Mark Wilberforce is a journalist, broadcaster and producer based in London, UK and Accra, Ghana. Mark graduated from College of North West London in Media Production and Communications and has accumulated over twenty years’ industry experience working with the likes of BBC Radio 1Xtra and BBC World Service. Recently, Mark published an article for the BBC about his experience being sent from London to Ghana at 16, and how it helped him to break free from the dangerous path he was following in London.
Q: When did you realise you wanted a career in broadcasting?
Initially, I didn’t set out to work in broadcasting. All I knew was that I wanted a creative career and not a conventional desk job. When I was twenty, I met a very helpful woman in the Brent Careers Office who introduced me to media production and the scope of careers I could follow. I took her advice and enrolled at College of North West London because I was attracted to how broad the Media Production course was there.
It was through that course, and a BBC mentoring scheme I discovered from a leaflet in the Willesden campus library, that I began to see myself in radio and broadcasting.
On my BBC mentoring scheme, I met Andy Parfitt, the former Controller of BBC Radio 1. I took the time to introduce myself and let him know I was enjoying the mentoring scheme and that he’ll see me again. That kind of confidence helps open doors; he recognised me when I later returned as a full-time employee.
Q: What has been the highlight of your career so far?
I’m lucky to have a few standout moments. Only last week, I interviewed world champion boxer across six weight divisions, Oscar De La Hoya. That was a huge moment for me.
Another top highlight was being part of a BBC music and sports radio show for the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana (equivalent to the Euros). At the time, I was just a broadcast assistant. However, the night before the opening ceremony, my mentor called me to his hotel and told me I’d exceeded his expectations and asked me to produce the ceremony. This was a huge milestone in my career. I’d taken my GCSEs in Ghana, and it felt incredible returning to the country with an exciting career and making my mum proud.
Q: What advice would you give to current students exploring their future careers?
Networking with people is crucial. As I said before, Andrew Parfitt at BBC Radio 1 remembered me from the mentorship scheme when I eventually joined as an employee because I was bold and said hello.
Also, think hard about your career. Sometimes the best way to figure that out is through process of elimination. For me, I knew I didn’t want a 9-5, or to wear a suit and tie, or to do something I wasn’t passionate about.
Finally, believe in yourself and your skills. Right now, I work in news and current affairs, producing interviews and features. My advice is: don’t pigeonhole yourself, keep an open mind, and always be open to networking. Have the belief that you have something unique to offer. Everyone has a different perspective, and that’s valuable in media. Be inspired by others, but don’t imitate them. Your point of view matters.
Are you a college alumni? Tell us what you’re up to – we’d love to share your story! Email marketing@ucg.ac.uk.
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