Careers: What it's like to work for ... Discovery Networks Asia

How many staff? Discovery Networks Asia has over 160 employees.

Marketing responsibilities?

I look after network communications for Asia-Pacific: programme publicity, internal and corporate communications.

Who's the competition?

We consider every channel on the dial as competing for our viewers' attention.

How do you get a job at Discovery Channel?

Through ads in trade or general media or referrals from someone who's already here, since there are internal notifications whenever there are openings.

Are department or office transfers possible?

Discovery offers opportunities to transfer to other offices as long as there is a vacancy and you're the best qualified internal applicant. Management is also very open to inter-department transfers.

Any training offered?

Besides on-the-job training, Discovery arranges for employees to attend courses throughout the year. There are also initiatives like the Global Exchange Programme, where two employees in the same function from different regions switch jobs for three months. We've had staff from Latin America here, while one lucky person from Asia got to live it up in Miami.

Pay and perks?

Discovery is a good employer with one of the best benefits/pay programmes in the industry. Perks are definitely related to travel and meeting the talent featured on our channels, including Ian Wright, Asha Gill, Anthony Bourdain, Steve Irwin and Keith Floyd.

Long hours?

Generally, people don't work too late unless we have conference calls to the US or if we are preparing for a launch or an event.

Business travel?

I travel at least once a year to Washington DC, where Discovery Communications is based, and to New York. I also visit key markets in Asia-Pacific regularly to discuss media plans with affiliates and agencies, and catch up with media contacts. Discovery prides itself on organising press tours that are unforgettable - we've done a couple this year to Brisbane with snakes and dolphins, and in Thailand with tigers for Animal Planet.

Melissa Tham is senior communications manager at Discovery Networks Asia.