Alumni Spotlight - Iona Grieve
Did you know that UHI Perth is the longest established audio engineering department in Scotland and one of the first ever in the UK? Our reputation in industry is second to none and all of our lecturers have had successful careers in the audio industry and are experts in their field.
Audio engineering has changed a lot recently, and our courses reflect this. We have recently introduced game audio to our portfolio as well as immersive audio in VR and in Dolby Atmos and 5.1, which complements our existing offerings in music production, live and broadcast events, and sound for TV and films.
Our facilities on campus are exactly as you would find when working in industry and ensure that you will have the best chance to have a successful career in industry. On the blog this week, we meet a student who has done exactly that and is now working at the BBC!
Can you introduce yourself?
My name’s Iona Grieve - I’m originally from Perth, but currently live in Glasgow.
What course did you study at UHI Perth, and in what year did you complete your studies?
I studied BSc Hons Audio Engineering, and I graduated in 2020.
How did you hear about UHI Perth?
I heard through my guidance teacher at school.
What were you doing before you came to UHI Perth?
I had just decided to leave school at 16. I then proceeded to do a college course in Perth and continued my studies into the degree.
Why did you decide to pick this course?
I had always had a love for computing/tech and was knowledgeable when it came to music, therefore I decide to do a course that incorporated the two.
What was your favourite thing about the course?
I loved getting to work in the 5.1 studio and utilising all the equipment available to me, including the 360 cameras etc.
Were there any standout/memorable moments from your course?
One time when recording in the smaller studios, I remember using weird and wonderful techniques to record a singer I was working with. We ran into an issue, despite being out with our standard lesson times, one of my lecturers came to help me. Once we had corrected the situation, they helped me come up with more ideas, like recommending what mics to use and where to arrange them.
I feel like this sticks out in my mind as this is something that would only happen in a place like Perth. It was almost a friendship with our lecturers, they genuinely seemed to care.
What knowledge, skills and experience did you gain from your course that have helped you since leaving UHI Perth?
I believe doing this course has helped me in many ways - I enhanced my knowledge and it helped me find my niche within the creative industries. This then led to me getting an apprentice with the BBC in broadcast media.
Did you undertake a placement or work experience whilst at UHI Perth?
Yes, one of our lecturers - Dave - managed to get me and a friend a placement at a local radio station in Pitlochry. I was creating content to go on air, editing interviews, live broadcasting from the local election, etc.
What did you think about the styles of teaching, and the support you received from staff?
I really enjoyed the way most of the lecturers taught us, not too coddling whilst still giving off the supportive environment that would never make you feel judged.
What did you like about the campus/facilities?
The best facilities that Perth had were the music studios and having the ability to book them out to learn at your own pace. The library was pretty nice too.
Were there any other achievements you gained, on your journey?
Overall, I think my greatest achievement at UHI Perth was completing my degree. However, I also believe the experience helped me mature into a functioning adult. Whether it was meant to or not, the degree helped me learn how to interact with people in a professional yet relaxed manner. It helped me learn why we need to treat software/hardware with respect and the amount of time and effort it goes into producing things we may take for granted.
What have you been up to since graduation? Are you currently employed?
Yes, I currently work for the BBC as a Broadcast engineering apprentice.
Do you feel your studies have helped you with your career?
Definitely! I would not have been able to gain the knowledge I needed for this course, or the confidence in myself, without the degree I studied at UHI Perth.
What are your future career plans?
To progress through my apprentice and become fully qualified after the 3-year scheme. Possibly even getting a masters in the future.
Did you enjoy studying at UHI Perth? Any highlights?
I did enjoy studying at UHI Perth. It’s hard to pick one highlight, but I enjoyed the relationship we were able to have with the lecturers. I really struggled with the teacher student hierarchy at school, but the lecturers just knew how to treat people at UHI Perth.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about studying at UHI Perth?
It’s a great experience. If you weren’t a fan of the stressful school environment, I could not recommend it more. The lecturers also treat you as people rather than a kid, as long as you try your best and genuinely listen. It’s not a place where you can just skate by. To achieve anything, you need to care about your course and try.
