While the Autopeople team were at the AADA conference we were lucky enough to catch up with Vanessa Miller, a Journalist/Editor at Autofile magazine, the popular weekly auto industry magazine.  Coming from a public relations background, Vanessa shows us that you never know where the future can take you in the automotive industry.

Firstly, how did you get into the auto industry?

Last year I finished a Bachelor of Communications degree majoring in Journalism and Public Relations at Griffith University. I started working at a PR firm and while I was there saw an advertisement in the paper for a journalist and thought, why not? I have always loved writing and wanted to make a career out of it so I came in for an interview, showed them my portfolio and recent work I had done and was offered the position. I did not have any interest in cars whatsoever or the auto industry and was probably a bit naive about the opportunities that would be presented to me, but I was proved wrong, the opportunities are vast.

So you had no background in the industry at all?

None whatsoever. Journalism is like that though; topics can range from anything, as long as you have the determination to get a good story, the facts and quality sources, the content speaks for itself. Working in public relations really gave me a great insight to how it all works. So in terms of knowledge of the industry I was thrown in the deep end but I could not think of any better way to do it, especially as a graduate. I have learnt so much about the role of a journalist and reporting on issues affecting the auto industry. It has made me realise just how much everyone is affected by the outcomes, such as the luxury car tax, tariff reductions, the federal budget, the Henry review and the Gaurnet report.

So what is your normal day like?

Basically it is continually reading and researching the news, one thing I love about this job is that everyday I could tell you exactly what news stories will be on the evening news. I love it! If I need quotes for a story, I just call them. Everyone has something to say; they enjoy talking and I enjoy listening.

Monday through Thursday is spent researching, writing and putting the magazine together.  Thursday afternoon is our deadline and things can get very stressful at times because the publication is weekly and usually 20 pages long, but the final result is always worth it. It’s a rewarding experience.

Have you found you have actually become quite passionate about the industry?

Yeah I do get fired up. I am really passionate about issues such as the luxury car tax. At the moment the Rudd Government wants to reduce the tariffs by 5% which would make local car manufacturers a lot harder to compete with foreign imports.

Let’s just say there are a lot of opportunities for the industry to grow, but at the moment times are tough, the industry is going through a lot of changes.

So how long have you been in the job for?

Almost 6 months.

Do you find there is a shortage of woman in the industry?

Definitely. I hardly speak to women. In the office it is just myself who researches and writes and then nearing the end of the week, Chris Browning, the Business Manager puts it all together. I think you’re probably one of my few female contacts. Even at this convention there are not many women walking around.

What was your idea of women in the automotive industry before you worked at Autofile?

They were the sales staff and promo girls, which may be embarrassing to admit but it’s a huge misconception. I would love to see more. I would love to get to interview more women!

What changes have you seen at the magazine since you started?

The magazine has only been going a year and we already have 5000 subscribers - it is really taking off. We use to have a print edition but digital is the way to go these days.  A lot of people in the industry know Autofile magazine and it is a highly respected name.

Are you the first female journalist at Autofile?

No, there were woman before me ☺

So where are you now and where do you want to be in 5 years?

The future is exciting and it’s a really great industry to be part of. In the next five years I see myself writing. I see a lot of opportunities for woman in the industry, there are always doors opening, gender shouldn’t even be a factor which is the sad thing.

What words would you use to describe women in the industry now?

Persistent and determined. You have to be confident to be given a chance.

Do you think you have an advantage being a woman?

I think being a woman in this industry is a good thing. Even though we are a minority, our opinion is appreciated a lot more than you would think. I have been told I was easily approachable and people were keen to hear what I had to say, because they had never seen a younger girl in the industry reporting. I find that helps in interviews. You have to be able to relax and let them do the talking, because in the end, that’s exactly what they want to do, as most people in the industry are very enthusiastic. Women contribute to 80% of decision making when purchasing a car, so I think people are realising the impact that woman has on sales and profits.

Where you do see the industry in the next 5 years, do you think there will be an increase in women employed?

There will always be doors opening for women. In any industry it is good to have a balance of both genders but I think more and more people are realising that women don’t have to be given the sales or promo job; you just have to put yourself out there.

So do you think the people you have worked and dealt with have helped your idea of what the industry is like?

Yes. I knew nothing about the industry, but now I have gotten into it, I now realise it is such a broad industry and it really does affect everyone. I have come in at a very volatile time when everything is changing. There is always something to write about. It’s a great industry to get involved in.

What words of wisdom do you have for people wanting to get involved in your area?

Just keep writing, always re-read everything you have written and practice, write about anything, just keep writing. Be aware of what is happening around you, be open to suggestions and talk to people. Listen to what other in the industry have to say.