''I graduated from Kingston University with a 2:1 in Film Studies, I thought all of my hard work had paid off and a career in television was imminent.  But instead I had to endure months of rejections and unanswered emails by independent TV production companies.  As it turns out, being a university graduate didn’t mean a darn thing in the television industry.  The only thing they seem fixated on was whether or not, I had any prior experience and the answer to that question was no.

I discovered MAMA Youth Project through a friend who was a researcher on series 6 of What’s Up and she told me what they were about.  I wasn’t convinced till I went to the series 6 wrap parties I saw firsthand the success stories.  MAMA Youth Project actually helped disadvantaged and minority people get their foot into the door of the TV industry.  So I applied for the researcher position for the autumn period and got it.  I spent three months with MAMA Youth Project soaking in every bit of information and I made the most of the opportunities that were given to me.  Industry heads from BBC, Endemol, Hat Trick, Shine and Sky all came in to give myself and my fellow trainees’ valuable insights.

Working on What’s Up was an invaluable experience and I was pushed beyond my capabilities in the role of researcher.  So when it came time to do my two week work placement at Headstrong Pictures I was ready and eager to prove myself.  I had an interesting two weeks as I spent the first week as a trainee floor runner on the set of BBC comedy-drama New Tricks and my second week as a development assistant.  Both weeks were very valuable in my development and gave me the experience I needed post-MYP.  My primary objective was to leave a great impression after I had finished my placement and hopefully get a job.

That is exactly what happened in December as I interviewed for an office runner position at Hat Trick Productions and I got the job.  This news was amazing because it had shown how far I had come and I was no longer being overlooked.  With the experience I gained at MAMA Youth Project I was no longer ostracised and the door was firmly opened for me.  But I couldn’t start till mid-march so I had to bide my time, but in strange twist of fate I got a phone call in mid-January from Warner Bros TV (Formerly Shed Media) and was offered a six month internship with Headstrong Pictures.  In a space of two months after leaving MAMA Youth Project I got two jobs offers.

I consider myself really blessed and lucky to be where I am.  Especially how rocky my journey started and I also want to emphasise that it would have taken me a lot longer if I hadn’t trained with MYP.  Finally I was able to break through the glass ceiling and I feel a lot more optimistic about my future in television.

My training at MYP was crucial to my development without it I wouldn’t have been ready, for what I’m doing now as a development intern at Headstrong Pictures/Warner Bros.TV Production UK. So my parting words to the next MYP trainees, would be, be appreciative of the opportunities given to you and trust MYP with your future.  Your budding careers are in safe hands and don’t be late, trust me.'' - February 2015