Case studies: Personal assistant, BBC: Andrea Brew

Andrea graduated in art history and history and followed this with an MA in Art History at Birkbeck College, University of London.

I wasn’t ready for university when I left school so I worked instead. Later, I studied for my BA part time at the University of Sydney in my native Australia, using my secretarial skills to finance my studies. I took an administrative assistant job with the New South Wales heritage office. While there I became involved in a project listing WW2 aerodromes in order to conserve them, which I was able to use as part of my degree. As well as this, I learnt so much about the importance of using authentic research sources and how to make a strong case to present to council meetings.

When I became interested in art, architecture and pilgrimage in the Italian renaissance, I decided I wanted to do my postgraduate study in Europe. I needed to work while studying so again I used my secretarial skills. I also wanted work that was relevant to my career plans, so I took a job at the British Film Institute (BFI), assisting the strategic manager. I was fortunate to be able to work on projects on world cinema.

My goal is to become a researcher in the Art Unit of the BBC. But it’s not as simple as that! So I’m working towards it. At the moment I’m a PA to one of the Controllers in BBC TV. Again, my secretarial skills are providing my livelihood. Much of the job consists of routine tasks such as setting up meetings, diary management, correspondence and so on. I act as a contact point for the 80 or so members of our team and the contract staff.

Although this is not the job I want to be doing ultimately, being here at the BBC allows me to make contacts. It’s important for me to be seen to be coming up with programme ideas and putting them in front of the right people. I need to be able to establish a reputation within the BBC so people will remember my name. My boss is supporting me in my career ambitions and helping me to get involved in the right projects. For this reason I am taking a course which involves making a series of five films for the National Trust.

I would suggest to anyone graduating in history of art that you think widely about how you can use your degree. Whatever you decide to do, you need to make contacts and be sure to follow them up. Don’t be afraid to ask people for their time and their advice. My experience is that people are willing to help.

AGCAS

Sourced by Susanne Christian, AGCAS

Date: 

October 2009

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