Becky Gregory-Clarke

I joined R&D in May 2010, with an MEng in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the University of Bristol. I had worked for a little while as an Antenna Engineer which I enjoyed, but I was looking for the variety offered by the Technologist training scheme, and the chance to work in a department with such an amazing reputation as BBC R&D was too good to miss.

So far on the scheme I have been on placements in two completely different areas of the department. The first was in the Advanced RF for HD Radio Cameras group, which fitted fairly well with my background in electronics. During this time I created a communication link for a radio camera system, for which I had to learn a lot about programming PIC microprocessors, as well as designing and building the supporting circuitry. I also carried out a ‘channel sounding’ campaign, which involves taking measurements that can be used for modelling the operating environment of the radio cameras. During my time in this group I also got to spend a couple of days with an Outside Broadcast team as they filmed the Rugby League Challenge Cup Final at Wembley stadium, to gain some experience of the way the cameras are actually used.

My second placement is within the Audience Experience section, and involves researching recommendation algorithms. These recommender systems can be used by services such as iPlayer for bringing personalised content to the BBC’s audiences. This project is a lot more software based than anything I’ve done before, and as well as learning Java, I’m currently building a web application for use in a field trial, so I’m learning how to use html for the first time as well.

As well as my main projects, I find myself volunteering for various other ‘extra-curricular’ activities that I think are fun and a good way to mingle with other people in the department, the wider BBC and beyond. This has included things like building an interactive art installation for the Anti Design Festival, and taking a load of demos to The Big Bang Expo in an attempt to encourage school children into science and engineering.

So far I have found the trainee scheme has been one of the best career opportunities I have ever had. Not only have I found the breadth of work and quality of training that I was looking for, but this is a truly fascinating field, and the BBC is a very exciting place to be. Lastly, to me it’s an important part of any good training scheme to feel that I work for an employer who is not afraid to invest in me; and that’s what I have found at BBC Research & Development.

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