Fast forward from 2013 and Elaina from London is now a Production Manager/ Producer for BBC Studios Audio, in addition to gaining significant accomplishments as a Presenter, Keynote Speaker and Event Host. Elaina shares her story with us here.

What is your current role and what does it involve?
 
"I production manage a slate of narrative factual podcasts within BBC Studios Audio. I have also produced episodes of our popular series History’s Secret Heroes and History’s Youngest Heroes, hosted by Helena Bonham Carter and Nicola Coughlan respectively.
 
What were you doing before MAMA Youth Project?

I graduated in the summer of 2013, with a degree in International Business with Spanish. I knew I wanted to build a career in the media industry but I had no idea how I would make it in!  

What challenges had you faced in your life before joining the scheme?

The university I attended had a lot of advice and guidance for building a corporate career but a lot less resources for the creative industry. I had enjoyed hosting my own radio show at University, and knew the media industry was the route for me. However, I had very little knowledge around the job roles available in the industry, how or where to apply.

What were your career expectations before MYP?

I toyed with investment banking, because for a while it felt like more of a straight forward route than navigating the maze of the media industry.

Would you recommend the training to others and why?

Absolutely! It’s so hands-on! We had 12 weeks to make a TV show for Pick TV (Sky), which meant waking up everyday and making it happen - not just shadowing or observing! I had to pick up the phone to call locations and secure guests for free! I had to find solutions to the endless challenges each day would present, including locations falling through and ever-moving filming schedules. Nothing helps cement your knowledge like being on the front line, with a very very present deadline for delivery.
 
What do you think makes the training unique?

So much valuable responsibility and autonomy is given to the trainees to meet a delivery deadline on time and on budget, at the entry level of their careers. You cannot leave the programme without being stretched.

How long did it take you to secure your first role in the industry?

A month after finishing the training, the BBC approached MAMA Youth Project (MYP) looking for a recommendation for a Production Management Assistant at The One Show. They had recruited an MYP alumni for the same role a year before, and her great work lead to my foot in. MYP put me forward for the role and the rest was history!

What's your career journey been like since?

What started off as a short contract as a Production Management Assistant at The One Show in 2014, eventually led to a staff job at the BBC and my now 10+ year career with the firm.
I have made world-class programmes including a documentary with the Sir David Attenborough! I have risen up the ranks from Production Management Assistant to Production Manager. Most recently, I have also added another string to my bow, producing podcasts for BBC Studios Audio.

 

How important is it to be part of the alumni community and to have the ongoing support of MYP and its talent management?

I have felt the unwavering support of MAMA Youth Project throughout my career. CV workshops and catch ups with the team have helped me navigate a sometimes overwhelming industry.
Many of the alumni have worked at or built careers at the BBC. Having one another on the journey as a network and support system has been truly invaluable.
Most recently, I have had the chance to come back to work with the trainees in a Presenter capacity, telling the most phenomenal stories. I really appreciate having a space that has allowed me to develop another skill and passion.
 
What advice would you give to young people who may be in a similar position to where you were?

Apply for MAMA Youth Project (MYP), it’s a phenomenal route into the industry with all their support and training. Once you’re in the industry, never forget to network horizontally. One of your greatest assets will be the network you have with your fellow MYP alumni.  
 
What has been the personal impact of MAMA Youth on your career story?

It was 100% my foot in the door to the media industry and my career at the BBC. I’m so grateful."

Why do you think it’s important that MAMA Youth exists as a charity and what do you think its impact is on young people and the media industry?

"In my 10+ year career, I have seen diversity in the BBC improve, but there is still work to be done for the nation’s broadcasting corporation’s employees and content to be more widely reflective. This only truly happens with more diverse workforces. I am so grateful that MAMA Youth Project is proactively training a new generation of diverse content creators which it is then making available to the industry.
MAMA Youth Project creates an avenue for generational impact - it was my foot in the door of the media industry. I now sit on a panel helping other people, especially those from marginalised backgrounds, find their way into the industry. Long may the cycle continue."