A University of Northampton graduate is thriving behind the scenes of one of the UK’s best-known television productions, after turning her passion for engineering into a career in broadcast technology.
Mirusha Jegatheeswaran, who studied Computer Systems Engineering at the University of Northampton, is now working as a Broadcast and Media Systems Engineer for Emmerdale at ITV, where she helps maintain critical backend systems including cameras, sound, lighting consoles, lighting grids and post-production equipment.
She has been in the role for three years, having previously supported studio systems for Good Morning Britain, Lorraine, This Morning, Loose Women, Peston, The Martin Lewis Money Show and John & Lisa’s Weekend Kitchen. Her first graduate job was as a Service Desk Analyst at the NHS, before deciding to pursue opportunities in broadcast technology.
Mirusha said she was completely honest about her lack of television experience when applying for ITV, instead highlighting her determination to learn.
“I remember calling my dad in tears when I got the offer,” she said. “I told him, ‘I think ITV have just offered me a role. I’m pinching myself, but it’s really happening!”
A first-generation engineer whose parents emigrated from Sri Lanka, Mirusha was also the only girl in her engineering class at school. After receiving an unconditional offer from Northampton, she embraced university life, balancing her studies with work as a student ambassador and playing netball for the University’s team.
Although she faced challenges during her second year, Mirusha pushed through and graduated with a first-class degree.
“University taught me complete independence, both with managing my workload and finances. It also gave me confidence, not just academically but personally.”
Since joining ITV more than six years ago, Mirusha has worked on major productions including Coronation Street, completed night shoots on location, and regularly receives on-screen credits under Technical Support.
“I still have those ‘pinch me’ moments when I see my name on TV. To this day, my mum still takes photos every time my name comes up in the credits,” she added.
ITV has supported her development through mentoring, shadowing opportunities and a six-month ‘Women in Broadcast’ programme focused on confidence, communication and tackling workplace bias. Mirusha also speaks openly about imposter syndrome and the lack of representation in engineering roles.
“We need to start challenging ourselves, especially women in STEM and women of colour” she said.
“Sometimes imposter syndrome gets in the way, but it’s important to keep pushing and believing in ourselves. When I was younger, I didn’t see people who looked like me in roles like this – but now, I hope I’m starting to change the curve for those who will follow behind me.”
Alongside her professional role, Mirusha volunteers with Rise Academy, helping young people build studio setups and develop talk shows, while encouraging them to stay motivated and believe in their long-term goals.
These experiences were shared by Mirusha at the University of Northampton’s recent Cultural and Creative Industries Networking Night, which offered more than 100 local creatives, recruiters and employers the opportunity to open the book on what it takes to ‘make it’ within the cultural and creative industries through a People Library.
“As part of the People Library, I had the opportunity to have open, honest conversations with students about careers, confidence, and navigating the realities of the industry” she explains.
“Returning to the University where my journey began felt incredibly special. It was a full-circle moment to share what I’ve learned so far, hear students’ ambitions, and hopefully reassure them that there isn’t just one path into the creative industries.”
Her advice to current students and graduates is simple: be authentic, apply even if you don’t meet every requirement, and don’t be afraid to admit what you don’t know.
“Even if you’ve got zero experience, just go for it,” she said. “Be passionate, be your authentic self, and always be willing to learn. You never know what you’re capable of unless you reach for the stars.”