Author: Sara Anasztazia Bosanko Botosh

“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.