CAREER PLANNING GUIDEwww.ljmu.ac.uk/careers 1A WEALTH OF EXPERIENCES, INSIGHT & SUPPORT LIVERPOOL SCHOOL OF ART AND DESIGN CAREERS AND EMPLOYABILITY CASE STUDIES Read student and graduate case studies from the School of Art and Design
The CV /cover letters/emails (must be accompanied by portfolio work) should be addressed to the practice directors or dedicated person in charge of hiring. Remember your CV should stand out; architect/ designer is a creative role and your CV/portfolio should reflect this. Where possible hand-deliver the CV and ask if the person in charge is available to speak but be prepared to have an interview on the spot (we have done this
A selection of work/bound document/ digital format to be left with interviewer
Architecture/designtwice).isnot
Preparation: An up to date portfolio should be presented
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❙ Research the practice; website/ projects and recent news Be able to explain why you are a good fit for the role ❙ Why should you be favoured over another candidate; particular strengths, any weaknesses (honesty is valued) or unique qualities
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What relevant work experience or skills do you look for?
GRADUATE CASE ARCHITECTURESTUDY LIVERPOOL SCHOOL OF ART AND DESIGN www.ljmu.ac.uk/studentfutures 2 CAREERS AND EMPLOYABILITY CASE STUDIES
ROB JONES IS AN ARCHITECTURE GRADUATE WHO NOW WORKS FOR K2 ARCHITECTS Can you tell us what your job involves? ❙ Project management (co-ordinating planning, design and construction phases) ❙ Collaborate with wider design team and attend regular design team meetings ❙ Engage with key stakeholders ❙ Design within strict deadlines and often budgetary constraints ❙ Building design (CAD/3D/ BIM) ❙ Feasibility studies ❙ Create presentation bid documents (InDesign) and presentation boards ❙ Technical detailing and model making ❙ Attend regular RIBA-approved CPD events and architectural events (Venice Biennale) ❙ Develop new business contacts/introduce new clients to the practice ❙ Support the growth of the practice by implementing and following procedures ❙ Supervise and support junior members of staff ❙ Keep up to date with the ever changing world of architecture (RIBA/CDM/BIM) What does the application/selection process at K2 Architects involve and how would you recommend candidates prepare? I was headhunted for the role at K2 Architects, having previously worked with the directors (Mark and Kevin) whilst at another practice prior to K2 being formed. Part of our usual selection process is to attend the annual degree shows. We approach the most talented students and invite them in for interview: ❙ At the initial interview we ask students to talk through their degree work, building design, inspiration and narrative. We also ask about any relevant architectural work experience they may have. ❙ At K2 people come first, the buildings are secondary. Although we value creativity, we look for good team players who have a desire to learn and show enthusiasm for the goals of the practice. ❙ The second interview is more practical and focuses on design ability, software familiarity and managing expectations (of both the practice and the candidate). We discuss current workload and what the job role entails.
What advice would you give to other students to improve their employability? Make sure you research the company; include some personal information about the hiring practice such as what attracted you to apply (current projects) and why you think you’d be good for the role.
all about drawing buildings, it also requires technical detailing, describing/writing narrative and the ability to converse with a wide range of people so make sure you convey this in your applications and during interview. Lastly, be friendly, show confidence, and get your personality across!
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❙ Demonstrate awareness of familiar software programmes (students are not expected to be proficient, but a basic understanding is advantageous)
Previous experience of working in an architectural environment is advantageous (not essential). It is also important to have relevant software skills, the ability to draw by hand, and confident presenting skills. We also look for evidence of working in a group/leading a group and like to hear about work you have personally completed outside of university to develop your own skills. Additional skills like this can make all the difference during the selection process.
LIVERPOL SCHOOL OF ART AND DESIGNwww.ljmu.ac.uk/studentfutures 3CAREERS AND EMPLOYABILITY CASE STUDIES Find flexible, part-time and temporary jobs that fit around your studies ... Earn some extra spending cash and enhance your CV using Unitemps at LJMU, our very own recruitment agency. availableAssignmentsatbothLJMU and externally, sign up now! To find out more or to register, scan the QR code or visit: ATUNITEMPSLJMU CONNECT WITH US: www.unitemps.com/branches/liverpool-john-moores-university unitemps@ljmu.ac.uk 0151 231 8888 https://bit.ly/38xNhl5
Work experience allowed me to observe classes, contribute to organised and stimulating teaching sessions and learn the importance of lesson plans and classroom management whilst working alongside teachers in the art department. This equipped me with broad knowledge and insight into the national curriculum to provide students with necessary and valuable skills.
