School of Media student, Elvinah Noemie Xhignesse has achieved two work placements for Sky and Universal Music Group. Elvinah spoke to us about how she gained these placements and how they will help her career after university.
What did you have to do in order to be awarded the placement?
For the sky placement, I had to complete a form outlining why I wanted to work for them, what I could bring to the company and explaining how it could contribute to my own personal development. I really wanted this application to represent me and my passion for the media, and I think that was apparent in the application form. When I found out I had been selected for an interview I was very nervous but also really excited. I did a lot of research on the company and just tried to be myself and show my passion and commitment.
For the Universal Music Group (UMG) placement, I had to send over my media CV with a short cover letter that I had worked on with my tutor. To support my application I also sent some videos I’d made that showcased my fun, creative and unique style. I was given a phone interview where I had the opportunity to talk a bit about myself and the kind of creator I am. I found out I had been successful a few weeks later with an email congratulating me and inviting me to a workshop in London.
What will you be doing on the placement?
The Sky placement takes place across the first two weeks in September and in the first week, I will be learning about the different departments in the London headquarters, shadowing various Managers, and in the second week I can choose which department I would like to work on for the remainder of my placement.
During my time as a Content Creator for UMG, I will be working on creating new visual content for their artists while they are in Birmingham. The content could be something like recording their concerts or creating videos for their social media. I am really excited to have the opportunity to be creating new content for one of the biggest music companies in the world.
Can you tell me a little about the prizes that are awarded on the Sky placement?
At the end of the placement with Sky, the student who has performed best over the two weeks will receive a £1,000 prize. The other two students will also receive a prize of £500.
What career path would you like to choose once you have graduated?
I really want to work in television in the future, the industry is so creative and always evolving.
Do you plan to use any of these placement opportunities to get a job once you have graduated?
I know that a lot of former students have had the chance to work for Sky after their placement but for me, I think of it as a chance to discover which part of the television industry I want to get into. It’s so big and there are so many roles and I know I still have time to discover and learn before I make any decisions. I love directing and producing, and at Sky I will be getting more involved in broadcasting so I am really excited to learn something new.
I think the type of work I will be doing with UMG is something I’d like to explore more after I finish university as I have a background in music and it’s a passion of mine. I think there would be opportunities with the company as they have already spoken to us about future job prospects.
Did you know about the Sky Scholarship Scheme before you applied for the course and if so, was this one of the reasons you applied?
I heard about the scheme in my first year and I applied and got to the interview stage but unfortunately, I wasn’t selected. I know in the real world rejections happen so I didn’t let it bring me down and applied again this year. I think I was successful this time because I was more confident and I’d grown a lot since the first interview. I’d also done a lot of work experience which really helped. We get notified about jobs, internships and short placements almost 10 times a day so there are lots of opportunities that really make you stand out in an interview for something like this.
What advice would you give to someone who was thinking of applying for it?
My advice would be to make sure you do a lot of research on the company and really get to know what they do and why they do it. Interviewers like passionate and curious people so don’t be afraid to ask questions during the interview. Most importantly just relax and be yourself.