The event will be held in the PG Centre at the Luton campus on Friday 31^st March from 10am to 2pm, and will welcome industry guests and University of Bedfordshire alumni from the School of Arts & Creative Industries who will be sharing their aspirational career advice and highlights from their personal sports journalism journeys.

Members of the public, prospective students and current students can all attend for free – just click here to sign up to attend.

Among those bringing along their knowledge and expertise is Micky Payne, who has worked for the BBC for the last three decades and specialises in directing and producing live sports events. This includes leading the coverage of the London Marathon for more than 25 years and overseeing the output of popular football show, Match of the Day – a British television staple which has been running since the 1960s.

Speaking about this upcoming event, Micky said: “Breaking down any mystery associated with TV work helps to encourage all students to apply with confidence, and I'd like to spread the word about the importance of journalistic skills in all television jobs – especially in sports broadcasting – and the wide range of opportunities on offer.”

One of the event’s guest alumni, who studied at the University of Bedfordshire and is now working in top roles within the industry, will be Joe Flemons. He graduated with a degree in Broadcast Journalism in 2016 and now works as a TV and radio presenter, sports reporter and commentator. Joe currently presents Matchday Live for Chelsea FC and previously worked as a Capital Radio DJ for six years.

Joe commented: “Sports journalism is as unpredictable as it is challenging. It is a fantastic industry to be in but you need to be versatile and ready to compete, and that's where a degree can help you prepare. You can never be too prepared and I will take some of the skills I learned at the University of Bedfordshire with me through my entire – hopefully long! – career.”

The event will also hear from lecturers Jon Boyle and Owain Jones who teach on the University’s Sports Journalism course and have both enjoyed careers working within various areas of sports media.

Dr Paul Rowinski, Senior Lecturer in Journalism, spoke about the importance of this eye-opening industry masterclass: "Sports journalism and live event production are booming sectors of the media industry. It's important to celebrate University of Bedfordshire alumni who have achieved in these sectors and couple that with the opportunity to hear from those at the very top of the game. This creates a platform for a deeper understanding and vision for all on how to succeed.”

Attendance is free but spaces are limited so everyone is required to reserve a spot in advance via Eventbrite – click here to RSVP.