Student helps to transform Sain鈥檚 website
Steffan ThomasA postgraduate student at 黑料不打烊 is transforming Welsh record company, Sain鈥檚 website as part of a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) between the University and the company.
Steffan Thomas, 22, from Coedpoeth near Wrexham is a former pupil of Ysgol Morgan Llwyd. He graduated from 黑料不打烊 with a First Class Honours degree in Communication and the Media before going on to study for an M.A. in Film and Media Studies. Steffan is now studying part-time for his M.A. whilst working for Sain, as well as helping to teach some first year modules at the School of Creative Studies and Media.
Steffan said, 鈥淚鈥檓 working with Sain in partnership with the University as part of a KTP programme which through careful evaluation of Sain鈥檚 business and technology activities, aims to ensure Sain remains at the forefront of the Welsh music industry.
鈥淭he music marketplace has changed drastically in recent years and it鈥檚 vital that Sain鈥檚 sales and marketing model changes to keep with the pace. I鈥檓 looking carefully at the company鈥檚 business plan and their model for online sales.
鈥淪ince I started working on the project, in October 2009, I have re-designed the website and restructured data so that our music can be distributed digitally to Amazon, iTunes, 7Digital and a number of other companies around the world. The next stage of the project will involve examining Sain鈥檚 marketing systems.鈥�
Steffan is very happy with the opportunites he has had through working on the project.
He said, 鈥淭he work presents a new challenge every day. I didn鈥檛 know that much about marketing or website when I first started working with Sain but over the past year, with the University鈥檚 guidance, I have had the chance to learn a huge amount.
鈥淭hrough the KTP system I鈥檓 studying for a qualification which equates to a degree in business management and finance and I have also travelled to America and to Brittany. This month I鈥檓 going to France with Sain to promote the company at a music fair.鈥�
Steffan added, 鈥淚鈥檓 really grateful for all the opportunities I have been given by the University. I secured my first job in the media, with the television company Chwarel, immediately after I graduated. I hope to continue working within the media in future and am hoping to begin studying for a PhD next September, researching the effect of digital distribution on small media companies.鈥�
Publication date: 18 January 2011