I'm still here.

It's about time that I apologise for my absence recently! 

In the last month I have moved from my hometown in Wales back to Birmingham to take on my third (and final!) year at Birmingham City University. It's an exciting time but also a very busy time. I am going to be calling on all my organisation skills for this year. 

My modules of choice this year are focused upon the music industry and PR. On the music front I will be studying the production module, Music Industry Enterprise and the theory module, Popular Music Culture. My third chosen module is Communications Management. I'm going into my third week back at university now and I an certainly happy with my decision to study these. The hands-on approach means it's going to be a semester of hard work but worth it in the long run! 

Of course, on top of my choices I have the two big modules. Like most third year students I will be working on my dissertation throughout the whole year. My question is based around representations, popular music and feminism. However, that's not all! I also have a production project to work on. It's only in the early stages at the moment but keep an eye out as I will definitely be updating you on it in the near future.

I will try to keep the blog up to date with my media work throughout the next few months but if you don't see me for a while it's probably because I either have my head in a book or I'm busy typing away at my assignments!

I'd also just like to take this time to thank everyone who reads my blog. I really appreciate it! Don't forget I'd love to read your thoughts on my posts so feel free comment. 

One Direction making music history!

The power of the internet has really been proven in the case of One Direction.

Reading in the Media Guardian today I came across the story of how One Direction have made transatlantic pop history with their US No.1 album. They are the first act to top the American chart with their debut album.

Now, topping the chart in America is incredible and a highly sought after spot in any instance but to be able to say you got there with your very first album is another thing altogether! Although One Direction don't exactly cater to my personal taste in music, I am amazed by their whirlwind career. Who knew that this collection of boys thrown together by the X Factor would turn out to be a winning combination!

Personally, from a media and PR perspective, this story is so interesting as it highlights how, when used effectively, the internet can be an incredible tool of promotion. As you may remember, I am currently working on a campaign for artist Bella Diem and one of our core objectives is to utilise the internet and the online fan-base in creating a focal point for the band but also to create a community through the fans and to get them involved. When talking about music promotion on the internet, the issue of over-saturation often crops up. When every man (and woman!) and his dog can use social networking site as a form of promotion, this tool is hardly 'groundbreaking' any more. However, One Direction have proved that the internet still has a firm place in promotion and when used effectively it can have great outcomes. As Irish member, Niall Horan, pointed out

"[Social media] is the main thing that we're about."

"If you ask our fans where they found out about us it's always Twitter, YouTube, Tumblr, Facebook: it's the most powerful thing we have."

This is a promising revival of the power of internet promotion.

Critical Reflection and My Future Goals and Plans

As the end of my second year at university draws near, it is time to reflect and consider where the skills I have developed and experiences I've had so far can take me in the future.

In my time at University I have studied the industry and its needs closely and worked hard to produce professional media texts. I feel through doing this I have learnt so much about the industry but also the extent of my own abilities. Attending university has not only extended and developed my skills but has given me greater confidence in what I can achieve and do. Through studying Music, Photography, Journalism and Public Relations I have developed  and improved skills in creativity, team-working, communication, various styles of writing, promotion, leadership, organisation, camera/lighting/Photoshop, events management,  time-keeping, organisation and many more. I hope to continue to build on these not only through university but also in my career. I believe through securing various work experiences, internships and employment I have put my skills and knowledge to the test and proved that I am capable, enthusiastic and hardworking - skills and qualities that are so important in this industry!

Although I have already learnt so much, I am continually working to improve myself and enjoy learning new things so I have set myself goals to help me achieve as much as I can to prepare myself for my future within the industry.

My short term goals for the next six months are to, of course, pass the second year with at least a 2:1 and I am paving the way to achieve that goal already! I aim to work hard for the rest of the year and take advantage of any opportunities that are available.

My specific short terms goals include:

• Build up my photography portfolio with more studio work and a variety of other fields of photography - particularly live music photography.
• Apply for and secure more work experience
• Conclude the important research within my role in the student academic partnership and to help in the improvement of the School of Media at Birmingham City Uni
• Continue to build on my skills and confidence in my abilities through my studies and experiences
• Build up my professional portfolio ready to enter the working world
• To work hard on my dissertation and to have a successful media production project

These short term goals will hopefully prove to be a helpful motivator and guide for the rest of my time at university. As I only have a full academic year left I aim to make the most out of it!

Looking to the future, I am not completely certain on what career path I would like to take as I enjoy a variety of areas of the media and would love to try as much as possible. However I am certain that a career in the media is for me. My ideal job would include all four of the areas I am interested in and have been building up a skills base within - Music, Photography and Journalism. I am passionate about each of these aspects of the media and will continue to pursue them. In order to achieve my desired career (and to improve my personal and professional skills and attributes) my 3 year goals include:

• Get involved with as many media related experience as possible, the more the better! 
• Take advantage of the access to a photography studio while I can and do more work with models and music artists
• Continue to build up a portfolio of a variety of work within the field
• Develop and maintain more media contacts
• Graduate from Birmingham City University with at least a 2:1 but ideally a first
• Secure a job within the media industry! 
• Travel and do some travel photography

I'm sure I will be continually adding to my goals as the weeks, months and years go on but I highly recommend you take note of your personal and professional goals to motivate and encourage you to succeed! 

Welcome!

My name is Hannah and this is my professional blog where I shall be posting about everything related to my interests and studies in Media.

I am currently a second year student at Birmingham City University, studying Media and Communications. I thoroughly enjoy the work, new experiences and challenges it brings. My degree has aided me in developing my skills in the areas of Music (the industry and business aspect, rather than playing!), Journalism, Photography and PR. I am highly interested in all of these ideas and I am working towards a career that involves all ideally, however I would love to work in any of those fields. 

This blog will therefore be a space for me to showcase my various work, projects, to discuss any interesting media topics and to update you on any work I am undertaking or experiences I have. 

Please feel free to give feedback on my work or to discuss ideas with me!