CHLOE MCLAUGHLIN IS A FINE ART GRADUATE WHO IS NOW UNDERTAKING A POSTGRADUATE QUALIFICATION IN SECONDARY PGDE ART AND DESIGN AT LJMU GRADUATE CASE STUDY
LUCY BRETHERTON, FINE ART GRADUATE “ “ SCHOOL OF ART AND DESIGN www.ljmu.ac.uk/studentfutures
FINE ART
I felt that I wanted to share the skills and knowledge that I gained from my time on my undergraduate Fine Art course with young people. I also wanted to continue learning in a familiar environment where I completed my BA. I felt that the support network at LJMU is brilliant in aiding me to further my education and help pursue a career which I will love doing every day - teaching art. What did the application process involve for the programme?
LIVERPOOL
After researching various teaching courses, I applied through UCAS, which involved creating a personal statement. I was then invited to attend an interview which I had prepared a portfolio for. The interview involved a group presentation, a prepared question and five other questions.
What help and support did you access from the Careers, Employability & Start-Up Team? The Careers, Employability & Start-Up Team were brilliant in assisting me to not only prepare my personal statement but also help me practice interview questions, which really benefited my application process. I was made aware of the different routes I could take into teaching and helped when I needed relevant work experience. Liz from the Careers, Employability & Start-Up Team always responded promptly to my emails and offered endless support throughout the whole application, which helped me secure a place on my desired programme.
What are your plans after finishing your postgraduate programme? I aspire to transfer my skills, motivate young people and pursue a career as an art teacher.
See as many exhibitions as you can to show that you are informed on what’s going on around you and that you understand the importance of research for your own practice engagement. I also really feel like it’s worth mentioning that viewing studio spaces around Liverpool can be just as important as galleries. Liverpool has so many smaller non-corporate contemporary art galleries that show regular exhibitions such as The Royal Standard, Cactus Gallery and Crown Building Studios so I would suggest that students check these out as well. I would also advise students to volunteer for an evening a week or on weekends in festivals such as Liverpool Biennial to gain experience in the arts sector. I waited until after university to start doing this, but even if your interests lay solely in your art practice, you will be able to meet international artists as well as gather an insight into how exhibitions are planned, built, finalised and maintained.
Why did you decide to apply for your postgraduate course?
Would you do anything differently in terms of career planning if you were a first-year undergraduate student again? I’m glad that I gave myself time to research the courses that I was really interested in as this meant I could complete relevant school experience. It also gave me plenty of time to prepare my application and for my interview meaning that I didn’t have to stress about applying at the end of my final year on top of final deadlines, as I had already secured a conditional place. If I were a first-year undergraduate student again I would definitely make use of the career services the university provide through drop-in sessions or one-to-one meetings, as they were a great help to my career planning.
How have you benefited from previous work experience?
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Stand out from the crowd by gaining relevant work experience ART DESIGN
www.ljmueracingteam.com
I had a three-week art residency in June 2017 in Spain with other artists and creative writers, where I did in-depth research based on my current art practice and generated new ideas, whilst reflecting on the work made during my degree. The residency tested out my art practice in a new environment and transformed the way I thought about my current work.
Tell us about your art residency:
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In your first year, make an appointment with a Career Adviser and start discussing what you might want to do in the future, even if you’re not sure yet. Consider the options with them and start drafting up a CV, always keeping in mind that the CV can be then redrafted as many times as needed. If you are interested in working in the creative sector and want to be a practising artist, then it would be a great idea to also keep up-to-date with opportunity websites such as CuratorSpace and Art Quest. All sorts of opportunities are posted frequently, and it is always good practice to apply for opportunities just to strengthen the way you write and construct applications. Especially in your third year, apply to as many opportunities as possible, as this will strengthen the way you write your art statement. This will be incredibly valuable to you when you come to writing final statements towards the assessment period. I found that doing lots of applications made me feel so much more confident when talking and writing about my practice, which even helped my final spoken presentation.
