All hands on tech

SAE Institute, the largest creative media technology institute in the world, invited e+ to their Media Boot Camp for a hands-on experience with their state-of-the-art-equipment .

Being back in class after three years of being away from college felt absolutely great! At SAE I had the opportunity to experience the multimedia process in a classroom. Being in a recording studio with a huge Digi Icon (a professional mixing and recording audio console) and getting involved in the various phases of ad making such as shooting, lighting and post-production was absolutely fantastic.

Founded in 1976 as the world's first practical audio engineering school, SAE, has expanded to become the largest network of audio, multimedia, animation and digital film institutes in the world, with its presence in 52 countries.

Like the popular MIT, the aim of SAE is to focus only on its four streams of education, imparting thorough and practical knowledge. Students who want to pursue a career in multimedia can acquire a degree in two years and can do their masters and doctorate courses in any of the accredited SAE Institutes around the world.

In keeping with its motto "teach with PCs and not with books" SAE focuses on the practical teaching method. The first year, in fact, involves 90 per cent practical experience and the second year is 50 per cent practical and 50 per cent theoretical. SAE also offers students the opportunity to be taught by international guest lecturers who have become leading professionals in their fields.

The institute is equipped with resources that are used in commercial studios. A recent addition is the Dh2 million NEVE 88D, one of the most expensive consoles used in the movie-making industry.

SAE Institute helps students to find jobs and make contacts in the industry. Anthony Frantzis, head of marketing and strategic alliances at SAE, says students are given a chance to get internships at the best companies in town for a hands-on work experience. It also helps in international job placements."In fact, 85 per cent of the students succeed in finding a suitable job," says Frantzis.