How I got a job presenting on BBC R1
Wednesday 6 September 2017
EVERYBODY knows Salford is famed for its TV and journalism courses and is the only university with a campus at MediaCityUK. But how do you actually get a top job in broadcasting?
GLAMOUR's weekly column, How I Got My Job,features Salford graduate Yasmin Evans, presenter of BBC Radio 1Xtra’s Weekdays1-4pm show.
Not only does the 26-year-old get to spin her urban tunes to millions of listeners, she also presents on gaming hub Gfinity Elite.
And it all started out when a University of Salford lecturer spotted the young Mancunian’s ability and urged her to consider the renowned BA (Hons) Television and Radio course at the university’s prestigious School of Arts andMedia.
Personal statement
“I'd loved Media Studies at school but I was adamant I was going to live far away for the proper 'uni experience', but then a lecturer from Salford University called me after reading my statement.
“Because of my experience doing community radio,she told me to consider their Television and Radio course. Salford Uni was only down the road from my house, so I was unsure at first. But I went to the open day and felt 'at home' immediately. I guess the course was almost chosen for me,but I'm glad it was.”
In her final year, DJ Tim Westwood hosted a Q&A for the course.
Yasmin recalls: “I was very geeky and recorded the whole thing, constantly asking questions throughout – who were his producers,who ran his show?
Networking
“He did a raffle for 1Xtra Live tickets and I was gutted when someone else's name was read out, but to my joy she asked if I wanted to go with her. I loved every minute, exchanged e-mail addresses with his producer, and kept in touch.
Her enthusiasm opened doors because a month later,Radio 1 asked for a pilot recording, they loved Yasmin’s demo, and asked her to take part in their new piloting scheme! So a month she travelling to London twice a week, working around her final uni project and part-time job in a local sun-bed shop.
“It was totally exhausting, but so worth it – I graduated in 2012 with a 2:1 and, on the fifth pilot, they offered me the presenting job.”
Within a year she’d landed the 1Xtra Breakfast Show and now presents her solo show on 1Extra Weekdays.
Spyro the Dragon!
“Now, I play urban music between 1 and 4pm. It's great to do my own thing and let people get to know a little more about me.
“Esports is fun too she says: “I think it's important to challenge yourself. I wasn't a huge gamer (except Spyro the Dragon!), so I had to do a ton of research before landing the job. We wanted people who weren't necessarily into gaming to enjoy it, too.”
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