SAMANTHA DOBSON IS A FINE ART GRADUATE WHO UNDERTOOK AN ARTIST IN RESIDENCE AT JOYA: ARTE AND ECOLOGÍA IN ALMERÍA, ANDALUCÍA, SPAIN.
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What help or support did you access from the Careers, Employability & Start-Up Team at LJMU and how was this useful?
GRADUATE CASE STUDY LIVERPOL SCHOOL OF
I also used LJMU’s Arts Directory, which gave me loads of useful links and information about how to work in the creative sector and information on different ways around getting a career such as selfemployment and working freelance. Have you secured a graduate role?
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Throughout my time at university I made careers appointments with different careers advisers and employability advisers, as I then got a range of opinions and ideas on my CV and statements. As CVs are very subjective and arbitrary, it can be a real struggle making a strong, effective CV, so the more people you have looking at it, the better it will become.
What did the application process involve? How did you prepare for each stage? I saw the opportunity on the CuratorSpace website. The application process included a portfolio of my art, an artist statement, and an artist CV. How did you benefit from the residency? I met new artists and writers from around the world, who positively impacted upon my art practice. I was very open-minded about what the residency could do to my practice, and how it could transform how I think about it. What advice would you give other students to improve their employability? Would you do anything differently if you were a first-year student again?
I want to look into getting a studio space and applying for opportunities such as art prizes, exhibitions, and publications. I really feel like it is important to embrace the opportunities. I have to test out my practice and not plan too rigorously.
What help and support did you access in the Careers Zones or from the Careers or Start-Up Team? I joined the Start Up school to help starting up on my own business. It really helped me with direction and solidifying my business idea, as well as priceless pitching help for applying for funding. I won £250 from the pitch I put together with the Start Up school which then enabled me to buy a printer so I can print my work from home to sell, saving me a lot of time and money!
Also the ability and the encouragement to experiment and find my style was really helpful and I’m glad that was a key part of the course.
What advice would you give to other students to improve their employability?
Also apply for as many jobs and internships as you can but that’s something I need to take my own advice on !
Utilise the tools LJMU provide like the CV builder and cover letter builder especially if you have issues with writing about yourself. But most importantly is go for something you love and are interested in and always express that love and passion you have. Would you do anything differently if you were a first-year student again?
PARTICIPATING
As I’ve only just graduated myself I don’t feel like I can give the best advice on this but my main thing would just be to love what you make and just keep uploading to all platforms of social media for exposure (all of my commissions have come from Instagram).
JESS LORD, BA (HONS) GRAPHIC DESIGN AND ILLUSTRATION GRADUATE (2017)
REFLECTS ON HER EXPERIENCE IN THE CATALYST PROGRAMME. ILLUSTRATION
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What aspects of your degree were particularly useful?
LIVERPOOL SCHOOL OF ART AND DESIGN www.ljmu.ac.uk/studentfutures 6 CAREERS AND EMPLOYABILITY CASE STUDIES
I wish I’d engaged more with student advice and wellbeing, in my second and third year I got so much help with anxiety and stress which I just didn’t admit to in the first year, as well as identifying my dyslexia and helping me with that.
What advice would you give to students starting a degree now (or who are due to graduate in the next year or 2) about how to succeed with an economic downturn potentially on the horizon?
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❙ Completing
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What will your job involve? animation or illustration commissions for independent businesses, bands , restaurants. (e.g. Baltic market, Caledonia, local Liverpool bands) commissions and selling prints Maintaining a presence Social media and updating my online shop online Instagram competitions
Three things you like about your job/are looking forward to about your job: I love the creativity and freedom I have especially when it comes to creating my own prints to sell, but also the problem-solving aspect of making an animation or illustration to fit a brief. I also enjoy making videos and other content for social media which is really important especially now, I’ve enjoyed seeing my accounts grow also over the past few months. I enjoy the diversity in projects I’ve been offered so far, whether it be a design for a beer can, a lyric video or designing prints to sell for a client - the variety keeps me interested!
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INTERNSHIP CASE GRAPHICSTUDY DESIGN AND
The future focus aspect was very useful, setting up a website and making sure I was present on social media. Also the talks from past students who gave advice on pricing and getting by as a freelancer.
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The name Printeractive means the combination of printmaking with interactive design. It was an eye opener, as printmaking to me is second nature. I love the processes and embody them into my work, so to think about how to make these interactive was a big challenge.
