Deborah Underdown: BA Hons Media Production

Deborah Underdown

BA Hons Media Production, 2004

Media graduate Deborah Underdown has swapped the glamour of the world of TV for a career reporting the reality of international conflicts. As press officer for the aid agency CARE International Deborah has experienced first hand the aftermath of two of the world’s deadliest war zones.

Motivated by a desire to help people and find out about different cultures she has visited both Rwanda and Gaza this year.

While on assignment Deborah is researching details for news stories which aim to spread awareness of CARE’s work in fighting poverty and injustice around the world. In Rwanda she publicised composer (and University honorary graduate) David Arnold’s work with HIV and aids sufferers. More recently, in Gaza, she highlighted the plight of casualties following the Israeli military operation there in December.

After graduating in 2004 Media Production student Deborah moved to London and 18 months ago started work at CARE. In Gaza, CARE is giving out fresh food as well as seeds so that farmers can grow crops that they can sell for a small profit.

On the obvious dangers for anyone working in these countries Deborah is philosophical. “There are dangers and you have to be aware, but we are also well looked after by our staff living in the area,” she said.

Reflecting on her academic and work experience Deborah is full of praise for her course and tutors at Bedfordshire.

“I found out after graduating that a career in television was going to be difficult. But my course taught me how the media works and I was able to transfer my skills to the world of PR. My lecturer Dave Green passed on great advice about how to construct a story. I now have an exciting and rewarding job.”

Photograph by Warrick Page/Getty for CARE International

Profile added July 2009