Will Swain didn’t have a career plan. Then one opportunity changed everything.
When Will Swain finished university, he did not have his career mapped out.
His route into the industry had already taken an unexpected turn.
Will came from an engineering background and originally thought that was where his future was heading.
Then a friend suggested he give television a try.
That suggestion led to an opportunity with Sonar Events, working on a Rebound All-Stars Basketball broadcast.
From the moment Will got involved, he was hooked.
He loved the fast-paced environment, the teamwork and the challenge of bringing a live production together.
A completely different career had begun.
You don’t need to have it all figured out
One of the biggest things Will has learned is that you do not need to know exactly where your career is going before you start.
“When I first entered the industry, I thought there was a clear path and that I needed to know exactly where I wanted to end up.”
Instead, being open to experiences and saying yes took him in directions he could never have planned.
Fast forward to 2025 and Will found himself working as Production Coordinator on the Main Stage at Boardmasters.
After gaining pre-production experience on festivals including Glastonbury, Camp Bestival and Victorious, Boardmasters gave him the chance to see all that planning come to life.
“I genuinely had to stop and think, ‘Wow, this is actually happening.’”
Recognition for work that mattered
Another major moment came when Will won the Outstanding Achievement Award for his work as Host Officer, Producer and Production Manager of the National Student Television Awards.
He was shocked when his name was announced.
For Will, the recognition wasn't just about his own achievement. It recognised the work he had put into creating opportunities and experiences for hundreds of students during his time at university.
It also brought new friendships and industry connections.
“Awards aren’t just about the recognition; they’re also about the people you meet along the way.”
The experience reinforced something Will cares deeply about: helping other people get their start.
As he puts it:
“Success isn’t just about what you achieve, it’s about what you inspire others to do.”
Say yes and get yourself in the room
Will’s advice to someone starting out is simple.
Don’t be afraid to say yes.
Take opportunities, even when they're outside your comfort zone. Ask questions. Meet people. Go to industry events. Stay in touch with the people you meet.
You never know which conversation or experience might change your direction.
It is exactly what happened to him.
What’s next?
Will is now working with Sky in an engineering capacity while continuing to develop his technical and production skills.
But alongside his own career, he wants to keep creating opportunities for students and early-career talent.
Someone once spotted an opportunity Will might never have found himself.
Now he wants to do the same for others.
What opportunity could change your direction?
Will’s story is proof that careers rarely happen in a perfectly straight line.
Sometimes you say yes before you feel completely ready. Sometimes an unexpected opportunity takes you somewhere you never planned to go.
And sometimes putting yourself forward for recognition makes you realise just how much you have already achieved.
The Breakthrough Talent Awards celebrate emerging talent making an impact across the production industry. And this year, you can nominate yourself.
If you’ve been learning, contributing and building a career you’re proud of, perhaps this is your opportunity to put yourself forward.
Breakthrough Talent Awards 2026 nominations are now open.