Ask The Expert – Simran Singh (DH Editor)

What inspired you to start your career at Daily Hive? 

I was in the last year of my undergrad at UBC trying to figure out what I wanted to do next. I knew I was passionate about reporting and wanted to go into journalism so I began applying for internships. I reached out to Daily Hive (which was actually Vancity Buzz) at the time and began my journey as an intern. I was accepted into the UBC School of Journalism and stayed on as a contributor with Daily Hive. This eventually led to my fulltime career at the company. So what has kept me inspired to continue my career at Daily Hive has been the growth and working with an awesome team. 

What was your first job in the industry? 

Daily Hive! 

What has been the biggest challenge you have had to overcome?

Believing I have what it takes to be in a leadership position. There have been many times where I have questioned if I am “good enough” to take on a higher position. But you know what? I am. It’s so common for young women — young women of colour especially– to question if they are doing a “good enough” job or if they are qualified to take on a bigger role. Don’t question it and don’t shrink yourself. You belong there.

If you were not in media – what industry would you work in?

Mental health is something I am very passionate about and I also really love listening to others. So I think I would have pursued a career as a therapist catering specifically to the South Asian community.

What has been a highlight of your career? 

Anytime I get to write a story that brings attention to the importance of diversity, or the power of community, I consider it a highlight. 

What is one piece of advice you’d give someone that wants to pursue a career like yours?

For young BIPOC journalists: Believe in yourself and in the stories you want to tell. Those stories are valid. Always.

What are your predictions for the future of the media industry?

I hope we are at a shifting point in the industry where people are realizing how much BIPOC voices and perspectives need to be valued in reporting, storytelling, and leadership. Specifically, those of Black and Indigenous journalists. There was recently a Tweet (written by @namirari) that really spoke to me that I hope starts applying to all Canadian newsrooms. “Diversity is who is in the room. Inclusion is who has influence in that room. Anti-racism is a mindset, way of being, and a goal for a group of people in a room. Those are not interchangeable terms.”