On Friday, I went to Manchester to represent my college at the recent Student Council for the NCTJ. Despite having to get up at 4am to catch the train, and not getting home until gone 11pm, I had a great day and met loads of cool people.
After an introduction from Joanne Butcher, the chief executive for the NCTJ we had a wee chat from Peter Allen who presents BBC Radio 5 live. It was great to hear his stories about being in the business and getting some good advice. The one that sticks out the most is "Have fun, and if you're not get out!"
Next was the Q & A session with the NCTJ. This gave us the opportunity to ask questions about our courses and the exams. We were split into groups and discussed the pro and cons of the NCTJ courses and what could be improved. One girl I was chatting to, Sarah, finished the course in 18 weeks!! the girl deserves a medal!
After lunch, we got to 'meet the editors'. The panel was chaired by Guardian readers' editor Chris Elliot and the rest of the panel was made up of Lynn Ashwell, deputy editor at Bolton News, managing editor at MEN Media Eamonn O'Neal and finally Michelle Mayman TV Editor at BBC North West Tonight.
Getting advice from them was the best part of the day. Having an insight from those already doing what you want to do, I think is invaluable. Even just small things like keeping a blog and interview and CV tips were really helpful. My favourite piece of advice of the day was from Chris Elliot when asked about interview tips: "Be yourself - but not too much!"
Talking to the other students there was good to know about the exams and how the different courses are run to the one that I am doing. Everyone was lovely and so friendly and gave me loads of advice as well as sharing my near-mental breakdown moments!
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