Our students

Why did you choose to study at Teesside University?

I knew I wanted to study at Teesside University because the course offered the chance to do the NCTJ at the same time rather than afterwards as a masters. I knew that my course was the best one to help me become a journalist.

What did you enjoy most about studying at Teesside University?

I really loved my course and I genuinely had a huge passion for everything I was doing. I liked that I could pick topics for certain assignments, and so I never felt bored about what I was writing. Although the work was stressful it helped me gain more knowledge about journalism as a whole. I have met friends at university that I will continue to be friends with for life, and I can honestly say that my time as a student was the best time of my life. I had a lot of fun and will never forget my time there. I had some fantastic work experiences as lecturers had brilliant contacts in the industry.

Tell us about your career since graduating

I’ve worked very hard to get the right work experience to get to the position I’m at now. When I graduated, I decided to get some radio experience to become familiar with the broadcasting side of journalism. I had a drive -time show at a local radio station and then went on to Global Radio where I got to see how it all operates. After that, through Teesside University’s graduation scheme, I was lucky enough to secure a three-month TV internship in London, making reports for Vox News. This was my first placement in TV, something that I had only dreamed about and thought was unreachable. Following this I worked at Made in Teesside before applying for my current job.

What does your current role involve?

I’m currently a production journalist trainee at ITV Tyne Tees. My role involves many different shifts, helping produce bulletins for Good Morning Britain or Tyne Tees News. It also involves creating stories for the website as well as maintaining social media and creating digital videos. At times I may also plan and book stories and also go out to do interviews for the programme. My training is very intense and thorough, and hopefully I will be able to apply for a production journalist role at ITV afterwards.

How did your time at University help prepare you for your career?

My time at Teesside University helped me to decide which field of journalism I wanted to go into. Each placement I did helped me to build a portfolio, and even my confidence. It gave me something to talk about in interviews. I do believe that the graduate scheme I was involved in really helped me kick start my career in TV. I think without moving to London for the internship at Vox News, I may not be where I am now. The lecturers on my course were supportive and I knew that they would not hesitate to help me in the future even after graduating.

What are your ambitions for the future?

I plan to carry on working my way up as a journalist, and want to gain years of experience as a production journalist at ITV, and work my way to becoming an on-screen journalist. Reporting and making documentaries are my ultimate goal. I have an interest in public affairs and would love to create content that matters to the local community.

Would you recommend Teesside University?

Absolutely, I think everyone at the University is helpful, and the facilities are great. My course was amazing, it really helped me understand all aspects of journalism. You can take part in the production of the newspaper, or you can get involved in radio or TV. The course offered value for money – it’s got me where I am today, and without it I would not have been able to benefit from these fantastic opportunities.