My interview with a fellow Media student – Part 1

I am quite interested in journalism and as a part of it, I have always been keen to make interviews with people. There are so many interesting people out there who can share so many interesting things with us. Effy is a friend of mine, a really nice and smart Media and Communication student with whom I have some of my Media modules. I asked her whether she agrees to do an interview where she could talk about her university experiences. Gladly she agreed so in this post you can read the first part of the interview, where she mostly talks about her studies.

 

Why did you choose to come to Leicester?

Because the ranking of Media Studies in Leicester was very good. Also, my cousin studied here -not Media though, I can’t remember what because it was a long time ago- and she told me that this university would be suitable for me. I came here three years ago when I started my Foundation Year.

 

What was it like? Was it hard?

It’s a bit like high school, but it’s just one year. We studied Media, Business, Law, Economics and so on. It wasn’t difficult – not difficult compared to university. (laughs)

 

Did you encounter any language difficulties throughout your university experience?

Yeah, of course. For example when a teacher talks too fast or when there are certain terms that I don’t understand. But it’s better than before, I think my English has improved.

 

Does it mean that you used some help to overcome these difficulties? Like taking extra English lessons?

Yes. Do you know the English Language Teaching Unit? I attended their classes last year. I think there were two hours per week… And this course aimed to improve everything: reading, listening, speaking and writing skills. There weren’t any exams but tests, about which the teachers gave us feedbacks. So it was good.

 

What has been your favourite module so far and why?

Well, last year I had Journalism Studies. It was a theoretical subject but I found it really interesting. I also liked it because the lecturer was very good. For this year, I enjoy TV Production the most because it’s a practical module. Last semester you had Film Production, right? It’s similar to it. We will have to make a 3-5 minute short film in groups. I’m quite excited about that.

 

So would you say you are happy here, with your course?

Oh yes. I don’t regret coming here at all, I like being here. You see I’m the kind of person who, if chooses to do something, then will do it by all means. Like this course: I chose to study Media here and I will do that and I will be better and better. I will have a 2:1 degree. There are no questions or arguments or options about that. I stick to my goals and decisions.

 

You’re a really determined and hard-working person. I’m guessing you spend a lot of time in the library as well?

Oh yes! I have to go there a lot. Because, you know, I’m not a native speaker and so I need to work harder than the native speakers. And I do work hard.

 

And I’m sure it will be paid off. What about your career goals in the future?

Oh no, that’s a tricky question. I’m not sure yet. You can’t predict the future. What I do know is that I definitely want to work in the area of Media. Like broadcasting, PR… digital media, maybe. Or films. I’d like to work behind film productions. But I’m really not sure yet.

 

Did you use the help of the Career Developement Service?

Yes. I have booked an appointment with them and we discussed the strengths and weaknesses of my CV and cover letter. I have been there several times, actually. They’ve been really helpful. They told me how to improve my CV and things like that.

 

 

What kinds of jobs or internships did you have?

I had an internship last year, it was at an Eduaction Company, called Study Group. I managed the social media, wrote articles on their website about my university experience and I also had to call students. You know, if students got their offers from several universities, then I called them and told them why Leicester would be a great choice.

 

Did you enjoy it?

Umm, not really. I mean, it wasn’t bad or anything, it’s just that it’s not really my type of business. It’s not what I want to do later.

 

Would you like to complete a master degree after finishing the BA?

Yes, of course. Probably in London. Or in America. You know, there are many opportunities in America in terms of working with films. Plus my older cousin is currently studying in Chicago and he says it’s great.

 

Stay tuned for part 2, where she will be asked about her free time, societies, holiday plans etc!:)