Working at the BBC

bbc news

Back in mid-October I came across a post on the school’s website detailing a five-day work experience with the BBC.

Rather doubtful of my chances of achieving the opportunity, I decided to submit an idea for a local sports story anyway. Seeing as the work experience was with the sport department, my story focused on Tyrone GAA icon, Mickey Harte, his career and the difficulties associated with his position.

When my first day of the placement rolled around, I must admit I was extremely nervous. It felt like my first day of school all over again. On the bus up to Belfast, I was frantically trying to revise over any notes I had made in order to not look like an idiot.

My nerves soon turned into palpable excitement as I was introduced to Rachel Steele, my work experience partner, and my mentors Thomas Kane and Gavin Andrews who took us helped us set up a plan of attack.

On my second day, we toured BBC Newsline broadcast studio, examining the green screen studio, visited the graphic department and got to witness first-hand what it takes to run BBC Newsline every night from the command room.

Now, on my fourth day of working with the BBC, I have interviewed both Noel Donnelly and Mickey Harte and also met tons of interesting people such as Mark Sidebottom and Stephen Watson.

Overall, my work experience has been valuable in improving my interview skills, conversational skills and also improved my ability to edit on-up-to date software as I have now fully completed my piece on Mickey Harte which will be showcased in Manchester on the 23rd of March.

Sean Patrick Mulryan

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