shows how hard work and making the most of opportunities can lead to exciting and unexpected careers. It’s a great reminder for anyone interested in creative industries to grab every chance to learn and grow.