“The media industry is so diverse, dynamic and exciting – one of the best industries to be in if you can handle the pace. Its popularity amongst today’s generation of students has also grown tremendously," says Carike Verbooy, registrar at the Media House. 

On an academic level, media studies provide students with a deep insight into the latest trends of mass communication and how various media sectors have evolved in adapting to new technologies. As challenging and competitive an industry as it has become, it’s also an immensely rewarding one, with many avenues and study options.”

To highlight the fact that a career in the world of media is an exciting one in which success can be achieved if you are passionate and committed, let’s take a closer look at two Boston Media House lecturers who are making a name for themselves in the industry.

Boston Media House second year Radio Theory lecturer and popular 5FM presenter, Catherine Grenfell, says that a career in radio actually chose her. After doing live production work, Grenfell moved onto radio where she worked on two morning shows and an afternoon drive show. Soon she was hosting her own live show which showcases local and international bands performing live in front of a studio audience.

Grenfell gladly encourages South African youth to choose a career in the media industry because currently we are experiencing such exciting times with the rise of social media. It’s a market that’s ripe for new ideas and insights, one that’s always evolving on a creative level.

Grenfell adds: “I’m fortunate because I’m in the position to both lecture in media, as well as work within the radio industry. It’s an exciting career path that gets your adrenalin going and where you are able to voice your own opinion as well as get others thinking about current topics. As a lecturer I love sharing the knowledge that I have gained and inspiring the students. I also enjoy watching students grow in their personalities and course interests. It’s through their achievements that my personal growth is stimulated and my knowledge base broadened.”

Claire Jackson-Bernardo, owner of Alerting the Media and Boston Media House Public Relations and Media Planning lecturer, started lecturing six years ago. Prior to this, she spent many exciting years as a publicist at Ster-Kinekor Entertainment. Eventually she started her own PR consultancy in 2006.

“I have always loved working with the media, coming up with ideas and plans and getting positive exposure for my clients. I have been fortunate enough to travel the world and meet many international and local movie stars and film makers, but for me the thrill is still all about your client and getting them or their product the publicity they need,” she says.

It’s also this passion of hers for the media world that now resonates in her career as a Boston Media House Lecturer. She started lecturing because she felt strongly about inspiring our young generation to learn the necessary skills that will pave a career path for them.

“Being part of the journey of each student as they grow and learn is a huge honour for me, and even more so when they’ve graduated, and they keep in touch so I can assist with help and advice in finding internships or jobs. From the moment I joined Boston Media House I knew I had found my home. Nothing gives me more energy, hope or pride than working with the young people of South Africa,” says Jackson-Bernardo.

She’s also quick to add that Boston Media House is fortunate in having one of the most hands-on and practical PR courses you can do. Students are equipped with the theory of PR, but more importantly, they are taught the skills they need to go out into the industry and actually work in Public Relations from the day they start.

From journalism, to advertising, to music production, prospective Boston Media House students can expect tuition and training that is both practical and up to date with current trends and technologies. Boston Media House is also the only tertiary institution that currently provides an integrative approach that incorporates real-world training towards the study of media.

For more information on Boston Media House and the courses they offer, call +27 11 883 0933 or visit their website. Alternatively, connect with the college via Facebook and Twitter.