Angus Walker: Broadcast Journalism PgDip graduate
The professionalism of Falmouth's staff made an impression on me from the very first day; I immediately felt like I'd got myself into something that was really going to benefit me.
MA Multimedia Broadcast Journalism
Now based in Beijing, Angus is the China correspondent for ITV News. Previously UK editor, his wealth of experience includes breaking many exclusives - from the Glasgow terror attack to the Baby P case. He was shortlisted for Royal Television Society Television Journalist of the Year in 2010, following a number of exclusives such as the first telephone contact with the Chandlers after their capture by Somali pirates.
The professionalism of the staff at Falmouth made an impression on me from the very first day; I immediately felt like I'd got myself into something that was really going to benefit me. Many of the skills that my job requires on a daily basis are things I learnt at Falmouth. The law aspect is incredibly useful, plus the shorthand and voice training. There was always a really strong emphasis on accuracy and fairness, and how to make the story interesting.
Before coming to Falmouth I worked at a local radio station in Devon for a couple of years. I read the news and wrote stories but I didn't really know what I was doing. After my year at Falmouth, I went to my next job in a radio station and I felt like a completely different animal. I had the confidence to report stories accurately, the legal training to stand by them, and I knew how local government worked - which gave me a better understanding of dealing with officials.
During my time at Falmouth, one assignment in particular taught me another invaluable skill: how to deal with large organisations and negotiate access. I became instantly aware of the diplomacy and powers of persuasion that are required the day I had to talk to the local naval base and ask them for access. The same principles still apply, whether it's RNAS Culdrose or Downing Street.
Having such comprehensive training really boosted my drive to succeed in this incredibly competitive field. Falmouth gave me huge confidence to pursue a career in a profession I'd always wanted to do, but had never really felt like I'd been properly trained for. When I walked out of Falmouth, I felt like a broadcast journalist.
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