In the cutthroat world of property journalism, Cardiff Alumni Sasha Nugara is already making her mark. 

After graduating in 2021 with a BA in English Literature, Nugara joined The Times as an apprentice in 2021, immediately showcasing her talent for storytelling. Thanks to her evocative first person travel piece on Sri Lanka, Nugara earned a finalist nomination for the TravMedia Awards’ Rising Star of the Year 2024. Her journey from literature graduate to acclaimed reporter reflects her passion for writing and keen interest in the ever evolving industry landscape – Nugara is certainly one to watch. 

Nugara’s life at University.

“I studied English Literature, and I enjoyed my degree but I didn’t have a passion like other people.

 “I always enjoyed reading and watching the news and many of my peers were part of student journalism, so I thought I would have a go at writing an article for Quench.

 “I had to comment on the facebook group and grab the article I wanted as fast as I could, it was always a race to secure the pitches” she laughed. I assured her that this is still often the case. 

How did your involvement with Quench shape your path into journalism? 

“The first article I wrote for Quench was a vintage clothing piece, but I also started a food blog called ‘Sascha’s Snacks’ to continue building my portfolio.

“In 2020, I became one of the Food and Drinks editors for Quench, and started an Instagram account alongside my blog.

“It taught me so much”, she is quick to remind me. “It was a safe space to experiment with my writing style, and there were no deadlines!

“I built up roughly 2,000 followers, most of whom were in the Cardiff foodie scene. I have a lot of respect for influencers now, it’s surprisingly hard work growing your account and learning how to take aesthetic photos.”

How did your university experience prepare you for your career in journalism? 

“Studying English Literature was a great way for me to become a better writer. You have to be critical of your own work, and learn to take others’ criticism. Journalism can be a savage industry.

“Seminars are strangely similar to a pitch meeting. Having to share your own opinion in a room full of people who may disagree with you (and aren’t afraid to tell you) has proved to be a good foundation.” 

Nugara’s route into the journalism industry.

Nugara’s route into the journalism industry by no means was by no means easy; ‘It feels like the wild-west out there’, she explains. However, she shares how she got her role as a Times apprentice.

“I found a job on the facebook group ‘Freelancing for Journalists’, which was actually an apprenticeship at The Sun. I clicked on the link which took me to a page where The Times were advertising a similar role, but didn’t seem to be advertised on other job hunting sites. It was an intense application process with many, many stages.” 

How many people were accepted as part of the programme?

“Six of us started the scheme, at the end of the scheme there were only three of us left!

As part of her apprenticeship, Nugara was enrolled on an NCTJ qualification run by News Associates.

“No newspaper will hire a candidate who isn’t willing to sit this qualification. I was lucky, The Times funded my qualification.”

During her apprenticeship, Nugara was put on three different desks in her London office and to conclude her qualification, she was sent to Bristol for three months to try her hand at local news reporting.

Nugara has recently been placed on the property desk at The Times.

“They put me on the property desk and it really did turn into more of a personal role for me.

“I get the opportunity to travel the country viewing beautiful properties, writing feature pieces and personal stories.”

What have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your journalism career?

“Reminding yourself not to compare yourself to other people. Being a young woman in a room full of older men makes you feel like you constantly have to prove yourself. Going into this world is challenging.” 

What are some of the proudest achievements in your career so far?

Nugara’s proudest achievement so far was the time she spent on the travel desk at The Times.

“My father is from Sri Lanka, and unfortunately has Alzheimer’s. When I was an apprentice, I pitched the idea of travelling to Sri Lanka and recreating his old photos and memories. I spent two weeks travelling Sri Lanka with a guide and I found so much of my dad there. It really was special.

“I ended up writing a double page spread which was printed in The Times. It was a really massive thing.”

words by: Olivia Griffin