Upskill: Career journey from John Leggott College to the BBC

John Leggott College welcomed former student Hayley Ritchie back to campus today, giving current students the opportunity to hear first-hand how she has built a successful career in the media industry over the past 13 years.

Having studied at John Leggott between 2007 and 2009, Hayley's journey is a fantastic example of where ambition, hard work and a willingness to embrace new experiences can lead.

Now based at the BBC's offices in Salford, Hayley has worked on some of the organisation's most high-profile events and programmes. During her visit, she shared the experiences that have shaped her career, from her early days seeking out opportunities in local media to working on major national and international broadcasts.

Building a career through determination and opportunity

Hayley's career began after her time at Sheffield Hallam University, when she started looking for ways to gain practical experience in the media industry.

Rather than waiting for opportunities to come to her, she took the initiative, offering to volunteer with BBC Lincolnshire and BBC Humberside, as well as the Goole Times. These early experiences helped her build contacts, develop her skills and begin establishing herself within a competitive industry.

One of the key messages Hayley shared with students was the importance of being willing to step outside your comfort zone. Throughout her career, she has regularly taken on opportunities that may not have initially seemed like an obvious fit, recognising that every experience could lead to something new.

She spoke about working on local sports programmes despite having little personal interest in the sports themselves, dressing up as an elf for a BBC Humberside Christmas programme and even taking on the role of a minder for someone dressed as Pudsey Bear.

While these experiences might seem a little unusual, they all had something in common: they helped Hayley gain experience, meet people and keep herself involved in the industry.

Her advice was a valuable reminder that getting started in a career isn't always about finding the perfect opportunity straight away. Sometimes, it's about being prepared to say yes, getting involved and making the most of whatever comes your way.

From local broadcasting to major BBC events

Since those early experiences, Hayley has continued to develop her career, working on an impressive range of broadcasts and events.

Her recent work has included covering Eurovision for the BBC, BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend and the announcement of the new Pope. These high-profile assignments demonstrate just how far her career has taken her, from volunteering with local media organisations to contributing to major broadcasting events watched and followed by audiences across the world.

Working from the BBC's Salford offices, Hayley is now part of an industry that offers a huge variety of roles, experiences and opportunities for those willing to put themselves forward.

For students considering careers in journalism, broadcasting, production or the wider creative industries, hearing about the different routes into the profession provided a valuable insight into what working in media can really involve.

Inspiring the next generation of media professionals

Having Hayley return to John Leggott was particularly meaningful, demonstrating to current students what can be achieved following their time at college.

Her story highlighted that careers don't always follow a straightforward path and that the experiences that seem unexpected or outside your comfort zone can sometimes become the stepping stones to something much bigger.

At John Leggott College, we value opportunities for students to connect with people working in their chosen industries, gain insight into different career paths and learn from those who have already taken the next steps.

Hayley's visit was a fantastic reminder that your starting point doesn't have to define your destination. With determination, curiosity and a willingness to embrace opportunities, there are exciting possibilities ahead.

A huge thank you to Hayley for returning to John Leggott, sharing her experiences and inspiring the next generation of media professionals. It was wonderful to welcome you back!