Cracking the code
London is a bustling city full of opportunities, attracting all kinds of people from every part of the world. The city is home to thriving creative hubs with ever expanding industries in theatre, television, music, fashion, advertising and so forth.
However, just how difficult is it for graduates to get their foot in the door, let alone bust it wide open for the generations to come? What qualifications and experiences does one need to crack the code? A recent report by Ravensbourne University found there is a 'high demand among young people for creative sector jobs, but a lack of understanding of salaries, career pathways or the range of jobs on offer.'
Sure enough, your dream job will not present itself to you by some lucky twist of fate à la Andy Sachs in The Devil Wears Prada. Although, a little bit of health delusion never stopped anyone. Hopefully.
Barriers to employment
Beyond a lack of knowledge on the logistical side of things, there are other barriers to employment you may find yourself grappling with.
“I think the biggest issue with finding a job in the creative industry is that it’s insanely competitive,” says 27-year-old Jo Wahono, a graphic designer for advertising agency magnate, Grey.
He also adds, “Aside from having the perfect CV and personality, a portfolio showing your work is crucially needed. It needs to be outstanding enough for the employer to take their time in flipping through even the first few pages.”
Agassiz Chan, 23, a Visual Communication Design graduate from Central Saint Martins says the competition extends past between graduates in London, or the country for that matter.
“People from the rest of the world are coming to London looking for a job in the creative sectors. Because of this, I’m looking for freelance work to build my portfolio,” he says.
Does it matter which university you go to?
Central Saint Martins in King's Cross, London's most prestigious Arts university / Video by David Pasia
There has always been a prevailing debate on whether attending and graduating from certain universities affords advantages upon entering the workforce. Does your alma mater dictate the quality of your work and your capabilities?
Russell Tigno, 24, a graphic designer for Lunaz Design, says “I can somewhat agree that students graduating from top unis, like UAL, have a bit of an advantage regarding connections and sources to the creative industry.”
He adds, “If your work does stand out, if it’s unique, if you’ve thought about the process, the emotions you want your art to evoke then you have a good chance of standing out against your peers whether you’re from UAL or from a different university.”
Wahono has similar thoughts on the discourse and says, “I do think it plays a part, whether it’s big or small, it tells a lot about the kind of creative you are based on the institution that shapes you. But I do know, that nowadays, portfolio matters most despite the university you went to — or even not going [at all].”
“I think universities help you get to the right people.”
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