Phil on the way towards his dream career

At the age of 14 Phil Makinson decided to aim for a career in journalism.

Now, nearly nine years later, he’s achieved a qualification to help him fulfil his aim, by graduating with a foundation degree (FdA) in Journalism from Teesside University.

Phil, 22, from Newton Hall, Durham, first became interested in journalism as a career when he visited a local newspaper on school work experience. He followed this with further work experience with Sky News, who offered the opportunity to teens in Northumbria.

Phil said: ‘I really enjoyed the thrill of the adrenaline rush of having to hit a deadline. The FdA has given me so many skills, I’ve learned how to write, prepare and construct news stories and acquired interview techniques.’

Working for the University’s award-winning radio station While studying, Phil also worked as an events and PR manager for the University’s award-winning student radio station, Click. This included joining the behind-the-scenes production team for a 24-hour continuous broadcast to raise money for the BBC’s Children In Need. It was a slightly unusual event, as the three student DJs were encased in a glass box.

Phil said: ‘It was bizarre and by the end of the 24 hours you were so tired you almost felt drunk. But it was a really, really good experience, we all supported each other as a team and raised £1,200.’

Phil is currently working as an Education Officer with Teesside University’s Students’ Union team of four elected trustees. After this role, Phil aims to travel before looking for his first media post, with the global itinerary set to include Australia and the USA.

Phil is also looking forward to the University opening its Darlington campus in the summer. He said: ‘I think it’s brilliant. It’s going to be a good thing and will benefit not only Darlington but the wider region of Durham and North Yorkshire.’

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