Jenna Hughson

A Day in my Life

My role involves working on digital media campaigns, seeking to increase awareness of BBC programmes like Planet Earth 3 via social media. This requires liaising with internal and external stakeholders, giving briefs to editors, contracting influencers, and conducting audience research.

I do a lot of data analysis to help inform our publishing strategy, which is more fun than it sounds. It requires getting into the head of your average audience member and trying to optimise the content for their benefit, which can be very rewarding.

My Journey to BBC Studios

After graduating, I applied largely for post-production roles, as I had found a passion for editing during my Masters degree. I applied to be Assistant Producer at a visual effects company and had two interviews before securing that role and moving to London.

From there I was able to see the inner workings of the post production process, but also how they marketed their work via social media, which cemented my love for using it as a medium.

My Birmingham Experience

My experience on my Masters course meant that I was well versed with colour theory, audience analysis, Photoshop and Premiere Pro. They also gave me interview training, critiqued my CV and gave me a training internship - work experience in your field really gives you an edge in the job market.

My undergraduate degree finessed the research, linguistic and adaptability skills required in my role on a daily basis - I need my posts to be clear, informative and engaging, but adaptable to my intended audience.

Birmingham's Impact

My professors and placement staff took an active role in preparing me for the job market with invaluable career advice and enhancement of my CV and interview skills. The best things about my course was the investment in your personal development and provision of tangible skills and work experience. I also loved having the option to submit an audiovisual dissertation in documentary form.

My Achievements 

Gaining first class honours in my undergraduate degree and a distinction in my Masters degree despite the implications of completing both during the height of the coronavirus pandemic. Class of 2020!

On a personal note, I'm proud of myself for taking the leap and moving to London having grown up in very rural mid Wales.

Advice for Students

Seek out internships, graduate training and even extra curricular activities - the job market is fierce, but if you can demonstrate an active passion for your chosen field and your prospective employers‚ work it will help to secure that first step in graduate employment. Really talk up your experience in your CV so that passion comes across, even if you feel its minimal.

I felt there was a really slim chance that I'd get my job at the BBC, but having the confidence to bring everything you can to the table and allowing the employer to develop you is a completely viable entry route. You don't have to have 5 years experience to get your foot in the door as long as you have a demonstrable willingness to learn!