Sports Presenter

Career:
At school, I did work experience at the local radio station and contributed articles to the school newspaper. After A levels, I went to Durham University to study Law. I then went to work full-time at Metro FM in Newcastle doing the breakfast show. From there, I went to Sky TV in London as a sports presenter on ‘Sports Centre’. I then joined ITV as a sports broadcaster.

The job:
Doing two live programmes a week involves a lot of pre-production and planning. I may be out reporting, writing or presenting conferences and I have a lot of charity commitments. I need to research, read up and watch sports constantly. I have to find out about the teams and, particularly at the beginning of each season, check things very carefully and make sure that I complete and update all my files.

Big break:
My big break was going from Metro FM to Sky. I had done some local television for Tyne-Tees and I was seen and approached by Sky. I was in the right place at the right time! I really feel that practical experience is very important and doing unpaid work is a stepping stone.

Highlights:
Working on Euro 2000 was wonderful. Live broadcasting is always a highlight as you get the adrenalin rush! Interviewing Michael Owen at the beginning of his success, just after he scored the goal against Argentina, was great. His star was in the ascent and seeing him change and develop has been amazing. Interviewing people at the prime of their careers is always exciting - like Kevin Keegan when he was manager of England. Meeting Pele was another great highlight, of course!

Low:
Sometimes I plan to go out but find myself in the studio until 1am. I can’t really plan my week ahead as, for example, I could get a phone call to go and interview Sir Alec Ferguson and I have to do it then.

Tips from the top:
Get in through the door by doing work experience. If you’re any good, you won’t be unpaid for long! At school, have lots of interests to show potential employers. I represented Wales as a gymnast and that required a lot of willpower and determination in training and those qualities are important in work too. On your application forms show genuine passion and a wide range of interests. Don’t just read the sports pages, show you have other ideas and interests.