Christopher
How did you get into the BBC?
I applied for the Vision Intake Pool via the BBC Jobs website. Basically, I would scour the jobs website twice-daily looking for a runner's position with which to get my foot in the door.
I came down from Glasgow for the interview process, was successful in gaining entry to the ViP scheme and literally found out days later that I'd got a job as a Talent Management Assistant in Factual. London then beckoned...
The best thing about working as a PMA is:
The number of doors and opportunities that open to you, the contacts you make and the interesting people you meet. I also really enjoy the content of BBC Factual, so being in an environment where people are discussing and working on programmes I have been a fan of for some time such as Watchdog, Crimewatch, The Film Show, Bang Goes the Theory and The One Show is a real thrill. It is an even bigger thrill when I actually am afforded the opportunity to help out on these productions, an opportunity afforded fairly regularly despite my office-based position!
What is the worst thing about working as a PMA?
The monotony of some of the tasks and as mentioned before, being stuck at my desk. If you start at the bottom, you've got to be prepared to earn your stripes, makes lots of tea and stare at Excel spreadsheets endlessly. If people trust you with basic tasks and you do them with no fuss and a smile on your face, the more exciting parts of working at the BBC will follow and the doors will open.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to get into the BBC?
Don't give up - persistance is the key and have belief in yourself. If you've got a passion for something you really need to give it your all in order to make it happen.
With regards to the practicalities of the job, be prepared to work long hours, pay attention and soak up everything that is going on around you, and ask plenty of questions. You normally find directors are happy to answer your questions as it shows you are keen and willing to learn. Get chatting with the people around you, the industry is all about contacts and it helps to know what's going on and what opportunities there are. Also it's nice to make new friends!
What qualities do you think are essential to be a good PMA?
Attention to detail, good organisational skills, ability to think on your feet and anticipate your managers' needs. A sense of humour doesn't go astray either and I've found the ability to mock people's accents, as well as accept the mockery of my own accent, is a good ice-breaker!
What are you currently doing now and describe a typical day?
Every day varies from one day to the next. As a Talent Management Assistant I meet and greet new joiners to Factual and explain the contracting process to them. I also update the records for all the staff in Factual and am a contact point when staff have queries or difficulties. On the production side of things, I've worked on productions as varied as the recent Children in Need, Crimewatch Roadshow, The One Show, Songs of Praise, Louis Theroux and Wonderland.
Where do you see your next role?
I am hoping to implement everything I've learned here and take it with me to a production in Factual. My goal is to be a Researcher in the next few years and I would love to get involved in History or Observational Documentaries. I'd also like to try a stint with Audio & Music and can think of no better position than what I'm in now to be able to make that happen. Like I said before, you can only ask…
