Jazz Shergill

Multiplatform and Mobile Journalism MA

During her time studying at BCU, Jazz wasn’t sure where her path would take her. After trying her hand at marketing, working on TV shows and graphic design, it became clear to Jazz that she wanted to specialise in journalism. After doing research into how to get a foot in the door, she soon found herself returning to BCU to hone in on her craft and complete a Master’s in Multiplatform and Mobile Journalism. Now, Jazz is en route to success after securing a role at the BBC.

“I always knew I wanted to go to University. Coming from a South Asian background, education is key. I didn’t know what I wanted to do, but I liked the idea of media as it was super creative. When I came across the course at BCU, I just knew it was for me. I liked how the course was broad, as I didn’t know what I wanted to do, but I picked up so many skills. It’s a great course for those who know they want to be in the industry, but not sure what role specifically.

During my undergrad, I took on a variety of placements, including being a runner for the BBC, but I realised that it wasn’t really for me. It is one thing learning about skills at university, and a totally other thing being out in the industry and actually doing it. After graduating, I went into marketing, and again, just knew it wasn’t for me. But I continued to take on work experience as I really wanted to put my degree into practice.

I did a week at ITV Central where I was in the newsroom and I loved it. I suddenly just knew that I belonged in this environment. I spoke to a few people there and asked how they got into it. Many of them had studied postgrad at BCU, so I looked into the MA course and just went for it.

Going back to BCU to do my Master’s was the best decision I ever made. A lot of my friends and family couldn’t understand why I’d want to go back to university, but I ignored them. I knew I had to do it for myself.

I took my Master’s really seriously. I formed relationships with my lecturers and as the class sizes were much smaller, we had more time with them. There was also a lot of support and we could talk openly together.

After graduating in early 2021, I started working at Birmingham Live as a Video Journalist. My friend sent me the job advertisement for GB News, so I looked into it. I didn’t think I stood a chance, but I chose to apply anyway. Four weeks passed and then an email dropped in my inbox with an interview request. I got through to the next stage too, and then a week later, I got offered the role of Journalist and Producer.

My day to day changes on a daily basis. One half of my role is as a journalist, where I’ll be finding stories and putting pieces together, and the other half of my role as a producer is me behind the camera, producing many of the debate shows, news and features.

I wouldn’t have this job without my Master’s degree. The course is everything a modern day journalist needs. Journalism is not just going out with a pen and notepad anymore, you have to learn how to edit, operate a camera and even skills like shooting on a phone. I learned so many transferable skills that I wouldn’t have landed my new role without.

In the future, I would love to travel as a journalist. This job is a great stepping stone into the reporting side of things too. I love being behind the camera as well as in front of the camera, so I would love to make a documentary someday too.

BCU is so much more than just a university, it is a place to grow and where talent is formed.”