ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ students were treated to an afternoon of anecdotes and advice from one of ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ’s favourite media sons this week.

The learners – who are all hoping to work as journalists in the future – got to hear first-hand on what they need to do to be successful from Mark Murphy, an award-winning broadcaster, radio host and TV presenter.
Mark – who has a regular column in the East Anglian Daily Times – talked about his life growing up in Ipswich and how he changed careers in order to pursue his love of radio.
He reflected on how he first started out as a mobile DJ, then his work on hospital radio before explaining how he got a foot in the door with the BBC as a volunteer – and then went on to become a broadcasting juggernaut with the Beeb – who went on to win a clutch of Sony Radio Awards.
He also talked about the time he met Prince William where he received an MBE for services to radio and the community.
The ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ Sound radio host, founder of Life’s a Pitch TV and CEO of Cancer Support ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ said: “I’m a former student of the college so it’s always nice to come back. The students were very engaged – and I wish them all the very best in their future careers.â€

Media lecturer, Eli Turay, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Mark for giving up his time to come and inspire our students. The learners gained so much thanks to his valuable insights – and the message was loud and clear – if you really want a career in the media – you have to commit to it, work hard and never give up your dreams.â€
Luke Johnson, 18, from Ipswich is currently on a level 3 creative media production course at ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ who wants to become a radio producer or presenter. Luke said: “We got to hear every little detail of how to progress (in media) and it has really opened my eyes. This has made me think that I just want to get my foot in the door. It’s made me more confident.â€

After his talk, Mark gave an open invitation to students to come and work with him to help on the social media side of Life’s a Pitch TV. So far – two students have put their name forwards to be considered for this role.