Media Producer
I was in charge of Songs of Praise for over 10 years which gave me the opportunity to travel, meet and work with some truly inspiring people.
Why I came to Leeds Trinity
When I arrived at Trinity and All Saints College (TASC, as it was previously known) in 1975 I wasn't sure what I wanted to do with my life. I had recently left a seminary where I had been training for the priesthood, So TASC was a chance to develop my study of theology and think about what I wanted to do next. It became evident to me that teaching was not the right route for me - so I looked at the new professional areas of public media.
The value of professional work experience
I completed two attachments while at TASC - one to BBC Radio Leeds and the other to Bible Societies regional office in Brussels. Both convinced me to follow a career in broadcasting. In my final year I saw an advert for Religious Broadcast Producer in BBC radio and was encouraged to apply by the college careers department. I didn't get the job but the connection was made and I went on to work for the BBC for 30 years.
Career highlights
During my time working for the BBC I returned to the college to broadcast a series of live television worship programmes from the hugely televisual College Chapel and I used my former Head of Department Michael Williams as contributor to another series. I was in charge of Songs of Praise for over 10 years which gave me the opportunity to travel, meet and work with some truly inspiring people (including Sir Cliff Richard OBE, pictured with me below).
My advice to others
TASC gave me the opportunity to make contacts. An academic degree may get you to the door of a career but it is up to every individual to demonstrate just how your knowledge and experience can be used to benefit an employer. People always ask me how you get to work for the BBC - my answer was always the same - there are as many ways in as there are people working there. You need to have an idea of what you want to do - make an informed approach and make contact with people who are doing that type of work.
If I was starting out again today - I'd look at the independent sector.