Cameron
Walker

What do you enjoy most about your course at NTU?

I love learning all the practical skills. The broadcast industry is really competitive. So, by having skills such as editing, camera operating and interviewing, it really helps when I do freelance work and work experience. Nowadays, you have to be a “jack of all trades” as a journalist, so I really like how the course isn’t completely essay and theory based.

What do you think about the course staff? How do they support your learning and University experience?

The technical staff are incredible. I don’t know how I’d get through my degree without them. They’re always on hand to help me with any technical problems, and they’re always willing to go the extra mile if I want to be shown how to do something we don’t cover on the course (e.g. an advanced camera technique).

What advice would you give to prospective students who are considering applying for your course?

If you want to be a journalist, do it! It’s one of the best broadcast journalism courses in the country. Not only will it teach you about ethics and media law (something that is essential when applying for jobs), it also teaches you how to be a good journalist. You get so much practice, and it will build your confidence over three years.

Have you completed any placements or work experience as part of the course? 

I’ve completed work experience at ITV’s This Morning, BBC News (national), Victoria Derbyshire, BBC Hereford and Worcester and Grayling (a PR company in Edinburgh). I’ve also shadowed the directors at Good Morning Britain (ITV) and The One Show (BBC One). Undertaking work experience at This Morning lead me to being offered Runner shifts at the show during my summer holidays between 2nd & 3rd Year. Now, as I write this, I’m completing News Researcher shifts at the show for two weeks during the Christmas Holidays. I hope they’ll offer me a full-time contract when I graduate.

Did NTU help you to attain your placements? If so, how?

Most of these placements I secured myself. However, one of my tutors put me in contact with his friend who works at Grayling.

What was the most interesting / enjoyable aspect of your placement and why?

Nothing quite beats the buzz of working on such a popular national television show like This Morning. From day one you’re crossing paths with so many celebrities, so for my first week of work experience, I was completely star struck! A highlight was shaking hands with Harry Styles, and eating Nadya Hussain’s (Bake Off winner) cake! Away from the showbiz, as a news researcher, I really enjoy finding real-life people to come on the show and tell us their story. It feels amazing when an item I’ve worked on is aired in front of millions of viewers.

What skills have you gained by completing this placement? 

Confidence, mostly. This is because you’re talking to so many people on a daily basis. From A-List celebrities, to a mother on benefits. I’ve also learnt the importance of organisation and prioritisation, because some days you can have four stories on the go an hour before the show airs, because a story has broken overnight.

Could you sum up your NTU experience in 3 words?

Rewarding, exciting, dynamic!

What are your career aspirations for the future?

I want to work full time in live television. Preferably in the magazine field, working on shows such This Morning and The One Show which have a variety of topics. I would love to be a television presenter, but it’s not something you can apply for. You just have to be in the right place at the right time.