The next generation of journalists from Teesside University had the chance to learn from industry experts after visiting the headquarters of Sky Sports and Bloomberg in London.
Students studying Journalism and Sports Journalism in the School of Computing, Media and the Arts had the opportunity to visit Sky Sports News and Bloomberg, two of the biggest news organisations in the world.
The students had the chance to discuss what Sky Sports and Sky News look for in a journalism graduate and what is needed to stand out from the crowd with Laurie Tucker of the Sky Journalism Training Team.
Sky Sports News Presenters Tom White and Dharmesh Sheth were also on hand to talk about their career pathway and how work experience and patience was key to them securing jobs at Sky Sports.
Students also learnt how Sky News operates and how it dealt with some of the biggest stories of 2018.
The chance to visit Bloomberg, was also part of the two-day trip with students having the opportunity to hear from Seb Salek on his career as a TV presenter following on from his degree studying Law.
Bloomberg delivers business and markets news, data, analysis, and video to the world, featuring stories from Businessweek and Bloomberg News.
Students also had the chance to hear about business journalism from Zimri Smith, who is part of Bloomberg’s News Training Team.
Bloomberg’s London Bureau Chief Neil Callanan also spoke about what is needed to succeed in the industry and how without putting yourself forward, opportunities will slip by.
Paul Bailey, Senior Lecturer in Journalism, said: “This was an excellent opportunity for students to find out what it takes to get a job at two of the most prestigious media businesses in the UK.”
“They gained a valuable insight into how Sky Sports and Sky News work and also how Bloomberg develops financial and business news.
“It certainly made the students think about their career opportunities and what is possible.”
Third year student Helen Cartwright, who is studying BA(Hons) Journalism, said: “I really enjoyed the trip to London. I think it was very insightful to go to Bloomberg and Sky Sports and Sky News.”
“It helped inform us about the industry that we are going to be going into and allowed us to talk to professionals about their experience in journalism and how we can start our own careers in journalism.
“Overall a fantastic two days.”
While in London, students couldn’t miss the chance of doing some sightseeing, visiting Covent Garden, Piccadilly Circus and even watching a production of Mamma Mia in the West End.
Check out what our students thought of the trip to the Capital on twitter.
@SkyNews @SkySportsNews A fabulous question and answer session hosted today for us. A great insight from professionals about how to get into journalism to end up where you want to be and great advice about how to get there! Highly appreciated!
— Hannah Conway (@hannahinteeside) January 10, 2019
Had a wonderfully insightful trip in London to Bloomberg and Sky, our hosts were so helpful and informative and it was great to see a working newsroom and tv studio!
— Lauren (@laurenmarie97_) January 10, 2019
Teesside University Sports Journalism Graduate – now working in Digital Media Communications
