Dream Jobs

Have you ever dreamed of presenting the Olympics on TV or interviewing celebrity figures like Paris Hilton or Jude Law? Do you want a career that's exciting and varied? You do? Then why not become a TV or radio presenter?

As a presenter, you'll be working on a wide variety of projects. You may be interviewing guests on chat shows, hosting quiz and game shows, introducing sports or music programmes, or presenting specialist programmes like travel or gardening. If you prefer the serious stuff, you can specialise in current affairs or make documentaries. Although a presenter's main job is done in front of the cameras, there's a lot to do behind the scenes as well. You'll be expected to plan each show with the producer or director, do research and rehearse your script. You may get to write your own material and you'll probably be involved in online broadcasting, too.

Personality is important in this profession. You've got to be confident and outgoing and able to interact with the audience. Ambition and motivation are very important too, along with excellent presentation skills and a good voice. Problems are bound to arise while you're on air and quick decisions will be called for. You'll need to be able to think on your feet and stay calm under pressure.

Life as a presenter can have its down sides. If you're on a short contract, as is normal, you'll be in and out of work quite frequently. Hours are sometimes unsociable, too. Getting up at 4 a.m. is tough, as is working late at night while your friends are out partying! And working conditions can be trying at times: while most TV studios are comfortable, working outside often involves spending time in all kinds of weather and situations.

There is no set route into the profession. Some presenters have university qualifications, while music show hosts have often been performers themselves, or may have worked as DJs in clubs. For entertainment shows, presenters often have an acting background and audition to present the show. Rivalry is fierce in this field, so if you're starting out and you want to get noticed ahead of other applicants, proof of practical work experience is essential. Producing a student newspaper is one way to get experience, as is volunteer work on a hospital or student radio station. Specialising in a certain area, like sport or music, can be useful, too. It looks good on your CV and marks you out from the rest of the crowd.