Full Sail University’s Dan Patrick School of Sportscasting is scoring big and building a dynasty of future broadcasters with its accelerated on-ground and online programs. Developed with sportscaster Dan Patrick and led by ESPN and other industry veterans, the school’s focus on career-ready skills and holistic student success is seeing remarkable results in a short 6 years.
What’s their secret? Let’s listen to Rishi Barran, Course Director, share the key ingredients of their formula.
Hyper-Focused, Hands-On Learning
“Our courses are very specific,” Barran explains. Their one-month, skill-specific courses go deep into journalism content like interviewing, shooting packages, and broadcast communication.”The goal is simple. When you graduate from us, we want everyone who graduates to be good enough to get their first job.” Graduates are experiencing this career success, working in 35 states and around the world. Barran says hiring managers note that Full Sail grads stand out in interviews because they are so well-prepared with job skills, professionalism, and industry knowledge. Mock interviews, resume workshops, and career development equip graduates to shine in interviews and land their dream jobs. Hiring managers often comment on how Full Sail alumni stand out for their professionalism and industry-specific knowledge.
Accelerated Success
Students can complete a bachelor’s degree in as little as two years. Full Sail’s program condenses learning without sacrificing quality, allowing students to launch their careers faster. While this is appealing to learners, Barran says it also mimics the sports broadcast industry’s tight deadlines and work environment.
Flexibility and Adaptability
From the start in 2019, the program has offered an online version of every course. It was set up for success during the pandemic. Students can complete degree programs in-person and online. It also means emphasizing communication with students and making connections through videos, virtual communication, and making time for student questions.
Video: Engaging Students in the Digital Age
As video professionals, the instructors at Full Sail know how to create engaging media. “People’s attention spans are shorter than ever,” Barran acknowledges. “Never make the assumption that your audience is fully tuned into you.” Barran creates videos he calls the “starting five.” Which focus on five key lessons each week, delivered in bite-sized, digestible chunks.
The Heart of Teaching
Barran underscores the importance of building genuine connections with students. He shares a quote from Teddy Roosevelt, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” For Barran and the Full Sail team caring and connecting with students is the foundation for learning, teaching, and preparing students for their futures.
Takeaway for Higher Ed Leaders
Full Sail’s success offers valuable lessons for educators seeking to boost enrollment and student success:
- Focus on industry-relevant skills and hands-on learning.
- Offer flexible and accelerated programs.
- Embrace online learning and adapt to students’ needs and demands.
- Showcase your program’s impact on students’ careers.
- Engage students with short, impactful content.
- Prepare students for the real world with practical skills and career support.
- Build genuine connections with students and show you care.
By implementing these strategies, you can create a program that attracts motivated students and equips them with the skills they need to thrive in today’s competitive job market. Higher education is about more than teaching skills. It’s about empowering your students to chase their dreams and achieve success, just like Full Sail’s Dan Patrick School of Sportscasting has done so effectively.
Ready to fast-forward your enrollment success story? Contact The Babb Group today to learn more about how we can help you design and implement innovative programs that resonate with students and employers.
Angela Britcher