Harry
Webster

Harry secured a job as Communications Intern at Manchester City Football Club after completing his course.

What made you choose to study at NTU?  

“I have always had a clear idea of what I wanted to achieve and where I wanted to be after three years of study, so it was massively important that I made the right decision on where to go. After plenty of research and several open days it became clear that studying at the Centre of Broadcasting & Journalism at NTU was the best option for me to progress my career. I was torn between studying Sports Journalism at another university or just Journalism but after a chat with several tutors at the NTU open day they made me feel extremely welcome and made my decision an easy one.”

What were the key features that attracted you to your course?

“First and foremost, the facilities at CBJ are the best in the country. The newsroom is exceptional with plenty of computers and equipment to ensure that you are ready for a modern, digital newsroom in the industry. The facilities made my decision to study here an easy one. Something that stuck with me from the open day was when one of the tutors said that we would feel like journalists and not students and that was absolutely correct. The course is also NCTJ accredited which, as I have recently found out, gives you a massive boost when applying for jobs as potential employers look out for it and find it impressive. Learning shorthand as well as media law has and will continue to prove massively beneficial for my career too.”

What do you enjoy most about your course?

“The constant feeling that you are progressing as a journalist is a fantastic feeling. From day one you are thrown out into the city centre to question people and although it is intimidating at first, it is that courage and confidence you gain that sets you up for a successful three years. The course is extremely challenging at times, but it is also massively rewarding. Learning about media law, how to shoot and edit video and use equipment while producing engaging pieces of work and how to write shorthand are all skills that I will possess for life and without this course it wouldn’t have been possible.”

What do you think about the course staff – include lecturers, tutors, administrators and technical staff within this. How do they support your learning and University experience?

“Over the past three years it has been impossible to fault the course staff. From day one they make you feel welcome but also outline what they expect from you. If you can give them the same commitment that they give to you then your three years will not only be much more successful but made easier. Their support and monitoring in first year was outstanding and when the going gets tough in second year and especially third year their help and time will erase any concerns or worries you may have.”

What do you like about studying and living in Nottingham?

“Nottingham is a city that I was very sad to leave after three memorable years there. The city is buzzing with students every day and that creates an atmosphere that is amazing to be around. It goes without saying that the social aspect of university such as the nightlife and things to do is an integral part of your experience and Nottingham ticks every box. Alongside your studies you always need to take a break and do something that you want to do and this city offers that in abundance. For me, going from a quiet life in the countryside down in Cornwall to the hustle and bustle of city life was a massive culture change but it was the right decision. It really is a superb city to study in, which also helps you academically, with the city offering plenty of news and events to cover.”

Have you completed any work placements and if so can you tell me a little bit about them – where you went and what you did?

“My work placements alongside my studies have, without doubt got me to the very fortunate position I find myself in now. It has always been my goal to work at a professional sports club and spending two weeks at Nottingham Forest Football Club in second year helped me get my foot in the door, widen my contacts in the industry and develop my skills significantly. From there, I was able to secure the voluntary position of Academy Reporter at the club in third year, which boosted my CV considerably and played a massive role in helping me secure my current position. I also spent two years working as the Media Assistant at Nottingham Rugby Club, which was another string to my bow and impressed employers when going for jobs.”

How did your course and/or placement enhance your employability for your chosen career? What skills have you gained?

“Working at a professional football or rugby club is an ambition that is often shared with other students up and down the country which makes it incredibly competitive. Therefore, you must make yourself stand out above the rest and find something that makes you different. The course provides the foundations of what you practice on placement and in the industry so if you can perfect them while putting yourself out there it will enhance your employability massively. For example, learning how to interview someone and then write a good feature is something I practiced while at Nottingham Forest after learning the basics at CBJ. Other skills such as confidently liaising with high-profile figures such as the manager and players are other abilities that I wouldn’t have been able to acquire without putting myself out there. I cannot emphasise enough how important it is to secure some worthwhile experience during your three years at NTU because that, alongside a fantastic journalism course, makes you incredibly employable.”

What was the process for getting your graduate job? How does it feel to be working for such a high profile football club?  

“It was a difficult process for securing my graduate job. I had three interviews at other professional clubs before I was successful and faced setbacks, which were hard to take, but I am a firm believer in the notion that you go through everything for a reason and hard work will always pay off. Following a tough assessment day up against 12 outstanding candidates, and two more interviews, I was offered the position of Communications Intern at Manchester City Football Club. I feel massively honoured and privileged to work for the current Premier League champions and it is a great feeling to go into work knowing that you are working for and representing one of the most high-profile football clubs in the world. This opportunity would not have been possible without this course and all those at NTU.”

What advice would you give to students thinking of studying at CBJ?

“Embrace every moment, take every opportunity offered to you, give your all in every piece of work you produce, use your tutors who are incredible, embrace the city and the university experience and, most importantly, meet friends who make it so special. Whether you study Journalism or Broadcast Journalism, the CBJ newsroom is a tight-knit environment where everyone will speak to you and the relationships that you will form are just brilliant.”