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Graduate case studies

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Jon - 
Broadcast Journalist

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.

About the job

Main responsibilities

I produce and present the Sunday breakfast show on BBC Radio Suffolk, focusing on faith and ethics. I also read news bulletins and work across the newsroom rota as needed.

Typical day

I have two production days to create the Sunday programme. I set my own agenda and work flow so get to go out and about recording interviews so can be away from my desk for most of the day. I also edit my own pieces (both radio and short video for Facebook) and set up live guests/do planning, so some days am desk bound.

What do I enjoy about my job?

All of the above.

Challenging aspects

There can often be a lot of pressure, both with time and resources.

Because of the nature of telling stories essentially about something other people care about, there is a responsibility to tell each story as well as you can, even if it is the end of your shift or you are tired/stressed, etc.

Why did this area of work appeal to me?

I love the variety, almost everyone you meet is interesting and passionate about whatever it is they are doing and there is still a sense of fun about 'being on the radio'.

Skills/qualifications I use in my job?

Although there are some in the radio newsroom who worked their way up rather than sat law exams etc, I feel my NCTJ Law is essential.

Also my basic recording/editing/reading skills covered on the PG Dip course.

Training I receive as part of my job

There is continuous professional training, both as online modules and as specific courses.

This week I went on a one-day studio production course as my role is shifting slightly to include producing weekend breakfast shows.

I have also had several writing for the web courses as the content production systems have changed.


Career information

Brief history since leaving University

It took three months to find my first job at Wish FM in Wigan, I then moved on after 10 months to Rock FM in Preston (for 8 months) and then onto BBC Radio Suffolk where I have been for 11 years.

Where do I see myself in the future?

For now, in BBC Local radio, maybe with a view to looking at national opportunities but there's no rush.


Advice to students

My piece of advice to students

Keep at it. It's a tough, tough market at the moment and there are lots of talented people also trying.

Be prepared, unfair as it is, you might have to work for little or no money and short term contracts.

If you are out of work (or temping to earn money) keep making radio; record bits and post them on your website, show you are keen and still developing, make some photo/audio slideshows of something that illustrates you can make a seemingly normal event/story be a creative piece of much wider interest.

Other comments

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Last updated: 26 Apr 2017