A De Montfort University, UK, student has a cause for celebration after securing herself a highly sought-after job at ITV News.
Haddy Ndure, Gambian who is currently in her final year of a Journalism and History degree at De Montfort University and will graduate in July, will begin working with ITV and ITN News in the summer.
She is one of just ten people who have won a place at this year’s ITV News graduate scheme out of more than 1,200 applicants.
Haddy said: “It’s all very exciting. I have always been sure that I wanted to be a journalist and like in most careers, experience is essential.
“Knowing this, I have engaged myself in as much work as possible before and during my degree.
“I spent last summer with BBC World Service and BBC Manchester and very recently BBC Cambridge. Having those experiences under my belt as well as the skills and knowledge acquired from my degree has definitely played a big part in landing this job.”
After applying online she was invited to an assessment day and there were 50 hopefuls at that stage of the process.
“I left ITV studios that day thinking this is the hardest thing I have ever done in my life. It was incredibly intense and challenging, they pushed us to the limit. However, I must have done something right, because I received a phone call the week after, inviting me for an interview. I couldn’t believe it.
“During the interview, I just gave it my all. I went in very prepared but I still left feeling like I hadn’t done enough, again, it was that intense.
“University has been the best and hardest three years of my life. It has made me realise how little I actually knew about the world. I am so glad to be leaving knowing that I have secured myself a job.”
And Haddy’s top tip on landing that dream job?
“For every student, especially in journalism, I would say experience is key. Get as much experience as you can and of course put in the work and you will be just fine.”
Leicestershirepress.com
