Ishani Mistry - University of Birmingham

Ishani Mistry (MSc Applied Meteorology and Climatology, 2023; BSc Physical Geography, 2022), says: 'During my time at the University of Birmingham, I told anyone who would listen that I wanted to be a weather presenter.

A woman with long dark hair and white and blue polkadot dress stands in front of a green screen

'It was an ambitious goal, but I threw myself into every opportunity that brought me one step closer.

'I studied Physical Geography before completing a Master’s in Applied Meteorology and Climatology, building my understanding of weather and climate, while presenting weekly for Guild TV. Looking back, it was the perfect combination of science and storytelling.

'After graduating, I got my first break in the media industry, working behind the scenes at Sky Studios Elstree before becoming an operational meteorologist at MetDesk. I also started making weather videos on TikTok to make forecasts more accessible.

'Today, I’m living that ambition as a weather presenter for the BBC, and it still feels surreal to say that. My alarm goes off at 3am as I prepare television and radio forecasts for audiences across the North of England.

'The University gave me the knowledge, confidence, and opportunities to build my career. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that talking about your ambitions can open doors in ways you’d never expect.'