10 Things I wish someone had told me when I joined BBC

10 Things
I wish someone had told me
when I joined BBC
17 April 2018
Maryam Ghanbarzadeh - Growth Editor - Near East Hub, BBC World

I joined BBC in 2008:
Who am I?
I studied journalism in Iran and worked for major news agencies there
Radio
& Online
PTV Digital
I was a senior broadcast journalist
when I left BBC Persian. Before
that I was their leading digital video
producer and YouTube Editor
DigitalDigiHub Near East Hub
Digihub and BBC Africa gave me
opportunities to strengthen my
digital skills and stand out in a big
pool of digital journalists
I am now Near East Growth
Editor, working with 5
language services in our
region to help them improve
their digital performance
Maryam Ghanbarzadeh - Growth Editor- Near East Hub, BBC World

Depending on what platform I am working on (Radio, TV,
Online, Social media, Chat apps, etc.), I use different sets
of skills, but there are 10 learning points that have always
helped me to thrive and be the best version of myself!
someone unforgettable for many :)

1. Don’t wait to be
noticed

I wasn’t used to talking about my projects until I noticed that
always there is a search for talent. Sometimes one editor is
looking for someone to take care of a project exactly similar
to what you are already doing.
If you have impressive content or projects you’re
working on , TALK about it

2. Don’t wait to be
given what you want:
ASKMaryam Ghanbarzadeh - Growth Editor- Near East Hub, BBC World

Believe it or not, your editors have hundreds of tasks to take
care of. If they haven’t offered you that one project that you
passionately want, go to them and ask for it. BUT remember
to explain why you are the best person to do that job.

3. The rules & boundaries
are NOT the same for
everyone

There have been times that I did the main part of a project
and someone else was the only person who got the credit. In
short time you might be disappointed, but over the time
everyone will notice who is the main player!
Some people will be oversold as success icons for
whatever reason, some people will be constantly
overlooked. Just move on and be your best...

4. Be curious

I used to follow all the rules and do my job the way others have
always been doing, but I was noticed when I started doing things
differently.
Always ask: How can I do THIS better; how can I do
this differently to have better impact?

5. Ignore negativity;
Avoid Toxic people

As you try new ways of doing things, you will face people who
want to stop you. They are either scared or intimidated and
arguing with scared or intimidated people will just waste your
valuable time.
Remember: There will always be voices (inside and
outside your head) saying ‘NO,’ ‘You can’t’ or
questioning your initiatives.
Just leave them in their own world

6. Numbers are
your best friends

I used to jump on projects whenever I can and just do the labour
work. But when I started as Persian’s YouTube editor, Esra
Dogramaci who was leading YouTube project for BBC World
Service, stopped me and asked: ‘how are you going to define
your success? Where are your numbers to prove that?’
Remember: No one can question good numbers;
identify your main metrics to monitor and keep
tracking them.

7. Be a Jill of all trades, but
don’t get distracted trying
to master every one

For a period of time, because I had radio, tv and digital skills (my
unique selling point at the time) I was expected to take care of a
TV project while working on a digital platform. I could do that
and I did, but went home exhausted and over time my brain was
exploding.
Decide what project has your highest priority. This
doesn’t mean you say ‘NO’ to others, it means you
prioritise then take care of the other projects as you
finish your main one.

8. Find a
mentor

Find someone you can learn from and someone you
trust.
Think about someone you idolise. Someone you want to be or
someone who had gone through the journey you want to take.
Go to them and explain what you are hoping to learn from them
and ask for guidance.

9. Ask for help

No one has answers for everything, but always there is someone
who can answer your question.
Remember: we all need help/support to be the best
version of ourselves.

10. Don’t be afraid of
failure

We will be stronger if we turn each unsuccessful
attempt into a lesson to learn.
Failure teaches you
how not to do things

10 Things I wish someone had told me when I joined BBC

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10 Things I wish someone had told me when I joined BBC