My first journalism job as an assistant producer

A graphic of Mariana in front of a camera. On the graphic it says 'my first job in journalism' and 'assistant producer'.

Now an assistant producer at GB News, Mariana Viveiros shares her journey since graduating from the School of Journalism.

What is your job? 

I’m an assistant producer at GB News.

What do you do on an average day in your role?

On an average day I get to speak with guests and get their thoughts on the topics we have lined up for the day. I print and help prepare scripts in case the autocue goes wrong and I also write the script announcements for each hour of the show. I am always on hand in case anything in the show goes wrong. 

Have you worked on something you are particularly proud of since graduating?

I got the chance to produce a script. The piece was about Meghan Markle and Prince Harry and Tom Bower was the featured guest talker. Seeing my work on TV was really interesting and made me think: ‘This is great, this is what I was born for. I was meant to be writing for TV’.

How did you secure your current job?

I got it with the help of one our journalism tutors Graham Dudman. I told him I really wanted to work in the TV industry. He put me in contact with Lucy Jones, who previously studied at News Associates, and who is now at GB News. From there she put me through to the executive producer. 

What was your biggest lesson from your training with the School of Journalism?

All the modules we were taught at the School of Journalism were incredibly helpful, but media law is extremely important and my job now has made me realise that. It taught me what I can and can’t write about. For example, when the Queen died, media law helped me understand the protocol of what we could and couldn’t publish. The lessons I learnt in that module are essential in my job as an assistant producer now.   

Read about what modules you study on our degree course.

How did your degree course prepare you for your first journalism job?

The degree course is very practical which is essential when entering this industry. We did a bit of everything including writing, presenting, radio, preparing scripts. I was able to show all of these skills to my employer.

Do you have any advice for people choosing where to study journalism?

Look at all of your options. I knew I didn’t enjoy sitting exams. Although we had assessments and exams at the School of Journalism, it was much for practical and hands on. I was treated as a journalist from day one. Also, make sure you have your NCTJ. It sets you apart from people who are competing for the same jobs as you.

Do you have any advice for current journalism students?

It’s ok if you don’t get a job straight away. Put yourself out there, email people because the worst they can say is no. Talk to people you know, reach out to as many of them as possible. 

The School of Journalism graduates go into the industry prepared for life as a journalist. Read about Rahima’s first job in journalism here.