Navdip Dhariwal is the first BBC journalist of South Asian origin to cover the region. Here's her experience

I am here as: South Asia correspondent for BBC.
I'm: 34 years old.
My brief: To cover South Asia for BBC News, BBC World Service and BBC World TV. My goal: I dream of becoming a full-time foreign correspondent with the BBC and South Asia is a great place to begin. One of the recent stories I am proud of is my piece on the orphaned children of the flower-selling couple killed in the Mumbai blast. It had a huge impact in the UK after the story was aired, leading to a lot of fund-raising for the girls.

How I work on a story: I have always followed the developments in South Asia, even while growing up in the UK. As a British-Asian, I can give my reports a different insight. I speak fluent Punjabi and some Hindi. When I meet people for a story, being from the same background, I know what to do and what not to do. To get people to talk, you need to break the ice somewhere. Either with humour or language. Being a woman, other women in India open up to you automatically.

I knew I had arrived when: I was told to cover South Asia for the BBC. I am the first British Asian to do so. Honestly speaking, the way I began in journalism was very different from starting out at an institutional place. So I think it is extraordinary that I am here today as the BBC South Asia correspondent!"

My inspiration: I look for stories about connections between people. I also like working on environmental stuff, globalisation of businesses, changing trends, etc. A reporter should be flexible, whether you do a story about fashion or famine. Many people I have worked with have inspired me. To me, the most important part of a story is the balance and accuracy in reporting.

So You Want To Be A Correspondent?
A degree from a reputed journalism school can be helpful.
• You could also intern with a media house or join them as trainee.
• Challenge and question situations.
• Have the drive to do well and be ready for unpredictable hours.
• If you are interested in television journalism, also look at the story visually.
• Believe in fair and accurate reporting.

Indian Assignments
These are some assignments I have covered in India:
• Covering the aftermath of Gujarat riots.
• Punjabi girls engaged to British Asians learning to speak English in Jalandhar.
• Groom kidnappings in Bihar.
• Reports on globalisation from Bangalore.
• Mumbai bar girls.
• The building of the controversial Taj corridor in Agra.