Fresh out of graduating from UCFB’s BA (Hons) Multimedia Sports Journalism programme, Jack Pooley has landed an in-demand role as Video and Content Executive at Championship club Fulham. Working at the iconic Craven Cottage every day, he’s gaining vital skills and building a network of contacts in the industry, as well as securing a front row seat.

Here, Jake gives us more of an insight into the job and how his time at UCFB proved crucial in securing it…

Tell us about your role at Fulham and what it involves.

Predominantly, my role is focused on making the video side of content. This ranges from interviews, feature pieces, hype videos for social media, YouTube content, TikToks and content for our club’s streaming platform. I’ll often conduct the interview, film, and edit myself before putting content up onto our platforms, so the work can be quite independent but also involves working closely with my boss and others in the department. Aside from that, I’ll also produce written and social content on matchdays covering events as they unfold.

What have been some of the highlights so far?

The main highlight so far was working in the Premier League last season. Although we weren’t winning so many games, the experience for me personally to be travelling to Anfield or Old Trafford, for example, was brilliant. As a Liverpool fan, going to Anfield and interviewing Scott Parker on the touchline after a 1-0 victory was quite surreal. I’ve also enjoyed being around for announcing the signings – filming and editing the announcement videos and interviews.

What have you taken into the role from your BA (Hons) Multimedia Sports Journalism degree?

When I left the course, I had a solid base of experience and knowledge in a variety of areas in the media industry. I learnt how to write match reports, articles, interview people, and network, also gaining a decent understanding of video editing which helps me in the job now.

During your degree, you were a Video Content Producer for Stevenage FC. How important do you think having this experience was in securing your current role at Fulham?

I’d say experience is king over anything else you will have. For me to go for the job at Fulham having worked at four or five different clubs of varying levels showed my passion and interest from the start. It also meant I was used to the environment at a football club and could slot right in from the off. That would be my number one piece of advice to go out and get the experience, using the UCFB name to unlock doors and get your foot in the industry.

What’s your favourite memory from your time at UCFB?

My favourite memories are the experiences I had through UCFB. Going to the Emirates, Olympic Stadium and Wycombe just to mention a few. Through going to these places, I learnt plenty of skills that have stood me in good stead for what I do now. The graduation was a decent day and night too, of course!

How did you find being a student in London?

I thoroughly enjoyed being in London! Coming from a town near Bristol originally, it was always my intention to get out of my comfort zone and try living somewhere different. What better place to explore than London? In terms of sports and the industry I was trying to get into, London is a hub for so much of that as well, which means it’s ideal.

What advice do you have for anyone looking to study at UCFB?

Go for it! I think UCFB is growing all the time and is only going to improve. The main selling point for me is the access you’ll get to the industry you want to go into and the doors it’ll open. As well as that, you’ve got great teachers that have been there and done it, and in many cases they’re still actively working in the industry which is a massive plus as well.