This February, we welcomed a fantastic group of alumni back to our MediaCity campus to share their experience, insight and advice with our Level 6 Broadcast students as part of our Next Steps event.

The day brought together colleagues from across the university alongside our alumni panel to support students as they approach graduation. A real highlight was seeing alumni return to give their time, talk honestly about their journeys and support those preparing to enter the industry.

Our panel featured:

  • Nicole Williams – Producer, Hits Radio 00s Breakfast
  • Dimitri Michael – Shooting Assistant Producer, CTVC
  • David Smith – Studio Engineer, Audio Always
  • Sophie Davis – Freelance Junior Production Manager, NBC Universal
  • Matt Green – Freelance Tech Op/Producer, Hits Radio
  • Flora Morsman – Presenter, Hits Radio Pride
  • Eleanor Whitehurst – Freelance Podcast Producer and Audio Transcriber, The Lowry
  • Adam Paterson – Social Media Producer, MultiStory Media

Each speaker shared their career journey so far, from their first roles after graduation to where they are now. They spoke about the realities of working in the media industry, including the importance of persistence, adaptability and making the most of opportunities as they come up.

There was a strong focus on practical advice. Alumni shared how work experience, placements and shadowing helped them build confidence and develop their skills. Their insight helped bring the early stages of a media career into clearer view.

Alongside the panel, colleagues from the Alumni team, Careers team and Launch shared the support available after graduation. Together, the sessions highlighted how students remain part of the university community as they take their next steps.

Students and staff also enjoyed a live shout-out on BBC Radio 1 from fellow alumna and Radio 1 presenter, Vicky Hawkesworth. It was a great moment and a reminder of the strength of our alumni network.

Overall, the event showed the impact of alumni coming back to support current students. By sharing their time and experience, our graduates helped build confidence and give a clearer sense of what comes next.

Our alumni community plays a big part in supporting the next generation. If you’d like to get involved, you can register your interest in volunteering by completing our short form.