Student 24/7 June 2014 | Page 26

PROFILE Broadcasting, meet Lerato Lempe B Keleabetswe Narenti Broadcasting has always been lerato Lerato Lempe’s passion; as she always knew that she wanted to learn the ropes around how television programs are produced. “I owe my success to God, as I have always put him first in everything I do.” She says Media Personnel Lerato Lempe, alumnus of the Vaal Campus, graduated with a BA Communication Degree from the Vall Campus; as well as a BA Honours in Communication Theory and Media Studies from the University of Johannesburg. She proudly takes her place among the Multichoice team as one of their youngest employees. She is an Electronic Programs Guide Scheduler at DSTV Digital Media. She says that it is an intimidating title but she is embracing it every day, “Initially I was interested in television broadcasting because from a very young age I was curious of how television programs were transmitted to our home screens, but then I decided to do communication studies because it has a broader spectrum, and I could venture into any career path in the media industry.” Challenging environment Half-way into her Honours year at the University of Johannesburg, Lerato started working at DSTV Digital Media. She says that working while studying was not easy but it was worth it. “Everyone dreams of getting a good job after graduating and by the Grace of God I got a very good job before I could finish my honours.” She says. She says that the opportunity to interact with channels and individuals around the world, learning about the cultures of other countries through the television shows they watch and 26 - Student 24/7 contributing to the entertainment of the people at home and getting to know about interesting television shows and movies way before they air on television is the highlight of her job. “As a young person a new job is challenging and in order for you to learn, you have to deal with the challenges.” She says. Lerato says that it is exciting working as an Electronic Digital Programs Scheduler, but the most challenging aspect about her job is meeting deadlines at all times and avoiding on-air errors, as the mistakes one makes are seen by millions of viewer and it will reflect badly on the company. Life at Vaal NWU Lerato studied at the Vaal Campus NWU from 2010 until 2012. She was an active student during her studies, as an NWU Vaal Academic Peer Mentor, a journalist for the campus magazine Student24/7. “Being part of the campus magazine was really fun and it gave me a lot of exposure to things that were happening around the campus.” She says. “The lessons I have learned from studying at the Vaal Campus will forever remain with me and if I were to give back to the campus, it would be to provide students with entertainment especially the postgraduate students that live on campus.” She says. Extra Info • She enjoys spending time with family and friends in her spare time • Watch