Aiden Smith, BA Multimedia Journalism

Student Stories is Glasgow Caledonian University’s blog about student experiences at the University and how those experiences have contributed to their successes.

 

I studied at GCU because…

I studied at GCU because the journalism course on offer at the university is by far the best in Scotland. This is mainly down to the fact that the course is accredited by both the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) and the Broadcast Journalism Training Council (BJTC), the two most respected industry benchmarks. The accreditation by both bodies is partly down to the facilities that are available at university. The journalism department includes industry standard radio and television studios as well as cameras, audio equipment and the best quality of editing software. This equipment has been invaluable throughout my time at GCU and has equipped me with the skills needed for the world of journalism.

 What’s been most important to you?

The journalism staff at GCU have been most important to me during my time at university. Their expert tuition has taught me the vital techniques and skills that I need to be successful when I enter the world of journalism. They are always available for meetings to offer advice for both university assignments and work opportunities. I simply would not have coped during my time at university so far without them.

What’s been your biggest lesson learned?

 The biggest lesson I have learned during my time at university would have to be that a little bit of effort can go a long way. During first and second year I was quite happy to be receiving marks in the 50s and 60s for my coursework. When third year arrived I realised that I should really be trying to put in as much effort as possible since third year marks go towards your final degree. After realising this, my marks began to rise into the high 60s and early 70s. I have taken this attitude into fourth year and hopefully it will pay off when I receive my final degree classification.

Do you believe we are the University for the Common Good?

Yes, I do believe that GCU is the university for the common good. I have met so many students from different backgrounds during my time here due to playing in the football team as well as meeting those who I study alongside. Everyone I have mixed with seems to enjoy their time on campus and those who come to Glasgow to study seem to have a positive experience of the city through their studies at the university.

 

 

Who inspires you?

I recently spent time on placement at Sky Sports News during the summer. During my time in London, I met up with former GCU Multimedia Journalism student, Jo Wilson. Jo is a presenter on Sky Sports News and, like me, is from Perth. She is a real inspiration of mine considering how quickly she has moved up the journalism hierarchy since graduating from GCU.

Where are you going next and have your ambitions changed?

My goal in journalism has always been to work at Sky Sports News. With my passion for sport and journalism, there really is not a better place to ply my trade. Having had a taste of what it’s like to work at Sky during my time on placement over the summer I am more determined than ever to end up working there one day.

If we bumped into you on campus, where are you most likely to be and why?

I am most likely to be found in the journalism department of the university on the third floor of the George Moore building.

I will probably be in one of our two radio studios or the television studio. The facilities are a great source to showcase my journalistic work.