Introduce yourself!

I'm a Senior Broadcast Journalist in the radio section of the business news unit of the BBC. This means I produce and report on business news for a range out outlets including Five Live, Radio 4, the Asian Network and local BBC stations.

How long have you worked at the organisation? Did you join straight from uni?

I've been here for almost 5 years but after university I spent 2 years at a management consultancy - like so many other people.

When did you decide on a career in media?

I realised I wanted to do something more creative but didn't want to waste the business experience I had gained and so I thought I'd give business journalism a go. Now here I am.

Which programmes have you worked on/appeared on?

I have worked on the Today programme for Radio 4 and most of the news programmes on Five Live. Last year I also produced some documentaries for File On 4, an investigative journalism series. I occasionally report business news for local stations and the Richard Bacon programme on Five Live.

Have you worked with anyone famous? Any good anecdotes to tell?

....er, that would be telling. I stood next to Will Ferrel in the lift once, that was exciting.

Whats the best part of working for the BBC?

It's a good conversation opener. Management consultancy was a conversation killer.

What are your colleagues like? is it a fun place to work?

There are lot's of talented people here, and it's always interesting. Even when you're standing in Brent Cross shopping centre at 4am on New Years Day interviewing people queuing up for the sales. On the downside, it's a bit like the civil service (I imagine) - getting things done can be frustrating and career management is very ad hoc. I think management consultancies monitor employee's development much more closely. I'm glad I did that first rather than join the BBC straight away.

Where do u live in London, and why? For how long have u lived in the area?

Right now I live in Shepherd's Bush because its close to work, but I grew up in London and have lived all over. My commute is the biggest factor in determining where I live. The tube really is awful. In fact I've just bought a bike to avoid using it at all.

Where do you see yourself in 5/10years time?

Still not sure I'm afraid. The answers still haven't presented themselves to me yet...

What advice would you offer a student or recent graduate who is considering a career in media?

Don't ever be put off by fear of sheer numbers of people applying. Recruiting is done on an ad hoc basis as and when staff are needed - there's no milkround. That also means it's less of a meritocracy and being in the right place at the right time is often more important. However, if you're prepared to do a few weeks unpaid work experience at various media companies this will help you a lot.