Jonathan Marsh Lewis dossier
In your own words, briefly describe your job
''As a researcher I am required to find information, people and locations to meet any given brief.''
How did you get into the industry?
''I graduated in 1998 with an Honours Degree in Biochemistry from Cardiff University and worked as a Clinical Scientist. I decided to make the cross over to television and began to send CVs to TV companies asking for work experience as well as applying for posts as a researcher. I was successful in arranging three weeks work experience which led to a three month contract as a researcher on a daily natural history magazine programme shown on S4C digital. Whilst working on this programme I applied and was accepted for training on the Skillset Trainee Researcher programme run by Cyfle, their branch in Wales, where I worked towards a NVQ Level 3 in Production Research. On completing the course in January of this year I was then offered a year's contract with Telesgop Television as a researcher.''
What advice would you give to others seeking work experience?
''The most important thing to remember when seeking work experience is that television companies receive hundreds of CVs and in order to get a chance of experience yours needs to stand out. Make it an easy read and tailor it to every company. Also make sure you are sending it to the correct person, more often than not you should send your CV to the production manager and not the producer or the managing director. Find out their name in advance and follow up your letter with a phone call.''
What training and/or education have you found most useful in progressing your career?
''When I decided to make the cross over from science to television I thought my biochemistry degree would hold me back. In fact it's been the exact opposite. Most companies have welcomed a different perspective and the company I work for now makes scientific documentaries and is glad to have my experience on board. It's now clear that if you can carve a niche for yourself within the industry then you are more likely to progress your career. In addition to this, I have trained with Skillset towards a qualification which is recognised throughout the UK by all the major broadcasters.''
Are there any other points / reality checks you'd like to make?
''On the upside, I believe that I am very privileged to be able to work in an industry where you are invited to share so many people's experiences, gain access to the world's leading experts and go to locations where other people can only dream of going.''
''As a researcher I am required to find information, people and locations to meet any given brief.''
How did you get into the industry?
''I graduated in 1998 with an Honours Degree in Biochemistry from Cardiff University and worked as a Clinical Scientist. I decided to make the cross over to television and began to send CVs to TV companies asking for work experience as well as applying for posts as a researcher. I was successful in arranging three weeks work experience which led to a three month contract as a researcher on a daily natural history magazine programme shown on S4C digital. Whilst working on this programme I applied and was accepted for training on the Skillset Trainee Researcher programme run by Cyfle, their branch in Wales, where I worked towards a NVQ Level 3 in Production Research. On completing the course in January of this year I was then offered a year's contract with Telesgop Television as a researcher.''
What advice would you give to others seeking work experience?
''The most important thing to remember when seeking work experience is that television companies receive hundreds of CVs and in order to get a chance of experience yours needs to stand out. Make it an easy read and tailor it to every company. Also make sure you are sending it to the correct person, more often than not you should send your CV to the production manager and not the producer or the managing director. Find out their name in advance and follow up your letter with a phone call.''
What training and/or education have you found most useful in progressing your career?
''When I decided to make the cross over from science to television I thought my biochemistry degree would hold me back. In fact it's been the exact opposite. Most companies have welcomed a different perspective and the company I work for now makes scientific documentaries and is glad to have my experience on board. It's now clear that if you can carve a niche for yourself within the industry then you are more likely to progress your career. In addition to this, I have trained with Skillset towards a qualification which is recognised throughout the UK by all the major broadcasters.''
Are there any other points / reality checks you'd like to make?
''On the upside, I believe that I am very privileged to be able to work in an industry where you are invited to share so many people's experiences, gain access to the world's leading experts and go to locations where other people can only dream of going.''
