Peta
How did you get into the BBC?
I took a look at the jobs site and kept my eyes one what was happening. I have a Disability and eventually I found out about a Disability placement scheme called the BBC Extend Scheme, so I applied for it.
To my surprise I got an interview. Three days later I was flying to Glasgow from Australia to take it (I hate phone interviews). It was one of the biggest gambles I have ever made, and by far the most dramatic. So, after a 25 hour flight followed by three days intense study while trying to overcome some pretty serious jet lag I went for the interview... and didn't get the job! - I realise this is the part where I am meant to tell you how I got into the BBC but the first part makes for better telling and is essentially how most of us get in anyway - after not getting in, many, many times.
I did a good interview that day and I did a good many interviews following that one, but then so did a lot of other people. I knew what I wanted and was prepared to keep pushing for it. To my surprise I got a call about 3 months after my interview in Glasgow asking me to come in for an informal chat. Apparently I had been selected as 'also suitable' for a job I had applied for in Manchester and a London team needed an Admin Assistant and "was I prepared to move to London". So that's how I ended up with my first job with BBC… It’s a trans-continental journey and a good thing that I like travelling.
What is the best thing about working as a PMA?
The BBC is a place filled with some of the most amazing minds in all areas of the media industry, many of whom are more then happy to share their wisdom with an interested collegue. If you are inclined to take advantage of that then the BBC is for you. At this level of your career the opportunities are pretty endless, it’s a great time to explore the media industry while learning how to manage a production from the ground up. The training opportunities and educational opportunities here are amazing. You will make great friends and contacts and you will learn how the industry works.
What is the worst thing about working as a PMA?
Entry level positions within the BBC are hard. Most of us move mountains to get here and come in all starry eyed prepared to be inspired by the magic of television. The reality is, it's a massive corperation that can be overwhelming in it's complexity. The perseverence that gets you in will be what keeps you in. There are opportunities to develop outside of your - initially very basic - job scope but the onus is on you to find them and make them happen. This can seem extremely difficulty even futile at times, it's important to remember that it's not.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to get into the BBC?
Keep trying and do your research. Don't be disheartened by rejection, its part and parcel of working at the BBC.
Never think you aren’t the "BBC type". The BBC thrives on different "types" of people.
What qualities do you think are essential to working in the BBC?
Social aptitude and perserverence as well as a genuine enthusiasm to learn and participate in anything.
What are you currently doing now and describe a typical day?
I am a Production Management Assistant working for Multiplatform Factual in London. I work under an Executive producer, a Production Coordinator and a Production Manager.
My day to day is not a glamorous one, it involves a lot of Emailing, Diary Management and setting up meetings with a bit of production management thrown in. I get to book production services, raise PO's and coordinate basic shoots.
Where do you see your next role?
As a Web Assistant or a PMA for a programme team that will offer more hands on production experience.
