As a well known television company in the US, PBS America has consistently been voted one of America’s most trusted institutions. The opportunity, therefore, to set up a Graduate Internship Scheme between PBS America and ֱ’s media students was not to be missed!
Whilst PBS America has been broadcasting in the US since 1969, it only set up its UK office in 2011 under the leadership of Richard Kingsbury their General Manager. In the UK they showcase, on Sky and Virgin Media platforms, all of PBS's best-loved and award-winning factual programmes, including Nova (science), Frontline (current affairs) and American Experience (history).
Richard was keen to have a look at a number of students, from BU undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, and is always on the lookout for emerging talent. One such talent was Andrea Babic, an MA Advertising & Marketing Communications student, who recently spent a month with the company. She said that she was proud to be a part of an organisation whose content she truly respected.
She went on to say that “I got to take an inside look at how a television company really works, and I worked with the most incredible human beings who were generous enough to help open other doors for me." Richard went on to say that "being a small team, interns get a chance to see how the whole channel operates and get a feel for what might suit their skills and interests. We look for people that are good at problem solving, meeting deadlines and are easy to work with. Andrea was certainly all of these and we look forward to meeting more of Bournemouth's finest!"
Dr John Oliver, Associate Professor of Media Management, who set up the scheme with Richard, said that “the internship scheme provided a fantastic opportunity for BU students to showcase their knowledge and skills with a leading broadcast brand”.
PBS America and ֱ plan to extend the scheme, which offers a real world learning experience and an opportunity to appreciative working life with an internationally recognised media firm.