It’s probably a question most Undergrads and Grads ask themselves during and after degree. So you’ve studied, set the foundations and the minimum entry bar to a “creative role”.
So why and how did I end up here?
Well since picking up my first camera enable smartphone I was interested in photography, film and a bit of stop motion animation here and there! Content creators have the ability to convey a message, create a geography, stir emotions or allure people to purchase or invest themselves in a subject. It’s even been known to change political opinion......that’s just how powerful it can be.
I’d love to produce and film a band’s performance of their latest single, or be an assigned photographer to them...or even manage all their creative content….Or may be work on a horror movie set….I could go on forever here!
We recently undertook a task in Uni and I was surprised at the range of career ambitions and goals that we all had from the course.
I played my part in the group activities, and I think I would want to ask more questions of myself and the group in regard to our thinking. This challenge is healthy and it helps explore thought…maybe one to also remember with future client briefings!
Ok…so what does that mean to and for me?
Well at this moment in time lots of the course is new, yes I studied some in 6th form but this naturally is a step up and quite explorative. However, my current view is that I want to enter a career in photography and videography, naturally aided by the other skills this degree offers me.
Why Photography and Videography?
I want to be a YouTuber….well not really… but it does make me think about the content creation industry in addition to say traditional camera operators, sound engineers and photographers.
It’s actually not hard to find businesses operating in this area. Companies like Fuzzy Duck https://fuzzyduck.co.uk/ ), Yellow (https://www.yellowvideoproduction.com/) operate in a broad spectrum of commercial activities which proves there is a demand for these skills.
Also there is a growing need with some companies to managed their own creative content, admittedly larger ones but some have these types of roles
In addition, if things go to plan Littlewoods Film Studios (https://littlewoodsfilmstudios.com) will create an demand within aspects of my degree . There is also the possibility of becoming freelance – sole trader such as https://andersonwest.co.uk/, hard work with no guaranteed payday but to an extent I can choose my work!
But how does all this come about, it’s not just about the degree!
Presence- identity, a good show reel, well-structured web portfolio and social media presence such as Linked-in, Instagram, Twitter etc are key extended CV’s. Media rules apply here, I need to be mindful I don’t post or follow something that is questionable or that I am not prepared to standby.
Something needs to differentiate me from other applicants, will it be the values my work portrays, the quality and or style, one things for sure there is an exciting journey of discovery ahead.
Jobs must be posted somewhere…..right…?
Well they are…but according to Diversitydashboard.co.uk over 85% of jobs are filled through networking, someone who knows you knows someone who needs something from you or someone like you ! In fact, according to LinkedIn, 70% of jobs are never published publicly.
These jobs are either posted internally or are created specifically for candidates that recruiters meet through networking.
My network is a useful tool, it starts with our Undergrad Group and will spread out from there via other interactions and time. Word of mouth, a good references for or from a friend goes along way too in opening up opportunities.
Regardless of the above google searches do bring up jobs through agencies and or direct, so it's one that can’t be ignored either.
Nothing wrong with starting off in small roles either, being a runner, assisting a crew, volunteering all brings about learning and confidence. Being assured and confident reaffirms that you should be here…none of that imposter syndrome nonsense!
And….I wonder…..at the end of the degree will my preferences have changed….only time will tell!
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