Inside Story - Development Researcher/Co-ordinator



Emma

Age Range
26-35

Countries of Work
UK

Study and Career History
After doing a media and communications degree I fell into work experience at the BBC. this led to a permanent position – I was very lucky-right place, right time, etc. I continued at the Beeb in various departments until I decided to go travelling. upon my return I realised there were thousands of new graduates all struggling to find work in media-related fields and I ended up temping at a magazine. Once again I was lucky as my admin position also included some editorial work and features. After six months I was completely skint – who can live on £150 a week?? and began working freelance as a production co-ordinator/researcher for a small independent TV company. I have been there ever since – approaching two years now.

How long have you been doing the job?
Nearly two years.

Did you decide on your career path or did it all happen by accident?
I wanted to be an actress but didn’t want long periods of unemployment. I can’t actually remember how and when I decided to do a media degree instead (shows I was committed eh?) but ended up on the course and had a great time. The expectation was that we’d all end up in ‘glamour jobs’ immediately after graduating but the reality is very different. Personally, I have found that it is very much who you know, where you are and how far you are prepared to push which decides a career in TV at least. I have been happy to accept work that has come my way, but I know that I will only ever reach a certain ‘level’ in the industry as I am not nearly as competitive as many of my peers. I have ended up where I am through luck, fate, coincidence, rather than through a planned order or ‘life path’.

How did you get your "Glamour Job" ?
I sent in a CV and came for an interview.

What does the job involve?
Researching, developing, making TV programmes.

Describe a typical day at work.
Planning filming, finding interviewees, booking crews, responding to demands of production crew, logging tapes, filming, recess.

What do you like most about the job?
Finding really great people to appear on programmes.

What don’t you like about your job – if anything?
Back-stabbers, ‘mothering’ grown men/women.

During your teenage years did you have much vocational guidance from school, university, family or friends? What was your biggest influence?
Parents were a very big influence. I should have listened and become a doctor! School was helpful and Uni had good contacts. Nothing can prepare you for actually working in the industry though.

If you took end of school examinations did you get exam results you were happy with from your education?
I was please with my results. left school at 16.

Do you think that what you studied in school or in your further education was right for the career you are in now? Any regrets?
No regrets. Core subjects were useful. A media and communication degree can’t be a bad choice….even though they are slated frequently.

Have you taken further studies since leaving secondary or tertiary school. If yes, what did you study and why did you decide you needed more qualifications?
A levels – to be able to do a degree. Degree – to earn more money.

What was your first job?
Cake seller at Braggs.

What has been your most bizarre or challenging job to date?
Selling ‘leather goods’ at an indoor market.

What is your ultimate goal.... is this it, or do you have a pinnacle you have yet to reach?
To retire and write scripts from a house in southern Spain.

What are your top tips for personal success?
Don’t sell out, don’t take ‘it’ personally, remember it’s only a job.

Any comments?


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