MAMA Youth alumni, Fredric Tengwo, is 24 years of age. He completed the training June last year. 

"If I were to say working in TV was something I've wanted to do all my life it would be a lie. A more accurate statement would be TV/Film was always an escape for me as child. Growing up I got wiser, and with that wisdom at my disposal, I later decided to dig deeper into why media attracts not only myself, but also the masses.

Starting off at University as a Computer Scientist, I soon realised this obsession with how TV works would never be quenched if I didn't pursue and follow the right steps to learn as much as I could about it. Hence, I changed my course from Computer Science to Multimedia Tech and Design and within my time studying, I found I had a real knack for editing - not only a knack, but a passion for it as well. Time would fly by and you could still find me sat at my desk trying to create a story out of some videos I shot for a project.

Graduation came around and with a clearer vision, I looked for a path that would lead me towards becoming a professional editor in the future.

One thing I learnt about the media industry very quickly was that it wasn't about having the best CV; it was about having the right connections to get that door open for you. Browsing endlessly for jobs would most of the time get me nowhere. This eventually led me to the Job Centre and they recommended I apply to MAMA Youth Project - on the final day of application! On top of this I went to a media event involving MYP to make sure they were familiar with my face, just in case I was invited for an interview (remember it's about who you know!). I was fortunate enough to be accepted as a trainee editor, which I had no idea at the time the amount of opportunities and experiences this would bring me.

The hours were long but never once did I complain because the show, What's Up TV, made by the trainees and broadcast on Sky 1, was inspiring, creative and real. A bonus was learning to use the industry standard editing software AVID, which was an amazing tool to grasp and understand what working with a producer in a professional environment was like.

I learnt so much about myself; how to deal with different personalities, responsibility on a whole new level, collaboration and most of all, for me personally, being comfortable expressing myself in front of a group of total strangers. Needless to say those 'total strangers' develop into your own MYP family!

When the training finished, the BBC, MAMA Youth's industry partner, organised a work placement for me with a postproduction house in Soho called Halo - famous for its audio mixing and colouring. I had a great time learning to be a runner, edit assistant and technical assistant all in one go.

Right now I work for IMG (a global sports, other events and talent management company) as a Media Coordinator, it is such a great opportunity and a fun role. IMG contacted MAMA Youth looking for someone to fill the role and I was recommended. I walked into the interview for this position with a confidence and self-esteem I had never felt before and I think my interviewers could feel this from me.

The best advice I would give to anyone who aspires to apply for MAMA Youth Project:

1. Follow your instincts; if there is something you want to do, do it!

2. This industry isn't about what you, it's whom you know - be pro active, get out there and find that opportunity.

3. Don't be afraid to get out of your comfort zone.

4. Smile. Show passion for your goals and they will be achieved in no time.”   - May 2016