By Charlotte Lascelles
Four graduates of Leeds Trinity University returned for Journalism and Media Week 2018 to talk about their experiences post-university.
The graduates – Otis Holmes, Charlotte Regen, Xanthe Palmer and Becky Hammill – took part in a panel session with current students to talk about their experiences of working in the industry, as well as offering advice on job searching and applying for jobs.
Here is what they had to say:
Becky Hammill
Graduated: 2017
What they’ve done: Did an undercover investigation for Channel 4 Dispatches, worked on a new home-maker programme hosted by Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, has done freelance research work for Nine Lives Media (Channel 4 Dispatches, BBC Panorama)
Advice: “Don’t ignore any e-mails that you get from lecturers because it will change your life.”
Otis Holmes
Graduated: 2014
What they’ve done: Worked in the sports department at the Wakefield Express, and now works as a production journalist at ITV Calendar.
Advice: “Take anything that comes along as you don’t know where it will take you.”
Xanthe Palmer
Graduated: 2018
What they’ve done: Worked at BBC Radio Leeds shadowing people and then going on to be a sports BA, done breakfast production shifts for the Richard Stead Breakfast Show
Advice: “Once you get your foot in the door it’s easier to move around and it’s about making contacts with people once you’ve had that opportunity.”
Charlotte Regen
Graduated: 2017
What they’ve done: Worked in video licensing, reporter for the Birmingham Mail
Advice: “It’s about taking any opportunity that comes your way. Even if you’re not sure what it is, do your research and you might just get it.”
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