So you want to be a sports reporter?

If you're looking to report on the latest sports news and work within one of the most exciting specialisms within the journalism industry, you're not alone. A career within sports media is extremely competitive, and it takes more than a love for the beautiful game to bag yourself a regular reporting role. Hard work, determination and of course a passion for the industry is key to getting yourself known as an authoritative sports reporter. David Garrido, Sky Sports News HQ presenter, has been in the media industry for over 17 years, covering major sporting tournaments around the world, from Formula 1 to Tour De France. After an eight year spell at BBC Newsbeat, Garrido joined Sky Sports in 2011 where he covers all the sports news at the UK's largest sports broadcasting organisation. His role requires him to cover a wide range of sports, and keep informed of industry updates and sports news 24/7 – his job certainly doesn't stop once he leaves work. He said that a sports broadcast audience is "very unforgiving", often knowing just as much about the game as the presenters themselves. "Keeping abreast of everything as you go, even when you are away from the studio, is really important so that when you're back on air, you know what's going on," said Garrido. "It's not a chore because I'm really interested in sport – it's one of the greatest privileges to be able to convey information about something that you love." Garrido, who does a range of media training outside of his job at Sky, advises aspiring reporters to carefully focus their work placements, to equip them with the skills needed for their chosen career. "Your dream job is attainable – if I can do mine, you can definitely do yours," said Garrido. "It is about developing your skill set. Get work experience, but be savvy about it – identify what the skills are needed to do your dream job, and try to hone those skills at every possible juncture."