English language and media student Bella on why taking the Media in Practice module and finding a placement at a production company helped her find her career goal after a difficult second year.
“At the end of my second year at Brighton, it was clear that I hadn’t done enough to reach the grades I needed and would ultimately be resitting the year. This was a really confusing time left with tons of conflicting emotions – anger, frustration, disappointment but most interestingly that sense of security. Knowing that I would have another year before entering the ‘real world’ and figuring out what it is I actually want to do. When the new semester rolled around, I decided to do the Media in Practice placement module .
“Before taking the module I genuinely had no idea what I wanted to do. I spoke to my friend who had recently graduated and got a job at a production company in London. An email, video interview and contract later I was set up for a three -week placement in London with the company.
I was told I would be working as a runner and production-assistant on shoot days and when in office I would be learning the basics of what went into production
“I was told I would be working as a runner and production-assistant on shoot days and when in office I would be learning the basics of what went into production. This was a whole different world and half of the time I felt like everyone around me was speaking a different language. But at the weeks went on I developed and eventually found I was actually quite good at this.
“The creative hands-on nature of the job made me feel excited and mentally stimulated, something that doesn’t come easily in a work sense for me. A standout moment was working on a shoot with Vogue as a runner. It’s hard to put into words but I think I just felt his feeling of belonging and finally a sense of direction that I could strive towards in my studies. I liked what I was doing and enjoyed it and it felt like a bit of a dream come true yet now I finally had a vision of my future in front of me.
It’s hard to put into words but I think I just felt his feeling of belonging and finally a sense of direction that I could strive towards in my studies.
“Since then, I have worked with the company on other projects and as of recently I was asked to help out on a photoshoot with Gay Times. As a queer woman this was a big moment for me. I think when you’ve been in the industry for a long time working with big names it doesn’t hit you as hard, but for me, this felt surreal. And to date it was one of my proudest moments even if I was just a runner. After all of this, I had a moment to reflect. If I hadn’t failed my second year, and if I hadn’t of decided to take this module, none of these opportunities would have ever arisen.
If I hadn’t failed my second year, and if I hadn’t of decided to take this module, none of these opportunities would have ever arisen.
“After I graduate, I hope to keep up working alongside the company in my production career and hopefully one day work permanently in the industry. This story or rather my experience of Media in Practice essentially has given me a taste into real working life post university. It has taught me the values and essentials for dedicated work and has opened my eyes to something so valuable, the goals can be accomplished, and nothing really is unreachable.”
Find out about studying for an English Language and Media degree at the University of Brighton.
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