Extend trainees class of 2016
I joined the BBC Extend scheme on a six month placement with the iPlayer editorial team.
Before starting my placement we had a week long training course with all the other BBC trainees at the Academy in Birmingham. During the course we got to meet different people from across the BBC and even had a go at producing our own radio drama. Most importantly, it was an invaluable networking tool.
After this I felt well equipped for my first day. Walking into Broadcast Centre in London was a little daunting as it seemed a never ending maze of desks – but it’s surprising how quickly you find your way round. Everyone on the iPlayer editorial team was really welcoming and I settled in easily.
My role was varied and tasks ranged from writing copy for the iPlayer website to editing images and scheduling. The most exciting part of the role was working on the BBC TV blog.
I got to pitch my own ideas for stories, write posts and interview talent. One day I was interviewing the costume designer for War and Peace and the next I was chatting to the actress Jodie Comer about her role in the drama Thirteen. The work was always fast-paced and varied which I enjoyed, and my definite highlight was when my blog post was announced on BBC One!
The cast of BBC One's War and Peace (Image credit: BBC/Mitch Jenkins/Kaia Zak)
During my time on the iPlayer editorial team and TV blog, I quickly realised that working in communications was something I would want to pursue. Applying for roles can seem intimidating at first but the Extend scheme organised an intensive two day career workshop especially for us, which was really useful.
Not long after finishing my placement I was offered the role of PR assistant in Communications.
I work for the TV Licensing team and I have just published my first press release on one of the biggest licence fee stories of the year. I love the fast paced nature of the job, especially when a news story breaks and it’s all hands to the deck, fielding calls from journalists, liaising with the press office and sending out responses.
I’m really grateful for the opportunity the Extend scheme has given me and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who was considering applying!
Find out more about Extend at the Extend Hub, the BBC recruitment portal exclusively for disabled people.
