BSc (Hons) Film and Television Production
Graduated 2017
My name is James. I was a student at BNU between 3013 and 2017. I studied film and television production for three of the 4 years and one year studying psychology and sociology.
I was also a senior resident in brook street halls for 2 of the 4 years I studied at the University. I was also a member of a number of societies whilst studying at university.
I am currently working as a customer Representative for nationwide building society.
What are your memories of being a student at BNU?
I have a lot of memories of my time at university, I spent three years living in brook street halls and one year living in Hughenden halls. Some of my favourite memories took place in the halls of residence, be it all of the housemates chilling in the kitchen after a night at the sun together having a takeaway and talking till the early mornings. Practicing my blades skills in the Hughenden grounds with fellow Bucks sword fighting society members. I also spent all 4 years as part of the pole society where a lot of fun memories happened including going on tour.
Some of my favourite nights were the crash rock club on the first Saturday at the Students’ Union.
What advice could you give to recent graduates who want to get ahead?
Practise budgeting for food. One of the big things I learned whilst at university was how to eat well at a decent budget.
Knowing I could budget a full week of meals without worry about running out of money took so much stress off me.
How did your degree at BNU impact on your career?
I have used my degree in a few of my roles with making internal videos for the businesses I have Worked for.
I have found the transferable skills like writing reports/essays, preplanning and being able to work in groups with warring Personalities and opinions have served me best since graduating.
Why did you join the course?
I originally planned on going into the industry following getting my degree and felt this would give me a leg up on it. The facilities that the university offered I felt were amazing including being able to rent the equipment for Completing the assignments were a big aspect of this.
What aspects of your studies did you enjoy the most and why?
Learning the new skills and the collaborative approach the course offered. I got to experience every part of being in a crew including being in front of the camera.
Which parts of your student experience were the best preparation for your job?
Definitely dealing with difficult situations, within my role I have to deal with a lot of tough situations like bereavements and people being the victims of fraud. Being able to remain calm and being able to find ways of helping even in the most difficult situations came from uni.
In the flats There are times were there are disagreements whether it’s who's responsible for leaving the bathroom soaking wet or not cleaning after using the kitchen. These can be difficult to approach but they give you skills that you can use elsewhere.
What are your major careers milestones since completing your studies?
It has definitely been a collection of smaller achievements that make a bigger picture. I have only been in my current role for a shorter amount of time as I recently changed jobs. I have been able to use the conflict resolution skills I developed whilst working as a senior resident in my complaint handling.
What are your future ambitions?
I hope to continue with my complaint handling skills and hope to one day become a senior branch manager where I would oversee multiple branches in an area.
What advice would you give to a student considering the course or looking to get into a career in your sector?
Within the course, I would certainly say, go in with an open mind. The course will challenge a lot of your ideas regarding your writing ability, your ability to work within a team, and how others Will interpret your ideas.
Sometimes you need to take a step back and consider other inputs in order to make a better product.