Specs Howard Job Placement

Specs Grad Armand Bumanlag works a CKLW promotion.

Specs Grad Armand Bumanlag started working for CHUM Radio as an intern for 89X. Within a month, his willingness to go the extra mile earned him a part-time job as a board operator at sister station CKLW. Since then, Armand has worked his way up and is currently the promotions coordinator for CKLW.

PLACEMENT IS A PRIORITY

With a current placement rate of 81.8%*, it's obvious that our placement assistance department is devoted to helping students and recent grads obtain entry-level jobs in the broadcast industry.

However, while placement is a priority, it is by no means a guarantee. Students are expected to take an active role in their search for employment.

The most important factors in finding your first job after graduating from Specs are perseverance and an open mind. It may take pouring coffee or moving to a remote location to get your foot in the door, but students that are determined to work in the industry eventually find a way.

*The statistic reflects the status of available graduates from 14 Radio & Television classes that graduated from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2007.

PLACEMENT BEGINS IN CLASSROOM

Career Perspectives is an 8-week course that students take during the first 16 weeks of the program. Led by members of the placement department, the class focuses on what students can expect upon entering the job market. Entry-level positions, job search techniques, market size, relocation, interviewing skills, salary information and budget preparation are the topics covered through class discussion, activities and assignments.

INTERNSHIPS

Although participating in an internship is not a program requirement, interning for a company within the industry is highly encouraged.

Student interns at an event.

Some internships are paid but most are not. However, the networking potential and work experience they provide is invaluable. Many internships have led directly to employment with an employer hiring the most exceptional interns upon graduation. Others have been known to "put a good word" in for someone at a company that's hiring in a smaller market.

Short-term internships
Starting in second marking period, students in good standing are eligible to participate in events requiring interns. Most are one or two days in length. Examples of such events would be the Hip Hop Summit, Downtown Hoedown, 'DRQ Heat Rave, etc. These are an excellent alternative to students that are unable to commit to a traditional internship due to time constraints.

Traditional internships
Starting in third marking period, students in good standing are eligible to participate in a traditional internship program. A resume and/or interview with an employer is typically required to become an intern. Some internships are paid but most are not. Short-term internships (1-2 days) are often available as well.

COVER LETTERS, RESUMES & MOCK INTERVIEWS

Satisfactory completion of a sample cover letter, resume and a list of references is required for graduation. Students experience various interview techniques and practice their skills through classroom exercises and mock interviews.

AIR CHECK & DEMO TAPES

Fourth marking period students in radio and video learn the importance of providing employers with samples of their work. For radio students, preparing a news and announcer demo is a program requirement. For video students, the advanced editing course provides an opportunity to create a demo comprised of past assignments showcasing their talents in editing, lighting, set design, camera work, etc.

THE JOB SEARCH BEGINS

While the placement team plays an active role in searching for job leads and pursuing and maintaining relationships with employers, the function of the department is to assist students in their endeavors.

Those seeking employment assistance are expected not only to follow up on the leads they accept from their advisors, but to actively seek employment themselves by searching the Internet for job postings, researching potential employers, placing phone calls and sending out resumes.

SPECS HOWARD ALUMNI

The Specs Howard School strives to maintain a sense of community among its graduates and welcomes the opportunity to assist them in finding employment as they move up in their careers. Since networking plays a significant role within the industry, efforts are made to invite grads back to school to mentor students at various functions as well as provide an industry perspective at advisory board meetings. Many graduates go on to become employers themselves, thus, making their connection to the school a great opportunity for up and coming students.

For more information about alumni opportunities, visit Grad Central.

Specs Grad Kirk Montgomery on KUSA-TV in Denver, CO.

K*USA Entertainment Reporter Kirk Montgomery is one of the many Specs graduates that is great about keeping in touch with his alma mater and letting us know how things are going out in Denver.