A CEBE academic delivered an informal networking event at STEAMhouse to recent graduates looking to embark on a portfolio career in studio production, broadcast TV and film.
Companies such as Native Instruments, Music Tribe and RBA Acoustics, alongside freelancers working across studio production, broadcast television and film, were invited to STEAMhouse, where they networked with graduates, shared their experiences and imparted valuable insights from the music, audio, and acoustics industries.
The event was organised by College Lead for Employability and Mobility in the College of Computing Roy Priest and is a spin-off of the Industrial Mentors Forum, which Roy started 10 years ago. The aim of the Forum is to provide industry mentors to BSc Music Technology, BMus Music and BSc Sound Engineering and Production students across the music, audio, and acoustics sectors.
The spin-off networking event in STEAMhouse was followed by a panel discussion, where industry guests shared their experience of working with BCU course teams to enhance curriculum development, assessment design and provide useful feedback to our students.
BSc Sound Engineering and Production student Ben commented: "On this course, we're given multiple opportunities to engage with industry professionals on the industry forum and guest lecturers coming in. It gives us the capability to go out there, introduce ourselves, and speak to these people who may have walked the path that we want to walk in the future."
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Roy said: “At the event, the enthusiasm and commitment to supporting our students was evident across the various discussions. Professional networks like these offer a platform for students to find their own path, as their individual identities develop progressing through their course.”
Careers and Employability Director Julie Stonall said: “This was one of the most engaging and uplifting events of the year. The speakers wanted to support our students in making connections, practise networking skills and impart nuggets of ‘how to’ advice in an industry that is quite complex, multifaceted, and more aligned with a portfolio career.”
RBA Acoustics Director Russell Richardson commented: “I'm delighted to be part of this excellent programme and to see amazing students develop.”
Associate Dean (Teaching Excellence and the Student Experience) for the Faculty of Computing, Engineering, and the Built Environment Nick Morton said: “We are deeply committed to ensuring that our students receive the best possible guidance in completing their studies and accessing graduate employment. There is no better example of that work than the fantastic opportunities Roy has created through 10 years of this programme.”