LIVERPOL SCHOOL OF ART AND DESIGNwww.ljmu.ac.uk/studentfutures
What did the application process involve? I sent across my CV and then I was invited to interview with two staff members. This involved answering questions as well as taking along some of my examples of printmaking so I could talk through them with the staff. My experience with printmaking from my degree helped with the selection process as well as my past work with children and my voluntary work since I was 16. What help and support did you access in the Careers Zones? I visited the Careers Zone a couple of times during my final year to think about my future plans and get advice on opportunities that I wanted to apply for. What advice would you give to other students to improve their employability? Don’t be scared to apply! Sometimes you may not get the answer you wanted but you always learn from the experience and can then develop from what you have learnt. Try to put yourself out thereespecially if you are not confident and quite shy, volunteering is a good step to take. I was that person and from having volunteered in galleries, I am a lot more confident now. Opportunities do not come around too often, so get your foot in the door and give your all to everything you do. Would you do anything differently if you were a first-year student again? I would definitely try to gain more experience and look at the careers website more often for internships and other opportunities.
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As an Illustrator I’m responsible for creating design work that communicates a particular theme, message or idea for a client. My dayto-day activities usually involve: Sketching roughs and concepts in response to a client’s brief ❙ Creating final images and layouts using design software Meeting with clients to discuss upcoming projects and ideas Preparing files for print and/or web What do you like about your job? I like to problem solve so trying to come up with interesting ways to design something from scratch is really enjoyable to me. It’s fulfilling when you get to see a project develop from a page in your sketchbook into a fully rendered image placed in someone’s home or business. I can also work wherever I want, which is great. Most people prefer to rent a studio, but if that’s not your thing you can always work from home or at a coffee shop.
Why did you want to complete an internship?
GRADUATE CASE STUDY What does your work involve?
As a freelancer you naturally work with lots of different companies and it’s a great way to build a range of skills and experience. One recent project that I found particularly enjoyable was designing a vintage Apple Macintosh diagram for the creative studio Dorothy. Inside the cutaway is an imaginary scene filled with lots of small references to Apple and popular culture. What support did you access from the university when trying to establish your freelance career? The Start-Up Hub at LJMU that has helped me a lot since I graduated and explained the ins and outs of working self-employed. Through the Hub I’ve learned about tax returns, networking and self-promotion so it’s definitely a resource that I would recommend to students.
MALIK THOMAS IS A GRAPHIC DESIGN & ILLUSTRATION GRADUATE WHO NOW WORKS FREELANCE INTERNSHIP CASE STUDY
I saw the internship advertised on the Careers, Employability & StartUp Team website as well as being told about it by a tutor on my course and thought it would help me gain more experience within the field I would like to work in and give me an opportunity to learn new skills and techniques to benefit me in my future career.
What advice would you give to students to improve their employability? One piece of advice that I would give to students is to create an online presence that showcases your work whilst you’re still at university. You need something that directs clients and employers to see what you do and I believe a website is essential for this. I would also recommend making good use of social media and connecting with people you want to work with. Sites such as: LinkedIn, Behance, Twitter and Instagram are particularly useful when you want to get your work in front of a global audience. Would you do anything differently if you were a first-year student again? As a first-year student I don’t think I made use of all the facilities that the university has to offer. If I were in that position again I would definitely try to use a broader range of equipment and media from other departments within my work. I think that experimentation at the early stages of your course is really important for growth as a practitioner. Any other advice you would give to students about their employability? Whilst you’re still at university and have the access to large format printers, I would highly recommend that you make a few booklets or postcards of your work to send out to clients. Most of the time people are bombarded with emails so it can be refreshing to receive something printed in the mail. It’s more personal and is likely to leave a lasting impression compared to a generic email with an attachment. Just make sure you include all of your contact details when sending work out!
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SONAL MISTRY GRADUATED FROM THE GRAPHIC DESIGN AND ILLUSTRATION PROGRAMME IN 2019. DURING HER FINAL YEAR, SHE COMPLETED A FUNDED INTERNSHIP AT LJMU AS A PRINTERACTIVE INTERN.
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Describe your main duties: My role has been to support workshops and create work in relation to the Leonardo Da Vinci drawings exhibition at the Walker Art Gallery.
