"I'm starting as a financial reporter for Dow Jones, London on 4th August. 25k a year starting wage is a little more than expected, but who am I to complain? Thanks for the support."

Richie Benson, JW Graduate, Financial Reporter, Dow Jones, London

Marilyn has been involved with NCTJ Newspaper and Magazine Journalism courses for 16 years. She's worked in Switzerland, Algeria and Belgium and worked freelance in her specialist areas.

What is your style of teaching?

Multifaceted: group-based practical exercises and theoretical discussions, but also collaborative – working together and helping each other. I encourage students to come up with their own examples and ideas for speed building. I am a Teeline enthusiast, and I try to engender in my students the same enthusiasm for a difficult and not always popular subject. I stress continually the importance of shorthand, even in today's world of twitter and voice recorders (and unreliable memories!).

What is your claim to fame?

The "Marilyn Somers Appreciation Society" being secretly launched on Facebook by one group of students.

A selection of favourite words: Drilling, Penmanship and the four Cs - Commitment, Confidence, Context and Common sense. The students have never let me forget this – they presented me with the tee-shirts!!

Marilyn's "Keys to Student Success"

• Hard work
• Perseverance
• Enthusiasm
• Dedication
• Ability to capture the spoken word rapidly and accurately
• Enthusiasm
• Discipline and good organisational skills
• Pride in your work
• Sense of humour and, um, enthusiasm!