Name: Debbie King (was Debbie Cantor)
Year of Graduation: 1999
University Subject: History
Job Title: TV presenter
Company: Various
Past Working History/How did you get to where you are today?:
When I left uni I got a Graduate Recruitment placement at The Big Breakfast on Channel 4. After working there for a year I moved on to the BBC, The Disney Channel, Sky, Nickelodeon and finally This Morning on ITV. I was by then an Assistant Producer. I then decided to take the step and move from behind to in front of the camera taking a job on a new entertainment show on Sky as a presenter. I moved around from show to show and am still doing the same thing today!
Describe a typical day in your job:
It depends whether I am promoting, rehearsing or actually filming. Usually it requires a very early start, doing my makeup and hair, getting to the shoot and reading through the script of running order. Then depending on what show I am working on filming begins. It its live then we only get one take – if not the day tends to take longer as we re do takes till the director is happy!
What did you wish you’d known when you first left university?:
Experience is invaluable, not necessarily learnt information.
What makes you employable?:
Tenacious, hard working and very likeable!
Best thing about your job:
It never ever gets boring. Each day is a new adventure.
Worst thing about your job:
The unpredictability and insecurity of being freelance.
Why should someone do your job?:
Its exciting, interesting and lots of fun. But there are absolutely no guarantees, you need talent and luck as well. Its extremely competitive and you need to be focused!
LIKE WHAT YOU HEAR?
What are the main skills I need to demonstrate for this job?
Being able to show evidence of the following skills will help you in your pursuit to become a TV presenter:
§ Excellent communication skills
§ The ability to work as part of a team
§ Creativity and problem-solving skills
§ Performance skills and a clear voice for broadcasting
§ Research and interviewing skills
§ The ability to handle stress and make quick decisions under pressure
§ Confidence and the ability to sell yourself
§ The ability to take the initiative
§ Flexibility
[Source: Prospects and Skillset]
Where do I find out more information about this job?
The following websites all provide further information on working as a TV presenter, including case studies and typical career routes:
- is a searchable database of graduates working in a variety of careers and organisations. Search for graduates working in the media industry, read their detailed profiles and get in touch with them directly.
For more information and other resources to help with your research call into the Careers Service – no appointment necessary.
How can I find vacancy/employer information?
Like Debbie, many people start working behind the camera, often in production, before making the move into presenting. If you’re considering a career in news, it’s worth bearing in mind that most presenters are usually trained journalists with considerable newsroom experience.
The following websites are a good starting point for those seeking job opportunities in broadcasting:
For further vacancy sources call into the Careers Service and speak to an Information Officer – no appointment necessary.
How can I find work experience in each of these roles?
Pre-entry work experience is essential if you want to land a job as a presenter. Give yourself a head start by getting involved in on-campus media activities such as working on the student newspaper or radio station.
The BBC, ITV and Channel 4 all offer work experience but, be warned, places are limited and competition is fierce. Further details of what they offer can be found online (see How can I find vacancy/employer information? for web address details).
Working as a production runner is an excellent way to get entry-level work experience in the TV industry. Check out
www.4rfv.co.uk for a list of UK TV production companies.
Also look out for national talent schemes which give you the chance to showcase your skills and network with industry professionals.
Work experience opportunities in Publishing, Media and Performing Arts can be found on the following websites:
Not all work experience opportunities are advertised so you also need to consider sending speculative applications to organisations that interest you. Use the above websites or call into the Careers Service to help you find organisations to contact.
How much will I get paid?
Most TV presenters are self-employed (freelance) and paid on a show-by-show basis.
While salaries for presenters with significant experience can rise to £30,000 - £50,000, starting salaries can be much lower. Very successful/celebrity presenters can often earn salaries of £100,000+
Source: Prospects (salary data collected Jan 06).
How can the Careers Service help me?
Our philosophy is that you can ‘be what you want to be’. We have a huge range of services on offer to:
§ Help you work out what you want to do after you graduate.
§ Give you information to make informed decisions about which option to choose.
§ Give you practical experience of working or running your own business and support in starting your own business.
§ Help you find your ‘dream job’ or course.
§ Ensure that you market yourself professionally.
Call in and see us – we are on the 2nd Floor of Armstrong Building and are open from Mon-Thur 10:00 - 5:00, Fri 10:00 - 4:30 or visit our website
www.careers.ncl.ac.uk
