Congratulations! You’ve just got your A-level results and are off on your next adventure to start a degree at university that’s perfect for creatives, but how are you going to make the most of your time there? Undoubtedly, university is an extremely exciting time but of course isn’t just about studying; what you do outside of your course is just as important as your academic studies.
It’s extremely important to make the most of your time at university, not just because you will want to leave with a good degree, but because when you graduate and are looking for a job, employers will be looking for well-rounded creative with a set of transferable skills. Here’s our advice on how to make the next step of your journey a success and be an industry ready graduate.
Get involved
Lots of people want to help young creatives and offer their knowledge and experience, but you just need to find them. Whatever subject you’re studying there will be a vivid local creative community where you can immerse yourself in its culture and every event that is taking place. Events will be full of industry professionals from different backgrounds, these are the people you need to meet. They will be very welcoming, so don’t be shy!
Placements
Universities might help you find placements during your time there however it is important to try and source some yourself. Events and Social Media are great ways of identifying agencies to enquire with about placements. The more placements the better and persistence is the key!
Industry professionals
Go to every talk your university arranges for you without exception! Industry professionals give their time to come and talk to you because they are passionate about what they do and want to help the next generation of creatives to develop. They also keep one eye on promising talent so you’ll not just learn a lot, but you could also get placements and experience this way too!
Social
Most local agencies are on Twitter. You can follow them, tweet them and spend the next 3 – 4 years that you are at university building up a relationship with them.
Think outside creative
Once you start working in the industry you’ll be working with people from non creative backgrounds – try to get to know people from other courses such as business and marketing, and understand how their courses relate to you and your skills.
Portfolio
Look at the type of agencies that you are interested in and see what sort of work they produce –try to make your portfolio as commercial and relevant as possible to the agencies you are interested in. Embrace feedback on your portfolio and actively seek it, constructive criticism is hugely important!
Digital
The digital world is ever growing and is integral to the creative industry, so keep up with all the latest trends and opinions. Try to make your work include digital elements wherever possible and you could also create your own portfolio website.
Summary
Enjoy your time at university but remember it’s a means to an end. Keep your goals front of mind, be proactive and help yourself get that great first job!
If you’d like to discuss your career options with us, just get in touch.