Alumni

Dana Okeke's story

Dana Okeke's story

I’m now excited to finish my university year and go on to new and exciting things. I would advise anyone starting out on my course to take advantage of every opportunity and experience.
Dana Okeke on graduation day stood outside the gateway buliding

Dana Okeke would not have expected to appear on BBC Radio 1Xtra when she began her degree but that’s precisely what happened thanks to her zest to embrace every opportunity on her BA (Hons) Music Business degree.

Dana, who graduated with first-class honours and won an award for Best Dissertation or Project in the School of Creative and Digital Industries, said the degree had ‘opened doors and created opportunities’ for her.

The ambitious graduate, who is now doing an internship at King’s Church in Desborough Road, High Wycombe, was invited on BBC Radio 1Xtra as part of a panel of music fans to give commentary on an album by Destiny’s Child.

 

“It came about through a contact made through my course,” said Dana, who is also working freelance providing social media guidance to a technology company in London. "It was just one of many opportunities which I was able to take advantage of by studying at Bucks and the industry links the course has."

“I also did an internship at Music Gateway, an online music promotion and marketing company, working in my principal area of interest, music sync licencing, seeing A&R work up close and how songs are pitched for shows and films. In the future, I hope to move into sync and licensing and plan to become a music supervisor, to find and license music for moving image such as film, television or advertisements."

Dana’s experience at Bucks New University also included leading on social media as part of organisers of SubWoofers, a music festival for the charity Hearing Dogs for Deaf People at its home at The Grange, Saunderton, near Princes Risborough.

As well as some top music, the festival had something for everyone - stalls, inflatable zone, fairground rides, and performances from Bucks New University societies including the Acapella Society, Blades Society, Circus Society and even a yoga workshop.

She was supported at her graduation by parents Daniel and Rosie Okeke and sisters Gemma and Shana and said she was surprised to receive the award for Best Dissertation or Project in front of them during her ceremony.

“Winning the award was completely unexpected,” added Dana. “It helps make all the hard work worthwhile. I’m now excited to finish my university year and go on to new and exciting things. I would advise anyone starting out on my course to take advantage of every opportunity or experience. They will find it extremely beneficial.

Dana and four of her colleagues stood at a charity event

Had I not expressed an interest in licencing and sync I may not have gained the experience I did, so it’s important to speak up and say the direction you want to go in.”

Pictures: Dana Okeke with her award and with fellow students organising SubWoofers at Hearing Dogs for Deaf People.