LAURA McPherson is a second-year HND Media and Communication student at Glasgow Clyde College. This year, as part of her ‘graded unit’, she is helping to organise the Scottish Student Journalism Awards 2014, taking place in May.
What course are you studying?
A HND in media and communications, at Glasgow Clyde College; its Cardonald campus.
What inspired you to choose this course ahead of all the others on offer?
The course is extremely varied and covers many subjects – such as radio production, magazine journalism and public relations – all of which I wanted to study.
At what stage are you at?
I’m in second year, which involves much more practical work, getting everyone prepared for either futher education or working life. During the course, we will be pitching to real clients and taking up the opportunity for work experience. For me, I am delighted to say I have secured a place working at STV for the required week.
What have you most enjoyed about the course so far?
I have enjoyed my graded unit, which is the Scottish Student Journalism Awards. So far, it has been a challenge and it has given me great opportunities to gain contacts and experience in the media industry. The second-year graded unit challenges the student to put the skills they have learned into a real-life scenario.
What lies ahead and how are you preparing yourself for it?
University lies ahead, hopefully, and in order to get into the course of my choice I have to gain a B pass at my graded unit. To prepare for this, I am working hard.
Are you currently using any of your new-found skills in actual ‘media work’?
Yes, I am currently working for the college radio station (GCR). My work experience at STV is scheduled for late April.
What next, after you have no doubt successfully completed your course?
After I have completed my course, I’ll hopefully be going into third year at university. After which, I hope to gain a job in the media industry, although I am still unsure which particular sector.
Any single piece of media studies advice you want to share?
Work experience, work experience, work experience. It’s key in order to explore different sectors. I have changed my mind many times and work experience provides the chance to experience different roles.
