Languages Work*

Andy

Job Title
Home Affairs Correspondent

 

Company and location
BBC News, London

 

Industry sector
Media

 

Background
BA (Hons), Oxford University in Philosophy, Politics and Economics.

Worked as teacher of English as a foreign language (TEFL) in Madrid for four years before becoming a journalist.

Worked for BBC since 1987 as a reporter for local radio, the Today Programme, national television and News 24, including numerous international assignments and postings.

 

How would you describe your job?

I'm a television reporter currently working on crime and domestic political issues but over my career I've worked in various parts of the world where speaking foreign languages has been very useful.

 

How do languages come into play?

I speak and understand Spanish with reasonable fluency and I can get by in French. These skills have helped me considerably while working in many parts of the world, particularly Spain , Latin America , France and Francophone Africa. We often use local fixers and translators but there's really no substitute for speaking the language of the country in which you're operating. It means you get a quicker and better understanding of what's going on and develop a much better relationship with the people we encounter.

 

What do you enjoy most about your job?

It's very exciting to be in a profession where things happen quickly and no two days are ever the same. It often means having to think and react rapidly but that's what makes it so rewarding. The hours can be anti-social and it's sometimes a pain having to be on call when everyone else is relaxing but generally, it's a price worth paying.

 

What kind of skills and qualities do you need?

Enthusiasm, energy, originality and a good attention to detail. Accuracy is important and so is persistence. Obviously, good communication ability is essential.

 

Any tips?

Get as much practical experience as you can, either from a journalist training course or just hanging around a local newspaper or TV/radio station. And don't underestimate the importance of knowing a foreign language - you never know when it might come in handy and give you an advantage over your competitors!

 

Source:Consejería de Educación