Coventry University provides students with the essential skills and knowledge for a successful career path, say recent alumni. Shortly after graduation, students from the Media and Communications department are already building their futures.
Russell Whitehead has successfully started his freelancing career since graduating from MA in Media Production in 2010. Along with being a freelance media producer, he is head of video production for Third Column Productions, a company he set up with some of his graduate friends.
Russell says that finding a job in the media is quite difficult, but after graduating from Coventry University, he feels more confident. “The MA helped me network and update my practical ability.”
“I am now optimistic as I have learnt that I have to make my own work and opportunity. In the media especially, being a freelancer and developing a business model of expose and pursuit is compulsory.”
However, freelancing is not the only possible path for media students. After receiving her MA degree in Communication, Culture and Media, Hristina Haralampieva was employed as HR and Communications Specialist in SAP Labs, Bulgaria.
Hristina credits her confidence and professionalism to her time in Coventry University. “I can better plan and complete my tasks and I have a better understanding of how PR functions and needs to be executed. The international environment I operated in has broadened my general knowledge and experiences, has made me more open-minded and has helped me become better at communicating with people from different backgrounds.”
Even before receiving a graduate degree, some of Coventry University’s third year students are already successful in building their careers. Edward Taylor, a third-year Media Production student, has already set up his own freelance company with the help of Coventry University’s Student Enterprise Fund, which provides up to £30,000 to new entrepreneurs in the West Midlands.
Tim Watson, another third year student from BA Journalism and Media, is currently employed by Mercia Radio,BBC Coventry and Warwickshire, the Heritage Motor Centre and working on producing a brand new radio show.According to Tim, a lot of his work success was the result of his efforts and persistence. However, he highlighted it was his university experience that allowed him to demonstrate invaluable skills to employers.
“I have a fantastic array of skills and have good contact with the industry – but with the media it’s not what you know, it’s who you know. But I am optimistic about the future – I know what I want and accept that I may never achieve it, but as always, I look to the sky and try to touch the stars. Just because I haven’t touched one yet doesn’t stop me staring…”
*Image by Diana StefanescuLabels: 230mc |
