Even though many of our graduates will have progressed in their careers since completing a case study, they are still of interest to students who wish to gain an understanding of the world of work.

As a Digital, Data and Technology Fast Streamer, our development is based around digital skills and understanding as well as leadership. My current posting is as a Business Analyst within Department of Transport's Digital Service.

I work within the Business Relationship Management team to help stimulate, surface and shape demand from within DfT.

However, our team also covers some aspects of communications, performance management, and recruitment for the Digital Service.

The range of activities I am involved in currently include:
Interviewing colleagues and assessing digital requests with regards to their requirements;
Mapping out current processes and potential processes;
Learning and understanding about new software and potential opportunities to offer the business and improve digital culture;
Producing documents to communicate business requests and clarify Digital Service processes and strategies;
Producing internal communications on a weekly basis to improve communication and collaboration across the department;
Managing stakeholders and their requests.

I really enjoy the customer interaction and helping people to improve their work processes by becoming more digital and embracing technology.

I also like the fact that I'm working for an organisation that does work that really matters and affects people day-to-day.

What I find challenging is understanding all of the different elements to the technological word. It took a while for me to even listen to conversations surrounding digital software and understand even a tiny part of what was being said. But as you go you pick up things and learn more every day and now, 3 months in, I feel I'm at a stage where I can contribute and add value to the business.

I never particularly considered the amount of digital skills I picked up studying journalism until I applied for the Fast Stream. Once I came across the Digital specialism, I realised that I was comfortable using a variety of software, including editing, blogging, radio and coding tools, and that I actually enjoyed those parts of the course. I also enjoyed the online multimedia aspect of journalism and thought the skills learnt producing my portfolio would benefit me.

I use my interviewing skills and writing skills day in day out. I'm constantly producing communications, or outlining requirements in a simple, non-ambiguous way, for others to use to further the requests. Funnily enough, during the induction week we had to make a video advertisement for a new idea we had, so even MOJO is relevant!

No real qualifications so far to note.
This is my first placement on the scheme.
Have been nominated for the Mag Academy awards for outstanding consumer journalist.

I hopefully will develop into a digital leader, be it within the civil service, or elsewhere depending on job opportunities. I enjoy running a team and enabling people to produce their best work in the best environment, and I really aspire to make a difference in a job that affects people every day.

Don't be afraid to try something that might not be directly linked with journalism, the skills apply almost everywhere, and everyone finds your degree interesting!

Within a digital career I think it's important to accept change. Businesses are constantly changing and developing, and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. Being adaptive and flexible is a really good skill to have, and be prepared to think big because with these sorts of things, thoughts can become reality sooner than you think.

Sophie  BA Journalism Studies (2001)
Broadcast Journalist and Presenter - Radio  (Media, publishing and writing)

Accepts questions from students about their career