Rating

8.7/10
  • 1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
  • Everyday I would come into a newsroom of tens of journalists (which can be quite nerve-wracking!) and either be set a task to do or have to seek out a viable small web story for myself based on what was happening that day. This involved looking online for stories, or sorting through incoming emails to the newsroom that day. I tried to make different contacts internally, keeping in mind future career and short-term experience prospects.

    9/10

  • 2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
  • I think being thrown into this large scale environment teaches you individuality and confidence - if you don't speak up; you'll definitely be lost in the heard. You also have to grow a resilience to believing in your ideas and not just hoping but knowing that they're good enough. Professionally, I learned to up my pace and work at an industry-scale level.

    8/10

  • 3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
  • My program is great fun - and you work somewhere where you know real, national work is being produced and that there's the potential to have your work seen or recognized by some of the best people in the industry.

    10/10

  • 4. How valued do you feel by BBC?
  • The BBC were set up on a taxpayer's basis and I think truly everybody in the workforce feels that responsibility that their employer isn't really their boss - but technically the public. As such, I've spoken to journalist's who've said they feel a higher level of accountability than their last jobs - and therefore work harder. Because of this, I think an ethic is spurred in the BBC that lets everyone take other people under their wing, and help out whenever possible. I was allowed to oversee meetings, and give ideas whenever possible.

    9/10

  • 5. How well organised/structured is your programme?
  • My program initially came around from knowing a family friend, so therefore I didn't follow a structure straight away however everyone was quick to adapt and fit me in wherever possible. I also always had a point of contact which has often been a hazy problem at other employers of mine - where you have a problem and no-one to talk to.

    7/10

  • 6a. How much support do you receive from your training provider?
  • I've been given a mobile phone number which I can call whenever I need help which really makes me feel valued as a team member that someone is willing to extend their time to me. They've also been really enthusiastic about having me on board which is really great to feel like you're genuinely wanted there rather than a nuisance or after-thought. I've also been given plenty of exterior material to take away and read in my own time to perfect my skills and learn more about the environment I'm working in.

    10/10

  • 6b. How much support do you receive from your employer?
  • As said above, everyone I've come into contact with has been genuinely excited about having me there which is a new thing for me. Typically experience programs have left me feeling like I'm getting in the way. As a result, I feel like I can ask for help whenever and get a thorough response and solid sense of direction after speaking to someone - rather than feeling more confused than before I asked - which was true at some of my past jobs!

    10/10

  • 7. How well does your salary/package meet your costs?
  • As my experience is part of my degree, and only for a short time. The only things that are expensed to me is travel and an included lunch. But outside of this, as the program is for a short time and I'm enjoying the experience - I think the lack of pay is acceptable as I haven't had to relocate for my progress and I'm treating it as more of a training time.

    7/10

  • 8. Are there many opportunities outside of work?
  • Everyone is a sociable member of staff - which I think comes as part of the territory or the journalism industry. As such, there were often after-work drinks that the office was invited to and also having 'away-days'. For everyone to work together in such a fast and often stressful environment I think their needs to be that equal balance of social time too especially when people are often working overtime.

    8/10

  • 9. Would you recommend BBC to a friend?
  • Yes


  • 9b. Why?
  • If nothing else, the support and enthusiasm I've had from each mentor in the team as well as the guidance from my point of contact has been incredible. Because of this, I've really felt at home and like I've been given comfortable room to leave a mark and make an impact while on my placement. This is a feeling that I think should be fundamental to any experience and future work place; though it's not one I often get when I'm doing work experience programs. Therefore, the BBC have really nailed what it's like to treat their staff and visitors in the office.


  • 10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BBC?
  • I think they prefer personality and diligence over numbers and accuracy in the recruitment process. It's all about getting people to know you and be on your side and therefore they know whether or not they can rely on you or take a gamble on you. If you present yourself too 'wooden' or loaded with facts beforehand I think it can actually make you seem less experienced than if you 'go with the flow' as it were.


Details

Degree Apprenticeship

South West

July 2017


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