On a Graduate Traineeship

Age: 23

College or University:
Jesus College, Oxford. I studied for a BA in Geography. I did the course because I’ve always been interested in ‘real’ issues like development studies in Africa and the Middle East, and in other foreign and exotic things.

Current job:
Graduate trainee in programme production, BBC Wales. My aim is to be a producer/director of factual TV programmes on travel and exploration.

I saw the advertisement and the scheme looked very interesting, so I put in an application form. I then went through two interviews and an assessment day, before being appointed. The interviews were straightforward, but the assessment day was all about team-working and problem-solving. I had a hairy moment in the final interview when I realised I didn’t know enough about the industry. There were about 400 graduates trying for 3 places, so it was pretty intense.

What’s it like:
I’m on 4 placements of 3 months each in BBC Wales. So far, I’ve worked on BBC Choice, which was great. It was a small team, with plenty to do, so I got a lot of hands-on experience on a programme called ‘The Wrap’. My second placement has been at BBC Online, where I’ve been working on developing three new websites, two on music and the other for young people.

Best thing:
The best thing is that you get to be involved in a range of programmes, and learn how they all work. Looking back, I now realise how little I knew about how the media ticks. Also, it’s been great having input into stuff which makes it on air, and seeing my name at the end of programmes!

Worst thing:
Not knowing enough about the relationships in the media, and about the structure here, which means I sometimes get confused about who’s doing which job!

Advice:
The degree you do isn’t as important as gaining skills from it. Also, it’s great to talk about the other things you’ve done, so that people can see you’ve got a life outside university. In my interview, I talked a lot about my travels to Nepal, India and East Africa. I also sail, and organise nights in clubs.

Although it’s nice to have experience, it’s just as important for you to think about ideas on as ambitious a level as possible, which don’t always have to be related to the work you’re doing. Use your own experiences to think up ideas, and be original.