We offer each of our trainees a summer bursary of up to £1,000 every summer of their degree to spend on journalism work experience or a journalism project, giving them the unique opportunity to travel and explore the areas of journalism they are passionate about.
Here, second year School of Journalism London trainee Holly Nichols shares how she spent two weeks working at her local BBC radio station.
This summer I was able to spend two weeks working at my local radio station, BBC Three Counties, where I spent my time shadowing journalists and radio presenters, learning invaluable skills and building connections.
I quickly learnt that every day is different at a radio station. I was able to experience what it was like to prepare several different shows, ranging from the weekly breakfast show to the Sunday evening show.
LISTEN UP: Two radio shows Holly featured on
During my time there, I never expected to actually be on the radio. However, on my first day I was proved wrong.
I was asked to read the travel bulletins every half an hour for the four-hour drive time show. Hearing my voice on the radio for the first time was an extremely surreal experience and one I will always remember throughout my career.
Had an amazing first day of work experience at @BBC3CR !! Hearing my voice on the radio is so so surreal🤭
— Holly Nichols (@HollyNichols_) July 18, 2022
I was also asked to help out with an OB (outside broadcast) which would take place on one of the boats at the bi-annual Bedford River Festival.
Not only was this such an amazing experience because I was able to see a different side to broadcasting, but also because Bedford is my home town and I have been going to this festival my whole life.
At the beginning of the two weeks I can remember feeling very overwhelmed and nervous.
It has always been my aspiration to work for the BBC, so working there felt completely bizarre. I remember wondering if I was good enough and being so confused by all of the new equipment and software.
However, towards the end of the week the idea of reading the travel bulletins live on air didn’t seem as terrifying and I was starting to use and understand all the complicated radio software.
This experience was so important. It really helped me to gain a better understanding of the media industry, how it operates, and what area of journalism I would like to go into after graduating.
You can read more summer bursary blogs here.
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