Jaya Sharma

Daytime TV Researcher, ITV

I enjoyed the freedom to be creative within the course and the amount of practical projects we were able to do.

Why I chose to attend Leeds Trinity and leaving with more than a degree

Leeds Trinity University was appealing to me for the wide range of courses available and especially the placement scheme. The opportunity to gain work experience in the career you want to pursue after university was amazing. My student experience made it easier for me to find a job in television after university life, especially with the added experience, including ITV on my CV.

What I enjoyed most about the course

I enjoyed the freedom to be creative within the course and the amount of practical projects we were able to do. Each year we had at least two group and single practical projects which were so much fun. We were able to take advantage of the complete range of facilities the television studio has and learn about different roles, whether it be presenting, vision mixing or camera. Also, the lecturers were amazing. I have to mention David, Glynn, Elric and Mike as they offered so much support and advice to each of us and were always incredibly accommodating. 

I’d like to say a huge thank you to all the tutors I have mentioned who gave me their time, advice and helped me grow my confidence. I have a lot to thank you for and the students in your care now are very lucky.

Utilising placement opportunities

I did three different placements. One was at ITV under the content delivery department, this included learning how to use the ITV archive to edit and source clips to customers and other departments in ITV, including Britbox. The other two were with Iron Box Film Productions in London, and Trylife TV, based in Newcastle and Leeds. These were incredibly helpful as I ended up blogging for Trylife and making friends for life. The same goes with Iron Box, I have continued to meet up with the contacts I met there.

How my career has panned out since graduation

Graduating during the pandemic meant my career didn’t go to plan straightaway. I worked through an agency doing teaching and although I really enjoyed it, my passion has always been in TV. In June 2021 I secured the role of Trainee Researcher for ITV Daytime, after previously applying for the position in February. It was a long wait but well worth it as the role has changed my life.

Early career highlights

I have met so many amazing people through my work at ITV, this includes working on sets such as John and Lisa's Weekend Kitchen and Emmerdale. My highlights are being able to connect with celebrities who I have looked up to for a long time on a personal level and then create TV formats based on them. 

My advice for a student looking at a similar career route

I would advise perseverance, positive thinking and manifesting what you want. Television isn’t an easy industry to get into, and you might have to start from the bottom, but once you’re in, you’re in. Take as much experience as you can, and really believe in yourself.

At times you have to be your own biggest cheerleader, and really sell yourself - and although it's hard you need to believe that you can do it. Carry yourself with pride and keep pushing yourself because it will feel so rewarding once you’re there. Also don’t think you need to be in a top position as soon as you leave university. Your career is still young, with so much time to learn, grow and develop so its ok to not be where you want to be straight away.  Keep believing your time will come and the rest will follow.