While completing an NCTJ foundation course in journalism, Nakeira met Maya Egbo, a BCOMS alumna from the 2022/23 programme. “She couldn’t recommend the programme enough,” Nakeira recalls. “After seeing all the amazing things she had done during her time with BCOMS, I decided I needed to apply.”
Before joining, she was navigating a career change, focusing on sports journalism while creating match-day vlogs and conducting vox pops at sporting events, music festivals, and concerts. However, she faced a common challenge: breaking into sports media required experience that was hard to come by.
Taking the Leap with BCOMS
Despite applying for entry-level jobs, Nakeira often received feedback that other candidates had more experience. “I applied for BCOMS in the hopes of gaining more practical experience within sports media and learning as much as I could about the realities of working in the industry,” she explains. “I also wanted to understand all the possible roles available.”
Gaining Confidence and Skills
BCOMS Masterclasses weren’t just theoretical. They were an immersive experience that helped Nakeira feel comfortable and confident in professional press settings. “The masterclasses gave me a much deeper insight into the wide variety of roles available in sports media and opened my eyes to opportunities to work within different sports as well,” she says.
One of her standout experiences was producing, editing, and presenting a long-form match-day documentary covering the WNLFA Cup Final between Hashtag United and Newcastle. “I definitely developed my storytelling, producing, and editing skills whilst working on that,” she shares.
The Arsenal Masterclass: A Defining Moment
Among the many highlights of the programme, the Arsenal Masterclass was a game-changer. “The structure of the day was really great,” Nakeira says. “We were put into small groups of about four to five people and rotated through sessions with different employees from all different aspects of the club. It was great to get a detailed perspective of all the departments and individuals that go into the workings of a club.”
Life After BCOMS
Today, Nakeira is a freelance sports and entertainment presenter and social producer for BBC pop radio networks. “I love the fact that I work both in front of the camera and behind the scenes, as I have been able to develop a holistic approach when creating content,” she explains. “Understanding the importance of research, editing, and the curation of contributors has helped me to become a better presenter.”
For individuals without prior industry connections, these opportunities can be life-changing. “For people who don’t know anyone in the industry, these types of opportunities are virtually impossible to come by, so this programme is truly life-changing,” she adds.
Building Industry Connections
Networking is everything in media, and BCOMS makes it happen. “I have met people at masterclasses that have then interviewed me for roles I’ve applied for,” Nakeira shares. “Being able to have that prior connection has definitely provided me with confidence when interviewing or doing screen tests for organizations and brands.”
Many BCOMS alumni have gone on to work with top broadcasters, and their success stories serve as a testament to the programme’s credibility and impact. “Their success and connection with BCOMS almost act as a stamp of approval for BCOMS members to come! It’s such a credible programme.”
Advice from Nakeira Westmaas
For those aspiring to break into sports media, Nakeira offers this advice. “Start creating content sooner. Not everything has to be perfect, and you don’t have to find your niche before you start. Buy a microphone and get out there!”
