Have you ever done any practical work related to your course?
No, not yet. I’d like to teach, but instead of doing a PGCE I thought it would be a better idea to do a Master’s degree first. However, I have helped out in various summer schools such as Skolasajf and Klabb 3-16, which organise various activities for children and young teenagers. Lara Farrugia, 20, Master of Arts in History.
Yes, I had carried out an internship with the fashion magazine Platinum Love where I gained a fresh perspective on how the editorial industry functions. This experience made me to want to delve more into communication studies. After the internship, I spent six months in Germany on an Erasmus exchange, which was an eye-opener that enabled me not only to travel and appreciate various cultures, but also to grasp the importance of communicating. The courses there were very hands-on as they mainly consisted of projects and presentations. Kimberly Gregory, 20, Bachelor of Communications with English, 3rd year.
Being an active volunteer with a local environmental NGO, I have helped out with various projects and surveys regarding environmental protection and conservation. This involved working both on land and at sea. Timothy Micallef, 19, Mcast Extended Diploma in Environmental Sustainability, 1st year.
Is there a big difference between the academic content of your course and the work you would like to do?
Since all I have done so far was my BA and some research for my Master’s I do not really have any work experience yet. However, I have given some history lessons on the side, which enabled me to practise what I want to do later on. Lara Farrugia
At times, the academic side seems to delve too much into theory; it triggers a sense of divergence. But this year the course is more creatively stimulating. I am not sure what I would like my job to be, which is why I’m exploring various aspects of the course, such as the filming and printing processes. Part of the course entails creating a magazine from scratch, which will help me gain skills necessary for potential jobs. Kim Gregory
I believe there are some discrepancies, but not significant. Working in the environmental sector requires a strong theoretical background, which must be applied differently for various jobs. Timothy Micallef
Does your course adequately prepare you for work you are pursuing?
Not really for now, since I’m doing a Master’s by research. Everything is more theoretical but I would obviously like to get some proper teaching practice later on. Lara Farrugia
Yes and no. I believe it provides more of an overview of the various aspects of the course. Rather than preparing students it allows them to experiment and see which part of the vast area they feel more inclined to. Kimberly Gregory
Yes, the course is well organised and the modern technologies available facilitate our preparation. Becoming familiar with a variety of methods and techniques early on is an important asset when choosing my line of work. Timothy Micallef
Interviews conducted by Insite – the Student Media Organisation.