HANNAH KELLY IS A FASHION DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY GRADUATE WHO NOW WORKS FOR BOOHOO.COM
AS A DESIGN INTERN/ASSISTANT ON WOMENSWEAR (DRESSES)
I first designed four trends taken from street style/catwalks and WGSN for the typical boohoo customer, one of which could be designed as a range. After this stage I was asked for an online video of myself showing my personality; this was awful and very embarrassing however it got me to the final two stages. The third stage and interview stage were based in head office where I work now. I had to style the typical boohoo customer in their current trends and then give my reasoning for it. The final oneto-one interview was with one of the senior designers who had been in the company for eight Thereyears.wasn’t
Ask your tutors as much as you can, about anything. There are two in particular I had in final year that I have so much to thank for.
❙ CAD - make sure you’re updating your portfolio all the time, as that’s what will get you a job.
Any other advice you would like to share with Fashion students?
❙ Be aware of society and what’s going on around you. It will inspire you in the strangest ways and will introduce you to evolving trends, etc.
Although Graduate Fashion Week was a nightmare towards the end, even months after graduating I still feel so proud of it and happy we did it. Employers still pick up on this as I have been asked in other interviews about it.
What did the application process involve and how did you prepare for each stage? When boohoo.com came in and gave the presentation I wasn’t really thinking at the time of applying as I was in the middle of changing my whole collection and trying to prepare for the selection of Graduate Fashion Week so it was a really stressful time.
really an easy way to prepare for the interview or the stages as I didn’t really know what to expect, so all I could do was show my portfolio and express my passion for working within a design team. What help and careers support did you access in the university? When sending my four trends (first stage) I had a meeting with Elaine McNeill regarding my CV; she was amazing in thoroughly helping me with this and explaining details which I never really would have thought to write. Kayla Owen was also very good at spurring me on to keep going with the competition as you are that busy in final year you have to constantly be doing things. What aspects of your degree were particularly useful in the selection process? There were many aspects I found really helpful about the course; there wasn’t really anything I was unhappy with. In particular, I would have to say having boohoo.com come in and give a talk because that got me an unexpected job as a designer straight out of university. The CV help I received from Elaine McNeill and the portfolio and presentations of your own work sessions from Paul Robinson/Kayla Owen were also really helpful. These helped make me more confident in my job role, as we have to present our different designs and trend research multiple times a week and you have to be confident when doing this.
❙ DO AS MUCH WORK EXPERIENCE AS YOU CAN! That’s all I have to say. Do as much as possible as it will pay off.
❙ Listen to what tutors are telling you, they are actually right even if you think they are wrong! They know what they are talking about. You will only realise this when you start working in the industry.
❙ PRACTISE - practise everything. I was a nightmare at university for not practising sewing, now I do it as much as I can. It also helps you grow as a designer because you have the construction knowledge behind it.
Would you do anything differently if you were a first-year student again? I would ask as many questions as I possibly could when it came to manufacturing. It was my downfall in first year as I came from a nonfashion background and felt stupid asking.
GRADUATE CASE FASHIONSTUDY LIVERPOOL SCHOOL OF ART AND DESIGN www.ljmu.ac.uk/studentfutures 8 CAREERS AND EMPLOYABILITY CASE STUDIES
What advice would you give to students to improve their employability?
What did the application process involve?
CALLUM CRADDOCK, MRES ART AND DESIGN OF ART DESIGN
“ “ LIVERPOL SCHOOL
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Amy, can you tell us what your role at Matalan involves?
