Over the last few months, We’ve been working with the UK’s leading inclusivity organisation in the creative industries, Creative Access, to help demystify the creative industries and equip our students with the knowledge and skills needed to enter the industry with confidence.
After a successful virtual event earlier this year, which explored how to build and retain support networks within the industry. We took a group of Arts and Humanities students from a variety of different degree backgrounds and disciplines to London for a behind the scenes tour of the ITV studios. During the tour, students were able to learn about different job roles from floor manager to director and the work that goes into a live TV show such as Good Morning Britain.
The studio tour was followed by a session which aimed to help students showcase themselves to secure a role in the creative industries, and a panel with three industry professionals (including one Sheffield graduate!) at different points in their careers. Students were given the opportunity to quiz the panellists on their career journeys, what their average week looks like, as well as hearing their best advice on getting a foot in the door of the creative industries.
Speaking on the event, Bil-Marjiyah Rahman, Programmes Manager – Community & Partnerships at Creative Access, said:
‘The Creative Access Insights day provided a unique platform for the University of Sheffield graduates and aspiring creatives to connect with industry professionals, gain valuable insights, and forge meaningful connections that can shape their future careers. We loved meeting your students who were engaging and passionate about forging their career path!’
As a result of the day 100% of our students either agreed or strongly agreed that the day has helped them feel inspired and optimistic about a future career in the creative industries. 93% of students also said the day increased their confidence in pursuing a career in the creative industries.
One student said the event had:
‘Emboldened my desire to pursue a career in the creative industries’
Tom Jones, Employability and External Relationships Officer at Sheffield adds:
‘We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Creative Access into the new academic year, and I'm sure those students that have the opportunity to engage with the trips to Manchester will find them both interesting -having the chance to tour the studios, and hugely rewarding - providing them with an opportunity to think about their own futures - potentially within the creative industries!’
To find out more about our employability service and the careers support available to our students and graduates, click here.