Case studies: Broadcast journalist: Elisa

Elisa is a broadcast journalist working for Radio Newcastle

This career chose me. I've always liked writing and talking! I'm interested in current affairs and getting people to open up, so it seemed perfect, although I didn't always yearn to be the next Anna Ford. During university I wanted to be an investment banker, but then got a job on my local paper instead of going on the gap year I'd planned…and it went from there.

My history degree was of little direct relevance, although the discipline of researching and writing essays developed invaluable skills. I didn't get involved in the student radio station or newspaper but I really should have taken up those opportunities.

After finishing my degree without much idea of what I wanted to do, I contacted the news editor at my local paper and persuaded them to give me a week's work experience. They kept me on as a reporter for another year. I worked as a broadcast assistant at my local BBC station before deciding it was the medium for me, and did a Postgraduate Diploma in Broadcast Journalism. A relevant postgraduate diploma is almost essential. In this industry it's necessary to be able to hit the ground running - I use the practical skills and media law and ethics knowledge I gained daily. I went back to the station as a reporter and news reader and reported on some huge stores like the Cumbrian train crash.

You will need perseverance. Approach the news editor where you want to work and ask if you can have a chat or possibly a week working for free. Don't give up and be prepared. Listen to the output religiously before you go and, above all, have ideas for stories. Read newspapers and make suggestions. Ask anyone who looks friendly and not about to rush in to read a bulletin if they could explain what they're doing. Strike the balance between being keen and being annoying and always be prepared to learn and improve. Expect to freelance for at least a year before getting the chance to go for short-term contracts and then permanent jobs.

There are different roles within a radio and television newsroom and getting experience in all roles has helped me realise my strengths. I began reporting and putting together packages using interviews and audio then reporting live using a radio car. I now read bulletins and present the two-hour news programme at Radio Newcastle. The principles are the same; you have to paint a picture for listeners. One of the most challenging jobs I do is producing two news programmes, especially when we get a breaking story, or one that's tricky legally, because ultimately the buck stops with you.

I thrive on excitement and the challenge provided by dealing with breaking news, and reporting on or producing a live programme. The adrenalin rush when you know you have to make split second decisions to get a story confirmed and aired before our rivals is unbeatable. Every day is different and there's always a challenge. It's great to have a free rein to ask questions and challenge decision makers.

Getting up at 4am to do an early shift is hard. Standing in the freezing rain waiting to do a live two-way with a guest who would rather be anywhere else can be challenging too. Be prepared to work overtime, through lunch breaks and at weekends. It can be incredibly stressful because you have to respond quickly to breaking news and make sure the quality of your work is always excellent. People will criticise your work, or shout in the heat of the moment. The quote, 'If you can keep your head while all around you are losing theirs', is apt.

In terms of my future career, I think presenting the 10 o'clock news would be great. I'd also like to work in television, which is often hard to break into. I'd like to travel so being a foreign correspondent is something I'd be interested in. I'm a news hound though, so I don't think I'd move into presenting entertainment programmes. Never say never though!

It's a difficult profession to get into and that's not been helped by cuts in the BBC and funding issues leading to job losses in ITV and commercial radio. But use any contacts you can, it's still true that it's who you know that counts, and keep banging on the door because you'll get in eventually.