How My University Course Supported My Professional Success So Far

By Bethany Harrison

Bridging Theory and Practice

My Media Production degree at Solent University has been vital in shaping my career, due to its industry–facing approach. Particularly last summer when I began my internship at BCFF. The technical and creative skills I developed throughout the course allowed me to seamlessly transition into the professional world.

Hands-On Experience Leads to Real-World Confidence

One example of how my coursework directly translated to professional success is the knowledge I gained in the Social Media Marketing module. This module, aligned with the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), provided me with industry-standard practices. Throughout my internship, I’ve led multiple marketing campaigns, from strategy development to execution, ensuring that each campaign was research-driven to maximise engagement. I also worked on performance analytics, tracking key metrics to evaluate and refine our marketing strategies.

Much of this foundational knowledge came from my university studies, giving me the confidence to adapt to the fast-paced environment at BCFF. My proficiency in content management systems, such as WordPress, greatly streamlined the social media management tasks I handled. Additionally, my training in Adobe Creative Suite allowed me to create visually appealing content that aligned with the charity's brand identity.

Collaborating with Industry Leaders

During my time at BCFF, I had the opportunity to contribute to both B2B and B2C campaigns, collaborating with prominent organisations like Formula One and Bromley Council. I played a central role in rebranding the charity, refining its visual and communication strategy to ensure a cohesive and impactful brand identity. The branding modules I took at Solent were crucial in helping me navigate this process and apply these concepts in a real-world setting.

The Value of Presentation Skills

An often overlooked yet critical part of my course was the emphasis on presentations and pitching ideas. Initially, I found these exercises challenging, but they proved invaluable to my professional growth. During both my internship and freelance work, I regularly participated in—and sometimes led—branding and marketing strategy meetings. My ability to confidently present and communicate ideas was honed through consistent practice during my studies, which directly contributed to my career progression.

Wearing Multiple Hats in the Professional World

Beyond the core marketing modules, my other modules like videography, photography, and audio production have proven surprisingly useful in my professional life. In smaller roles, especially internships, you often need to wear many hats. From capturing content for social media to preparing press materials, my practical skills in media production allowed me to navigate these varied responsibilities. Even something as specific as recording client meetings using a Zoom H5 recorder, a tool I learned about in my first-year audio module, became an invaluable asset in my work.

A Multidisciplinary Degree for a Dynamic Career

In summary, Solent’s Media Production degree is multifaceted and truly prepares students for the industry. The skills I’ve acquired, both technical and strategic, have equipped me to thrive in diverse professional environments. My degree has not only enhanced my employability but also enabled me to make a tangible impact in my roles.