I chose Middlesex University because of its close location to central London and the industry contacts the university has access to.
The fact I wanted to work in publishing or television attracted me to this course as it covered the broadest range of media.
I enjoyed the 'getting out and about' aspects of the course. Doing mock campaigns was a great way to introduce us to what it would be like to work in the real world.
Middlesex always had the most up to date facilities for us to use, not only that, but we got to use them in scenic surroundings.
My fondest memory at Middlesex was having lecturers that inspired me.
Middlesex is the perfect university if you want to combine quiet surroundings with media industry connections in the city.
While at Middlesex I managed to gain work experience at GMTV and Entertainment Today. As soon as I explained the course and it's close location, both companies were keen to have me.
Middlesex taught me how to highlight and make a big splash surrounding any particular subject, something which is key for focusing attention in media.
The combination of a fast pace and a creative environment are the things that made me choose to work in the media industry. The pros include attending shoots and meeting famous talent, the cons are early mornings and late nights – it's not as glamorous as it seems.
I got my foot in the door on the career ladder by writing a travel insert for the Student Union's Magazine. This regular column later gained me work in a publishing firm, and later a production company.
The day I got the phone call to say I had got the job at Sky News was my defining career highlight! I knew Sky was a company that prided itself on entrepreneurial values and encouraged departments to listen to new starters.
- Work experience!
- Extra curricular work (e.g. student union)
- Keep a portfolio of any work you do
The one piece of advice I would give to my 18 year old self would be utilise the university
and the city's opportunities as much as possible.