Three University of Bedfordshire graduates from the University Campus Milton Keynes (UCMK) based journalism course did it by grabbing every opportunity available, even creating local news based website CitiBlog

“It's vitally important to gain as much experience as possible and not be afraid to take opportunities that are handed to you,” says BA (Hons) Journalism graduate Anthony Hornsby.

Along with fellow Bedfordshire graduates Liam Andrews and Matthew Ray, he has already gone into a related job. “I am a PR Executive for Europe's leading specialist in media relations and communications in the automotive industry,” said Anthony.

“I write press releases on behalf of these clients, liaise with journalists and eventually the potential is there to help represent clients at international automotive shows around the world.”

The three UCMK journalism graduates found their degree really helped prepare them for the world of work.

Liam Andrews said: “We covered everything from writing for newspapers and writing for websites to speaking on the radio and how to do broadcast journalism, as well as the essentials like journalism law and shorthand.

“It was a really practical course, but even learning about ethics and law was interesting because you have to put each theory with a practical example and it creates great debate!”

Liam has gone on to work as the Social Media Content Assistant at Haven Holidays, while Matthew is a Content Producer at BBC Radio 4, an enviable position.

Matthew said: “I have walked away with professional industry and life skills that I have found out already are transferable in employment.”

“Before doing the course I applied for twenty or so jobs at the BBC, during a three year period, without being offered a single interview.

“Having graduated I have only applied for one job at the BBC, and I was fortunate enough to be offered the role, beating over 100 other applicants.”

Liam credits the University of Bedfordshire’s skills and employability-focused course with helping him to secure the role.

“One of the main skills I would say the course has helped me with is becoming more confident. I mean it’s a bit less scary being interviewed by somebody for a job after you have interviewed Nigel Farage!”

Interviewing Nigel Farage was a result of an initiative that Liam set up with his fellow classmates in his first year.

He set up CitiBlog “to try and get myself experience in the journalism industry and it was actually ran in partnership with the Milton Keynes Citizen.

“But now we've grown so much we've become more of a rival to them I guess, which is great!” A rival that has already amassed over 600,000 views on their website.

Jon Boyle, Lecturer in Journalism at UCMK, emphasised the importance of work experience in the students landing professional jobs so quickly.

He said: "All of our Journalism students at UCMK have to do work placements so they are fully equipped to take their first steps in the industry when they graduate.

"Our most recent graduates enjoyed successful work experience spells at the BBC, the Press Association, the Milton Keynes Citizen, MK News, the MK Dons press office, Coral TV and MKFM, among others, so they will be real assets to the companies they work for."

Notes to editors:

Photo caption - left to right: Liam Andrews, Anthony Hornsby, and Matthew Ray