Grace Hopper

Current Employer/Organisation Name

Apple

What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?

I became a sabbatical at the Guild, then started my radio career down in Devon and across the South West, freelancing at BBC Radio Devon, Cornwall and Somerset, as well as Heart South West. It was a great place to learn the ropes and build up my experience. I also worked at Exeter Hospital Radio and several community stations across the county. I then moved back home and worked at some other local BBC stations, before getting my break and joined Radio 1, 1Xtra and Asian Network. I took a full time contract at Radio 1, working my way up to Producer, working across every show including: Greg James, Scott Mills, Nick Grimshaw, Maya Jama, Jordan North, to name a few. It was my absolute dream job and I loved working for the BBC for almost a decade!

I then joined KISS FM, another station I’d listened to growing up, working across the new music show and then KISS Breakfast with Jordan and Perri from Diversity. After 3 years, I joined an independent company as an Executive Producer. We provided audio content for brands and I worked mostly leading the teams behind Claudia Winkleman on Radio 2, Sounds of the 90s with Fearne Cotton on R2 and The Tailenders podcast for 5Live and BBC Sounds with Greg James, Jimmy Anderson and Felix White. After, I launched the Saturday morning show with Romesh Ranganathan, a real career highlight.

Earlier this year I joined Apple Music Radio, another challenge and platform I’m super keen in developing.

Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?

I have always loved listening to the radio, it’s been a constant in my life and a real comfort at times. I’ve always loved music and the opportunity to combine the two loves as a career was a no brainer. As soon as I was old enough, I started volunteering to gain experience. I think what I love the most is being a friend to the listeners, even though I’ve worked at huge stations broadcasting to millions, it’s the personal connection you can have with people in tiny pockets of the UK or even the world that makes it all worthwhile.

Please tell us if you were a member of any societies, groups or sports clubs?

There was not a society I didn’t try out. My favourites were: Voice, XpressionFM (of course), several theatre societies and Dance Society. I also worked at the Annual Fund which was fun and then being elected as VP for Welfare and Community in my final year was a real highlight.

What did you enjoy most about your programme and what was the biggest highlight?

I loved how interactive and sociable Drama was. I love learning through play and human contact. It meant a lot of contact hours, but that’s the best way I learn and it was so fun at the same time. I loved the Digital Theatre crafts module where I got to make a radio play and everything I did felt like I could use in the future, or had clear transferrable skills into life beyond Exeter.

What did you most enjoy about studying here?

I met my husband on day one of University, which, even thought I didn’t know it at the time, was obviously my greatest achievement. I also loved being elected as a Guild VP and becoming part of a really fabulous and lovely community in Exeter.

Why did you choose to study at Exeter?

I remember visiting with my brother and got such an incredible feel for the place, I think picking a university is a feeling-based decision; it’s your home away from home, so it has to feel like it could fit that role. Whenever I return, I look so fondly at the students who get to do it and wish we could do it all over again.

What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?

Hard work, work experience and social skills.

What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?

Gain as much experience as possible as soon as you know what you want to do. In my line of work, experience and gaining those key skills is essential for breaking into radio.

What are your plans for the future?

I’m new to Apple, so learning how Apple Music Radio all works. I can definitely see myself there for a long time as there’s a lot of work to do as the radio station is so new; it’s an exciting time to join!