Every 5 yrs., our accreditation comes up for renewal and among other things the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges does at these times is have a team of specialists visit us.  One of the members is a Subject Specialist who works in the industry the school trains for.  They visited us in May and the specialist was John Hammond who posted the following on his Facebook page.  Thanks very much John.

[John Hammond] I had the opportunity to visit Specs Howard School of Media Arts. This was not my first time there. I’ve been a long-time visitor to the school, primarily as a potential employer. But this was the first time I visited as an evaluator. I was asked by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology to evaluate the school in regard to its curriculum and practices, so I was on a mission.

A team of 5 people interview staff, students, administrators, all the people that make the school function. I was responsible for the Radio – Video – Film (RVF) portion of the program. I found it fascinating that this gem of an institution, started by Specs himself decades ago, has not only kept pace with the changing technology in our business, but continues to be a vital source of “new blood” for our industry.

The curriculum throughout the areas of the school I evaluated is preparing graduates to go on to entry level positions in radio, television, post-production, graphic arts, on-line, and even the film industry. They are not the next DP or on-line editor, they are the people we were when we first started in the business. They get your tapes in order, coil cables (yes, they actually teach that skill), run errands, transport people around and if they get good at that and continue to improve their skill, they can move up.

The vast majority of the graduates have passion for their work and want to do a good job for their co-workers. They want to “make a difference” – a phrase I have heard often from Specs grads.

So, if you need an intern or entry-level employee for your next project, I suggest you call their Career Services Department.

John Hammond