When did you decide you wanted to become a journalist?

In 2000 when I was 18 I walked into a local television station in Somerset and cheekily asked for a job, thinking I'd be lucky to be offered a job making the tea. They asked me to come back at 5pm and co-present the children's live TV show, which I did. Over the next year they let me try everything and I soon realised I felt most at home working in news. I then went to Falmouth College of Arts to study a broadcasting degree, before moving to London in 2004 for the LCC course.

What interested you in the area?

In news everyday is different and you get to meet many interesting people. I love writing and the pressure of broadcasting breaking news live. Also, I'm very nosey which helps.

Why did you choose the course at LCC?

I had heard from those working in the industry that it was one of the best in the country

What did you learn from the course?

The key skills like writing, voice and law but also a practical understanding of how to get on in the industry, how to make contacts.

How did you land the job at Sky News?

After the course, I moved back home to Somerset to work at Ivel FM as a reporter / newsreader. It's a very quiet news patch so it was brilliant training in how to find stories. I went to Sri Lanka for the Asian tsunami aftermath as someone from our patch died there. The reports and a piece about binge drinking helped me win IRN's News Reporter of the Year. I then moved to Reading for a year and worked as a reporter at a larger commercial radio station, 2-TEN FM. I then landed a job as a producer at ITV Thames Valley, where I stayed for more than two-years. In the first few months I filmed a video diary series about Ramadan which helped me win bronze at ITV's regional news awards. Then ITV Wales employed me for a year as a reporter and presenter. I worked in news but also co-presented an investigation programme. In 2009, after five years working in the regions, I moved to London to be a reporter for Sky News.

Where do you hope your career will lead?

I'm loving working for Sky News. I've reported on the BA strikes, 2010 general election and other major breaking news stories. It offers a brilliant mix of both live and package reporting.

Any advice to journalism graduates?

The course is fantastic, it really does prepare you for a job in journalism. When you finish, be prepared to leave London and work in the regions, it really is the best training ground. Make and keep contacts throughout your whole career, be tenacious and remember original story ideas will help you stand out.