FROM PALACES TO PODCASTS
From producing impactful events in royal palaces to promoting the BBC’s podcasts abroad, our ND6 students were treated to some fascinating career insights this week, when alumnae Alexandra Rowe-Mayer and Ella Squire dialled in to take part in our popular Career Pathways programme.
First to join us from her office in the stunning environs of Hampton Court Palace was Alex, who is Events and Production Manager at Historic Royal Palaces. She described how a holiday job at Thorpe Park, followed by a stint volunteering at Elmbridge Museum, led to a career which combines a love of history and drama with producing large-scale public engagement projects for six royal palaces including the Tower of London and Kensington Palace.
Alex, who holds a degree in Archaeology and a Masters in Cultural Heritage, is currently re-inventing Christmas for Hampton Court Palace in 2026: “It’s going to be a much bigger, more impactful visitor experience than ever before, and we will be expecting thousands of people each day,” she said.
Alex advised students interested in a similar career to get relevant work experience and hone their customer service and problem-solving skills. “It’s an exciting and creative career but fast-paced and you need to be able to think on your feet,” she advised.
Next up was BBC Studios Podcast Marketing Manager, Ella Squire, who leads on international marketing strategy for BBC Studios priority podcast titles. A graduate in Communication and Media Studies, Ella started her career in Music PR before moving into podcast marketing at News UK. She landed her dream job at the BBC last year and now manages campaigns for such high-profile titles such as The Global Story, Good Bad Billionaire and Lady Killers.
Ella described how a typical day can range from meeting producers and presenters through to working on marketing assets such as video or audio trailers and artwork. Like Alex, she urged students to secure work experience through volunteering and finished by reminding students that in the media, new jobs are being invented every day: “My job didn’t exist when I was at school, but I got my break with News UK just as the podcast industry was taking off and I haven’t looked back,” she enthused.
Sincere thanks to Alex and Ella for giving up their time to talk to the students. We wish them continued success in their careers.
