[Photo credit: Christine Atkinson]
Profile: Queensland Branch President Christine Atkinson
When and why did you join IPEd?
I joined IPEd in 2015 after being made redundant from my communications job and feeling a burning need to network with editors. I’d meant to join for a few years but that was the kick in the pants I needed.
What is your current and past involvement with IPEd?
In 2017, I answered a call for an Events Officer for the Queensland branch. Soon after, I also put my hand up to be the IPEd conference Communications Officer. I’m currently President of EdsQ, and have the pleasure of working closely with the two immediate past presidents (and former and current IPEd Chairs).
What does IPEd mean to you?
When I started editing I realised there were no rules about who could call themselves an editor. Anyone can hang out their shingle and claim to be an expert — that doesn’t happen in other professions like accounting and engineering. IPEd is our opportunity to educate writers at all stages of their careers about the genuine value to be gained from working with an experienced editor.
Why are you prepared to volunteer your own time to IPEd?
I enjoy supporting the members and the organisation and it gives me a sense of purpose. I’d love IPEd to one day get to the point where we’re big and sustainable enough to not need volunteers, but the only way to get there is to pitch in and lend a hand. And if we never reach that point, I will have met so many incredible people along the way.
What is your current job?
I’m the Communication Manager for a large healthcare organisation.
What does your role entail?
I work with a talented team who manage all aspects of communication from media and PR to internal communications, websites, graphic design, publications and events.
Some background on your career path — what led you to editing?
Like many of us, I fell into editing as part of a job. My first qualification is journalism. I got a gig in police media and when I left the interview they handed me a bunch of magazines. (I was new to interviewing so I didn’t realise it was unusual to get homework from the interview.) The night before I started the job I thought I’d better have a look at the mags and realised the woman I was replacing had written a lot of the articles, which was exciting. I flipped to the inside cover and discovered she had been the editor. No one told me in advance I was going to be the magazine editor! I quickly joined the local society of editors and enrolled in a grad dip so I’d be legit.
If you were not an editor, what would you do?
I’d still be doing communication but I’d be watching someone else have the fun of editing our publications.
What do you do in your spare time?
I’m a big reader, Netflix binger and crafter. And I didn’t have to panic about flour in lockdown because my pantry was already stocked with baking supplies. In non-COVID times, I spend a lot of my weekends as a shopping centre justice of the peace, and hang out with my sister and energetic nephews.
What sports do you enjoy watching and/or playing?
I’m not a big sports person. I used to be involved with roller derby (as a volunteer official, not a skater), but I gave it up a few years ago when I realised I didn’t have any spare time.
Do you have any pets?
I’m a certified cat lady.
Who do you admire most and why?
My mum because she’s genuinely the kindest person I’ve met. My sister because she’s juggling study and motherhood and making it look far easier than I know it really is. And my aunt who has stepped up to look after mum since we realised she was on the dementia fast train.
What would you never give up?
Coffee and cats!
What else would you like to share with your fellow IPEd members?
Getting involved with your local branch in any capacity is a wonderful thing to do. I was nervous about not being a full-time editor and not being taken seriously, but everyone is supportive and dedicated to making the best professional organisation for members.