Month: February 2016

We really enjoyed hearing what the alumni’s had to say! Find some clips of the event below.

“What would you have liked to have known before you went into this industry?”

A question from a student that returned a range of answers from our panel today.

Opening up the discussion, Vivek Sharma explained the importance of gaining experience in all types of media in order to stand out against other job applicants. Jonathan Hart and Chris gray used their knowledge of freelancing to express the benefits of shadowing a freelance worker to make your CV stand out.

Hannah Gilbey mentioned the value of shorthand and networking whilst, Beth Dyson shared a similar view, saying that whilst making contacts is important, acquiring skills from fellow journalism students is also very worthwhile.

As the event draws to a close, it’s safe to say the #lsjalumni2016 event has been a great success!

At 3pm the floor opened for questions to our guest panellists.

One of the main points so far has been the question of “how valuable is work experience?”

Johnathan Hart stressed the importance of experience, describing that when looking at a CV, work experience comes first before a Degree.

Beth Dyson shared her view on the subject, explaining that whilst studying for her degree, she took as many work experience opportunities as she could, almost working a full time job whilst studying in her third year at Lincoln.

It is clear that hard work has contributed to our alumni’s wealth of knowledge.

Question time continues as the floor is open to questions from Twitter.

After a special speech by Vivek Sharma featuring a video message from ITV presenters the #lsjalumni2016 event is off to a great start. Questions from the audience mention the glamour of the business, Vivek shares that “If you want the glamour side you need to work hard”.  His hard work certainly paid off when he got the chance to cover the news of David Bowie’s death outside his home in New York. He said it was incredible to witness tributes to the singer.

His final words of advise are to take every opportunity available to you, however frequent, to keep things “fresh”.

still to come, questions to the panel. Feel free to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

With everything set up and ready to go, we thought we’d give you a small bite of information on each of our speakers.

First up, Vivek Sharma. Who has 15 years of producing live TV shows under his belt and a wealth of knowledge. From his humble beginnings as  a runner for 5 news he’s worked his way up to covering stories all across the world for Sky News and ITN.

Next up is Beth Dyson. First class Honors student in Management and Public Relations she has worked with organisations such as BAE systems and the RAF, as well as the Typhoon Force group. Today she will share her anecdotes from her varied work experiences.

Panellist Jonathan hart, BBC sport Multimedia broadcast assistant has used his experience with Siren FM to launch him into working with Radio 5 Live, producing a wide range of sports programmes.

Michaela Solty’s joins us today with an array of work experiences which vary from a Social Media and Marketing Assistant for artsNK  right through to her current position at the Lincolnshire County Council as an Assistant Communications Officer where she can apply her skills collected from her journalism degree.

Chris Gray, 2 months into his BBC contract as a Broadcast Assistant, will share his thoughts on the industry and after winning Best Documentary at the 2015 BJTC Awards we look forward to hearing his perspectives on the world of journalism.

Last but certainly not least, Hannah Gilbey. Hannah is currently the business correspondent at the Lincolnshire Echo newspaper. Since graduating from her Journalism degree in 2013 she has taken on a wealth of work experiences such as freelance work at Heart FM and a few front page opportunities. Today she will be giving us an insight into her world.

For more updates like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter

The annual PR and Journalism alumni conference returns to the University of Lincoln tomorrow featuring guests, Vivkek Sharma, Beth Dyson, Jonathan Hart, Michaela Soltys, Chris Gray and Hannah Gilbey.

Vivek, assistant editor for the ITV Breakfast show ‘Good Morning Britain’, will be the keynote speaker. The day will consist of a welcome speech by head of school Jason Whittaker followed by questions to the panel.

The event provides the opportunity for alumni to network whilst giving out words of wisdom to current PR and Journalism students.

We hope to see you there, you can like us on Facebook for updates or follow us on Twitter!