Sarah Joyce graduated with a degree in English in 2012 before completing an MA Film and Television: Research and Production in 2014 . She is now a Researcher for the BBC.
What first attracted you to study at Birmingham?
"I knew people who were studying at University of Birmingham but the campus really swung it for me when I went to the undergraduate Open Day. I really liked the vibe and the fact the Arts building is right at the centre of the action! When considering where to study my MA, I chose University of Birmingham as the course offered a 3 month industry placement which I knew would give me invaluable work experience."
Can you tell us a little about your career progression since graduation?
"After I completed my MA, I joined BBC Wales as their Diversity Co-ordinator, looking across all output to ensure that we were representing the breadth and variety of the audience. I then went on to work at BBC Birmingham as part of University of Birmingham’s Cultural Intern Scheme, which offers alumni six months of paid work experience. In this role, I organised large- scale events for the BBC as well as shadowing with the radio teams".
"I have since moved to Salford to work for BBC Learning as a Researcher which is very varied. I have worked in development (generating and researching ideas for the BBC’s next big educational campaigns) and casting (finding the best people to front our exam campaign, The Mind Set)."
"I am currently working on a partnership campaign that involves digital work, such as using Content Management Systems and Photoshop. The thing I love most about my job is the variety and the breadth of research topics I get to tackle; anything from fashion to football to complex scientific concepts."
How do you feel your studies have influenced or helped you in your career?
"The placement I undertook during my MA has been the biggest help. I worked for 3 months at Maverick Television (the people who produced Embarrassing Bodies), working in both their development and multiplatform teams. This experience gave me lots of examples to use to showcase my skills when it came to job applications and interviews. It also really boosted my confidence and confirmed that this was the career path I wanted to take!"
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
"Seeing the young people I helped to cast for The Mind Set campaign appearing on BBC output (such as BBC Breakfast and on Radio 1). I thoroughly enjoyed the casting process and felt very proud to see the contributors doing so brilliantly on air."
What did you enjoy most about your time at Birmingham? Any favourite memories of campus?
"Honestly, the highlight was meeting my partner! We did the same MA course and have now been together for just over 3 and a half years. He’s American so we most likely never would have met if it hadn’t been for University of Birmingham."
What advice would you give to current or prospective University of Birmingham students?
"I would really recommend getting as much hands-on experience as possible, whether that’s through work experience placements, shadowing, working on your own projects etc. I know this can be easier said than done, especially when you’re juggling your studies too, but it’s so worth it. It helps you stand out from the crowd to employers as well as helping you to get a better sense of what you do and don’t want to look for in a future workplace."
"I would also recommend finding a good mentor. I’ve had some great unofficial mentors (tutors, bosses, friends) who have really helped me carve out my career so far, especially in the moments I’ve felt overwhelmed with it all."
"Finally, for Arts students, I would check out the alumni Cultural Intern Scheme as this can be a great first step."