Alastair Campbell goes Back to School: ‘Getting drunk wasn’t as funny as it seems at the time’
As part of the i newspaper's new campaign to encourage state school students to return to school to offer careers advice, we asked Alastair the following questions...
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Alastair Campbell, 56-year-old journalist, political aide and author, City of Leicester college, 1969 to 1975
As a teenager, what did you want to be when you were older?
A professional sportsman.
How did you get into the career you’re in now?
Through training as a journalist and then going into politics.
Is there anything you wish you’d known when you were younger?
That getting drunk wasn't as funny as it seemed at the time.
What advice would you give to young people starting out?
Aim high, ignore the cynics.
What was the best/worst careers advice you received at school?
Best - don't worry about what you're going to do when you're older.
What turned out to be the biggest advantage for you of a state education rather than private?
Mixing with people from varied backgrounds, understanding that class structure is the curse of Britain not its cure.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments