Inspirational Alumni: Sahil Jaidka (Class of 2013 Multimedia Journalism)

We're proud that 90% of our graduates are in employment or further study within 15 months of leaving GCU (Graduate Outcomes, HESA, 2021) and we have thousands of successful alumni working across a range of sectors and disciplines.

One of those is Sahil Jaidka who graduated in 2013 with a first class honours degree in Multimedia Journalism. Since then, he's worked in London and Manchester for both Sky Sports and the BBC, attending some of the biggest sporting events in the world including Wimbledon. He recently returned to Glasgow to start work with Sky Sports Scotland as a producer.

We asked Sahil about his time at GCU, how his course prepared him for the workplace and any advice he had for current students to enhance their skillset and employability whilst studying.

How did studying on your Multimedia Journalism programme at GCU prepare you for the work place?

The variety of modules offered on the programme gave me the practical skills, knowledge and confidence to work across all platforms in the media. The advice and industry know-how from senior lecturers also helped lead to opportunities within the work place which led to my first job in newspapers before I moved to work in digital and broadcast roles at Sky Sports.

What did you do whilst studying to enhance your skillset, CV and employability?

Work placements – and lots of them! The advice from lecturers was to get as much hands on experience as possible and test out what I learned on the course. Doing this not only helped develop my skills but also contacts within the industry – both of which led to my first permanent job after graduation.

Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give yourself at the start of your student journey?

Explore the opportunities on your doorstep – as well as those within the industry. I got involved with GCU’s magazine and radio station towards the latter part of my studies and it was lots of fun, plus you got to meet new people and continue developing those skills. There are so many openings, so make the most of them.

If you had one piece of advice for current students about jump starting your career aspirations, what would it be?

Get as much experience as you can! My work placement at Sky came via Sky News and while I always wanted to at Sky Sports, it was that chance to work within such an organisation that led me to where I am today. You’ll learn something from every placement or meet someone along the way who might remember you when you apply for that first job – so make the most of every chance you can get and have fun!

Finally, who inspires you?

My parents. It might sound cheesy but ultimately their work ethic encouraged me to push myself and seek those opportunities early on in my studies which has been crucial throughout career.

Find out more about our alumni and how they can inspire you

By Stuart Martin