A panel of top media professionals advised people about getting into the industry at the BBC Create and Connect Conference.

Liz Molyneux of the BBC Academy; Mary Anne Hobbes, a former radio DJ; media guru Herb Kim and Eddy Morgan, a television producer, spoke to an audience of 300 delegates.

They offered advice on effective ways of breaking into the industry to both graduates and people who have already managed to get a foot in the door.

Advice from a radio DJ

Mary Anne Hobbs told the audience that she decided to become a music journalist after being inspired by John Peel’s radio and television programmes.

She advised students to follow their dreams and to take advantage of whatever tools are at their disposal.

She said: “Get as much stuff online as possible to show people what you have got to offer.”

Mary Anne grew up in Garstang and she spent evenings listening to the radio while under her duvet.

She met her idol John Peel who gave her some advice which has guided her throughout her career: “never sell out because you will never sleep again.”

She added: “the industry is very competitive and those who succeed are the ones who really want it.”

Herb Kim spoke to students about being passionate and driven, and told them not to waste time doing jobs that they are not interested in.

He said: “I know people who work in management roles and absolutely hate what they do”.

He also advised students to use social media to their advantage and to find alternate ways of making it into the industry.

Speaking about the working patterns in the media industry he added: “If you want a normal life then go and do a normal job”.

Eddy Morgan a television presenter encouraged students to experiment more and not be afraid of failing – he said that it is through trial and error that we improve our skills.