While university itself can be a daunting experience, many may already be worrying about what comes after as they leave education and enter unknown territory…the workplace! Fears about getting a job are no different or arguably even more so when it comes to the creative industries. Particularly among those from lower socioeconomic and minority backgrounds, like myself, who may have not previously ever even met someone working in the creative sphere! However – fear not! I’m here to tell you just some of the multiple ways the Business of the Creative Industries course helps to connect you with the real-world industry and best prepare you for life after university!
Course content:
While many people may question, particularly within the creative industries, whether gaining a degree or simply entering straight into the workplace is the best option, the Business of the Creative Industries is designed to teach students skills they otherwise would have to learn on the job. The course offers a wide range of content allowing students the opportunity to not only engage in analysis and practical work, but also how to get an idea from conception to the final product; including how to pitch, how to get a project financed and how to distribute it… just to name a few!
The course combines a mixture of the creative with financial, law and business. All of which, despite underpinning the creative industries, are not typically taught and therefore will ideally set you apart. In my personal experience, through the course so far, I’ve been able to perfect a television pitch within my content development module. I’ve also had the opportunity to produce several projects, including an as-live studio gameshow in one of TFTI’s TV studios!
Placement year:
Another opportunity the course offers, if you are eager to get a taste of the workplace earlier on, is the ability to choose to take a placement year between your second and final year on the course. Staff will support you while you find your placement. And the opportunity will allow you to experience the working world and network while still being able to finish your degree and have that stability and support of higher education. Placements can range from smaller local production companies to large organisations such as Disney and Warner Brothers! However, even if you decide against taking a placement year, like me, there’s always many opportunities for work experience while you’re completing your studies!
Connected campus:
One of the great ways to gain work experience during your studies is through Screen Yorkshire’s Connected Campus initiative. Yorkshire is an upcoming and thriving place for the creative industries with a vast range of opportunities in a variety of fields. However, focusing on the screen industries, Connected Campus aims to help students engage with many local opportunities, including with Channel 4, ITV and many more, to help them break into the competitive industry. They offer a variety of opportunities, many with no prior experience required, as well as masterclasses with industry professionals.
Guest speakers:
The course offers the opportunity hear from and speak to several industry professionals. You can hear from people working in the industry about how they got there, gain some great advice, and have the chance to ask any questions you may have! Recent guest speakers include playwright Poppy Corbett and FIFA E sports commentator Richard Buckley.
Staff & students:
Many of the staff on the course have also previously worked in the industry so can be a great resource for advice. Make sure to get to know your fellow BCI and TFTI peers (whether that be working on course projects or through societies). At the end of the day these people you meet at university will likely be the creative professionals of the future so can be great industry links to have!
Stand out on CVs:
Finally, the concept of the course itself will help you to stand out on CVs and applications. Unlike other courses, Business of the Creative Industries is the first and the only of its kind. It’s a great conversation starter for interviews or when networking with industry professionals! For example, I am a RTS bursary scholar, which has given me a plethora of experiences, such as appearing on a panel of judges at the RTS Yorkshire Awards, and links to the television industry that I otherwise would have not obtained. In my application and interview I spoke a lot about the unique nature of the course. And, while I cannot say for sure, I do think the course had some positive impact in helping me being selected for the programme.
