‘Grab every opportunity’ George Alagiah tells Bridge Academy students

Bridge Academy. Photograph: Russell Parton

George Alagiah told students at Bridge Academy that to embark on a career in journalism they needed to be inquisitive and have an interest in telling people’s stories.

The broadcaster imparted the advice on a visit to the mixed, independent, secondary state school in Haggerston as part of Speakers for Schools Week, which includes a programme of events aimed at inspiring young people and opening their eyes to some of the career paths open to them.

Mr Alagiah, an ambassador for Speakers for School Week, told an audience of 150 students aged between 16 and 18-years-old: “There will always be a little devil on your shoulder telling you that you can’t do it, but you will have to find the confidence to overcome it.”

He added that young people should “grab every opportunity”.

Three student interviewers broadcast an interview with Mr Alagiah on the BBC’s School Report website, which allows youngsters to get experience producing news.

He told them: “The thing about journalism is that nowadays there are lots of degrees you can do and a lot of masters degrees for print journalism or broadcast journalism, but before you get there you have got to ask yourself what journalism is about.

“Journalism is I think about having a real interest in people and liking to be around people and wanting to tell their stories.”

Mr Alagiah said he had been “gobsmacked” by Bridge Academy, adding: “It felt like I was walking into a hotel. I did think that you were pretty privileged students to be here.

“My youngest son is 23 and went to school elsewhere in Hackney. I remember taking him to the loo in his school and there was a hole in the floor. He had to have his legs wide apart as he tried to do a pee. It was that bad.

“People were not spending money on school buildings in those days.”

Over 2,000 schools have signed up to Speakers for Schools, with all state secondary schools and colleges in England, Scotland and Wales eligible to apply.

The organisation was founded by BBC journalist Robert Peston in 2011 and is now an independent charity funded by Andrew E Law and Caxton.

Speakers who have worked with the charity include Prime Minister David Cameron, Director of the National Theatre Sir Nicholas Hytner and publisher Dame Marjorie Scardino.