A former Media student from Solihull College & University Centre returned recently to share his successful experiences at university and in industry since leaving the College.
Morgan Meredith, 18 from Birmingham, is currently in his first year studying Sports Journalism at Birmingham City University (BCU) after completing his two-year Digital Media Production course at the College.
Morgan has also done work experience with Birmingham Live in Court Reporting
Morgan came to the College after an inspiring open event visit. He explains: “At the Open Event I immediately got on with the lecturers. I had visited other colleges too but by far, Solihull had the most inclusive and comfortable environment. I enjoyed my interview too and thought I could make a lot of progress, which I did as the College has so many industry contacts. I remember leaving my interview feeling like I was already a part of the College.”
Despite starting his course during the first wave of the pandemic, Morgan never felt limited in terms of what projects he and his peers were tasked to create. They spent time familiarising themselves with the industry-standard equipment and worked on documentary production, learning camera angles and shots, and filmmaking. Morgan says: “We created a trailer based on a film we had watched and that really struck a chord. The tutors were always so encouraging of our creativity.”
For Morgan, one of the initial challenges was overcoming his lack of confidence. In his first year he had notetakers and needed some support to adjust to the new environment. He shares: “The College was supportive throughout and I gained so much confidence during my time here. I was around likeminded and confident people who helped me build my confidence.”
For the Final Major Project in year 1, lecturers gave students the freedom to choose their favoured media to highlight a theme. Morgan chose photography to capture social deprivation, he explains: “I wanted to raise awareness of the issues with capitalism such as poverty and I didn’t ever feel restricted, only supported by my lecturers. My proudest recollection is how I was able to capture my progression through my work. My first project was a bit shaky and all over the place but by unit 8 I had settled in with the expectations of me as a student and budding professional.”
As well as starting university, Morgan has had the opportunity to work with Solihull Moors Football Club’s media team. His work has been on their Twitter account and used to promote the club. Morgan says: “None of this would have been possible if it wasn’t for the amazing experience I had at the College and the support I got from my lecturers, such as Hayley Edwards, who provided me with the skills to be able to pursue my dreams.”
A portfolio of Morgan’s media work and his proud achievements
During his final year at College, Morgan began focussing on his future, and through a dedicated unit on career progression, he was allowed the opportunity to explore potential universities, attend open days, and work on his CV and UCAS application.
Morgan is now thoroughly enjoying his time at BCU. He shares: “You have to communicate a lot more at university, but I feel that’s something the College helped a lot with as we had to do a lot of presentations.”
Now focussed on developing his skills in reporting, photography, and networking, Morgan is making a name for himself in the local industry through his hard work and determination. He hopes to have a successful career in journalism or photography.
