Your BBC biography mentions that you studied in the USA prior to your degree at Cambridge. How did it compare studying there to studying at Cambridge?

I went to America on an English Speaking Union scholarship, which is for people in their gap years between school and university. You go to a secondary school – I went to the Hotchkiss School in Connecticut – so it was very different to University. But as I already had my place at Cambridge, I could choose whatever I wanted to study. I had done Science and Maths A Levels, and so chose something completely different – American literature, Philosophy and Drama. It was because of this that I ended up switching from Medicine to Philosophy when I went to Cambridge.

Did you always have journalism in mind as a career?

No, not at all! After I had switched away from medicine, I was then interested in becoming a Clinical Psychologist. With this is mind, my Part II was in Experimental Psychology, but then a friend said she was thinking of doing some writing for Varsity, and I thought that would be a fun idea. I ended up doing it, and my friend didn't! I really enjoyed the writing, but because I also loved drama I thought broadcasting would suit me better, so I did work experience at BBC Radio Cambridgeshire. When it came to choosing a career, journalism won over Psychology because it didn't involve five more years of training!

Who have you found most inspiring to interview?

I have been privileged to have interviewed all four of the last Prime Ministers – two of them before they got the job, two when they were actually in Number 10. It's a pretty daunting task as there is so much you can ask, but you normally have an allotted time of just a few minutes! I have also really enjoyed interviewing fascinating and talented people like Stephen Fry, P.D. James, Ian McEwan and Robert Winston. But the most inspiring are always the ordinary people who have overcome huge challenges in their lives – the parents of severely disabled children, soldiers who've suffered catastrophic injuries in Afghanistan – I am always amazed and humbled by their lack of self-pity and their ability to look on the bright side of life.

What keeps you at the BBC?

I have worked at the BBC for nearly 20 years – my entire career! It is admired across the world for its impartiality and the quality of its journalism. It may have had its ups and downs, but I believe wholeheartedly in what it stands for and am hugely proud to be part of that. I can't imagine many better places to work.

How do you feel broadcasting has changed since you joined the BBC?

That's a huge question! The biggest change has been technology. When I started out as a reporter we didn't have mobile phones or the internet. It's amazing to think we went out on stories without any way of being contacted by our newsrooms, and couldn't just find out our facts via Google! We also recorded our radio interviews on reel to reel tape, and cut them with razor blades – now everything is digital of course. Journalists have to be more multi-skilled these days as we are a leaner operation. At Look East, reporters often have to write, film and edit their own TV reports. Broadcasting has become so much bigger, with more channels and more competition, but I don't think the ethos of the job has changed a huge amount.

What advice would you give to someone considering a career in your field?

Be prepared to start at the bottom and work your way up. The culture of celebrity has meant that some young people are looking for instant fame or success. That is unlikely to happen! Lasting success in your career comes from putting the building blocks down one by one. If you want to be a journalist, get as much experience as you can – even if it just means making the tea and watching people work. It's a competitive industry, but you gain respect if you are keen and hard-working. Don't be vague and wishy-washy about what you want to achieve – set yourself a goal, and go for it!