I want to become a TV presenter but can’t see a way into the industry

This week’s problem

I have always wanted to be a television presenter, but was concerned about job instability. I instead went into marketing and subsequently climate and development, working in research, strategy and report writing at a consultancy/think-tank since 2017. I hoped to build and apply this content expertise as a presenter. Yet I don’t see a clear route into the industry. Would employers value my experience? Are there routes in at this later point? Female, 30

Jonathan’s answer

Popular and successful TV presenters make the work look effortless, a skill built up from subject knowledge (think cooking, dancing, sport, or natural history), and experience. With the limitless choice of shows to watch, TV producers know the quality of programmes and their presenters have to be excellent.

Anne Davies, an experienced BBC TV presenter, has seen the industry change to be more subject led. “What do you see yourself presenting?” she asks. “Successful presenters are authentic and believe in the subject, be it CBeebies or the 10 o’clock news.”

There may be two parallel routes for you to follow: as a researcher for the podcast industry, and with your own show reels on social media. The former would give you the contacts and experience in a larger organisation, the latter could help build your personal brand in your subject area.

“The podcast industry is less siloed into roles than TV,” says Anna Sinfield, producer of the FT’s Working It podcast at Novel (an independent production house). “If you joined a production role like a researcher, you could climb your way towards voicing features and presenting.” She suggests using your current experience to apply for roles as a researcher, building your presence in your chosen subject area, and increasing your “right time, right place” luck.

Sinfield also suggests building your own social media presence, a point endorsed by Esther Stanhope, a former senior BBC producer and now a professional coach and speaker. “No one will employ someone without experience,” Stanhope says, “so press record and create your own YouTube channel.” She encourages you to “employ yourself and not wait to be picked”.

As a researcher and report writer, you already have experience of collating information into a compelling story and then presenting it to an audience. This includes doing this fluently out loud, engaging the audience and answering questions confidently. Davies believes the skills for a successful TV presenter include, “having authority, being clear, direct and succinct, and remaining authentic. Above all, however, they have to be kind, and have a sense of humour.”

If you already have, or develop, these key skills, and have built a social media presence, then, as Sinfield says, “next time someone on your team is looking for the perfect host for the next big climate crisis podcast, they’ll think of you . . . and not just Greta Thunberg.”

Readers’ advice

Focus on your climate and development skills and offer yourself around as an expert. Who do you know in your field who is a regular pundit? Ask them for advice. makemineatea

The media is a contacts industry, so ask friends, and friends of friends, if they can put you in touch with anyone who might be able to steer you in the right direction. Northwold

Find a presenter whose work you admire in the field in which you have interest. Then research the route to entry that person took and as far as possible, duplicate it. Rouleur1

Jonathan Black is director of the Careers Service at the University of Oxford. Every fortnight he answers your questions on personal and career development and working life. Do you have a question for him? Email: dear.jonathan@ft.com