Henry
"Over the summer, I had the privilege of working at Samlon Recordings in Johannesburg, South Africa. This experience not only deepened my technical knowledge but also exposed me to new cultural perspectives and professional practices in a global setting."
Entry year
2023Henry is a second-year Film Production and Broadcasting Engineering student. During the 2023-24 academic year, he registered his interest in international placement and internship programmes with the University's International Engagement Office (IEO). Here he tells us about the internship at Samlon Recordings in Johannesburg, South Africa, funded by the Turing Scheme.
Why did you choose to go on a Turing internship? Where did you go?
I chose to pursue a Turing Scheme-supported internship because I wanted to gain practical, hands-on experience in sound engineering while exploring international opportunities. The Turing Scheme provided the perfect platform for this by offering financial and logistical support for students looking to broaden their professional horizons abroad.
Over the summer, I had the privilege of working at Samlon Recordings in Johannesburg, South Africa. This experience not only deepened my technical knowledge but also exposed me to new cultural perspectives and professional practices in a global setting.
How did you find your internship?
Being born in South Africa, it was easier to research for companies around the area I come from. I found my internship through a combination of networking and research. The Turing Scheme’s support played a key role in connecting me to opportunities that would have been difficult to access otherwise. After I communicated with the founder of Samlon Recordings, I secured a position as a Sound Technician intern for the month of August 2023. Their team was very welcoming and supportive throughout the entire process, making it easy for me to transition into the role.
What did the work on your internship involve?
During my internship, I worked closely with the sound engineering team, assisting with the set-up and breakdown of recording equipment for on-site sessions. I had the opportunity to record and manage audio for live sessions, learning how to handle sound recording equipment and ensure high-quality recordings. My responsibilities included overseeing booked sessions, assisting with preparing of relevant equipment (testing and booking out) transport to sites, site establishment and setting up, recording and de-rigging of equipment, transporting and delivering it securely back to office. I took part in the day-to-day tasks of a busy recording studio. This hands-on experience was instrumental in helping me develop my technical skills in a professional environment.
What were the highlights of the experience?
One of the highlights of the internship was the chance to work on a variety of different recording projects, from music sessions to voice-over work. I particularly enjoyed collaborating with local artists and learning how to adjust recording techniques to suit different musical genres.
Another major highlight was being mentored by Brian Sikhosana (pictured), a seasoned professional who is in the industry for over 20 years. His guidance helped me refine my skills and taught me valuable lessons about the business side of sound engineering. Beyond the technical aspects, experiencing South Africa’s rich cultural scene and the ability to see family and friends was priceless.
Would you recommend others to do an internship?
Absolutely. I would highly recommend this type of internship to anyone looking to gain practical experience in their field of study. Without the Turing Scheme, going to South Africa for such an experience was just a dream. And because it was an unpaid internship, the Turing Scheme supported me with my costs of going abroad, allowing me to focus entirely on my learning without worrying about the financial burden. The knowledge and skills I gained from this experience were invaluable, and I would encourage others to take advantage of similar opportunities to advance their careers and broaden their global perspective.
