He tells us how networking opportunities at the university helped him secured both his roles and shares advice for students graduating this year.

Toby Crabb, Radio & Audio BA (Hons)

How did you get your new role?

I met the Somer Valley FM team at the Community Media Festival which was hosted by the University of Bedfordshire. I was working as a voiceover for the event - the team luckily enjoyed my work and we got talking. From that they invited me to do a demo for the station and they offered me a show to present! I also started a job at the University in the Graduate Advancement Scheme (GAP) where I am a Project Outreach Coordinator for Radio LaB. My lecturer Terry Lee recommended the role to me. I submitted my recently updated CV with my newly acquired 1st class degree in Radio & Audio. I heard back from the University, got an interview and weeks later I got the job!

Can you tell us more about your new role?

I started being a presenter at Somer Valley FM after I graduated and am based in Somerset just outside Bath. I presenter on the afternoon show on the station's line up every Monday. I only started my Radio LaB Project Outreach Coordinator role this year with the University, based at the Luton campus. The role involves me to initiate and support the delivery of new cross-department University initiatives and programming, with a specific focus on promoting and engaging with any department's positive news and projects through radio and audio content. These could be produced through a series of short interviews, with clips to use across social media and to be placed on Radio LaB's website.

How long has it been since you graduated?

I graduated in July 2022 and during the graduation I was presented a special Student Engagement award by the University of Bedfordshire’s Dr Joan Bailey MBE, Senior Lecturer in Social Work, on behalf of HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire Helen Nellis. This was in recognition of my work as a student station manager at Radio LaB.

Are there any aspects of your course or university life that have helped you in your role now?

Being a student manager at Radio LaB taught me so much in what it takes to be in a working radio station environment every day. I learnt so much from adding a lot of new production to the station's output, running and promoting the station on different initiatives and platforms, presenting live radio shows and understanding what worked and what didn't work. It was a great place to learn all my skills and a safe place to make mistakes and learn from them with the incredible support of Terry Lee.

Did you attend any career workshops whilst at university?

I didn't attend any, however, since taking up a role at the university within the GAP scheme. I am working closely with the careers and employability office and the support they have given me since taking up my new role has been incredible and strongly recommend anyone to take up any opportunities they present.

Any advice you would give to students graduating this year and thinking about full time work?

My advice would be to say yes to everything! Even if it's volunteering because you can gain so many skills and can get ahead of the game. Keep putting those extra hours because people do notice your work ethic, your ability and willingness in wanting to achieve your goals!