What relevant experience or activities did you refer to during the selection process? During my first year, I completed a five-week placement at Matalan. I also worked as a sportswear designer for an independent company for over a year during my final year of study. I helped out at fashion shows throughout the three years at university and went on to Graduate Fashion Week (GFW) where my final collection was showcased in London. Whilst I was there, I was shortlisted for a Portfolio Award, an Accessories Award and for the Best of GFW. Then finally, after I graduated, I landed a position at Jimmy Choo in London as a Junior Accessories Designer. What advice would you give to other students to improve their employability? Always be proactive - take part in fashion shows, placements, and volunteer your time wherever possible. Show that you are able to work as part of a team, and if you are passionate about something, it will show through the experiences you have had. Balancing study, part-time work and placements can be a struggle but it also shows how ambitious you are to get the experience to be able land your dream job! Not only that, it helps you decide what career path is best for you. Would you do anything differently if you were a first-year student again? I thoroughly enjoyed my university experience. However, I maybe would have liked to have experienced more placements in London. I also would have liked to explore more avenues of design, such as knitwear techniques, as I stuck to what I knew and was comfortable with rather than exploring different opportunities. What aspects of your degree were particularly useful in improving your employability? Hearing from past students helped me understand the process of getting a graduate job and how different students’ pathways can be after university. The employability lectures and sessions provided useful guidance on how to write CVs. However, the most important tool for me was my portfolio; not only does it include your final collection but we were able to do ‘spin-off’ projects alongside these, which enabled us to try new things and even do projects for potential companies such as Matalan or other high street brands. This helped me demonstrate a more commercial style in my work, which also helped during the application process.
I personally have found the Careers, Employability & Start-Up Team really useful in helping me to develop a professional CV that fully highlighted my skillset to potential employers. I have learnt the importance of ensuring your CV is continually updated so that if any work opportunities arise you are fully prepared. The Careers, Employability & Start-Up Team has also helped me to identify what skills and experiences employers may be looking for and has taught me how to identify my own strengths and areas for improvement in relation to this.
Firstly, I applied via email with my portfolio and CV and then they asked me to complete a project covering both boys wear and girls wear (to see where your main talents lie). Once I was selected, I was invited for an interview to talk over my project and so they could learn more about me and my experiences. The next day I got the phone call to say they wanted to hire me! Did you access any support from the Careers, Employability & Start-Up Team? The Careers, Employability & Start-Up Team helped me develop my CV and make it personal and memorable to employers. In fashion, CVs can be a lot more creative so they helped me find the balance of a creative but professional-looking CV. They also helped me to set up a LinkedIn profile, pointed me in the direction of upcoming careers events, which I attended throughout my final year, and alerted me when jobs or internships came up.
I absolutely love my job! I learn so much every day and I am always excited by what I do. My team are amazing and I feel like a part of a family when I am at work. I also like the fact I am set a new challenge every day and I am able to learn new skills. There are also a lot of growth opportunities available at Matalan, which makes me feel excited for my progress in the future.
Currently I work on kidswear, specifically on infant girls. My job mainly involves creating prints and graphics in Photoshop and Illustrator. I also have an important role in meetings with suppliers and sign off meetings. I work on trend, colour, and fabric selection and pull ranges together. This covers all areas including jersey, swim, knit, outerwear and woven, so every day is different. Working on kidswear is a great field to be able to showcase your talents and learn every area and aspect of design. What do you like about your job?
AMY RALPH GRADUATED IN 2017 WITH A BA (HONS) FASHION DESIGN DEGREE.
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AFTER WORKING AS A JUNIOR ACCESSORIES DESIGNER FOR JIMMY CHOO IN LONDON FOR A PERIOD AFTER GRADUATION, AMY IS NOW WORKING AS A JUNIOR KIDSWEAR DESIGNER IN MATALAN’S HEAD OFFICE IN LIVERPOOL.
Do you have any other advice you would give to students about their employability? Enjoy your time at university, as you’ll miss it when you start full-time employment! Try and explore all avenues before you make solid decisions and utilise your tutors and even students around you to the fullest because everyone has a piece of knowledge that may prove useful. Everyone is always learning and evolving and it is good to show that you are keen to make changes and learn from your peers, even when you start your future career.
GRADUATE CASE STUDY
HISTORY
STUDENT
Networking is an important aspect of finding a job, I would encourage students to go to networking events or events related to their field of interest. OF ART ANNA HER
Describe the role you are undertaking and your main duties: I assist in daily operations of opening and closing the gallery. I conduct duties in departments like current affairs, media and press, collection curatorial and exhibition management, archiving, publications and retail operations. I also give presentations to visitors and conduct activities with the public.
My experience with presenting to audiences in galleries, my teamwork and leadership when working on group presentations through delegating tasks. What advice would you give to other students to improve their employability? Be proactive when looking for work experience. Do not expect people to give you opportunities and expect rejection as it is a part of the job searching process. Would you do anything differently if you were a first-year student again? I wish I had signed up to some of the societies the Students’ Union offered. Any other advice you would give to students about their employability?
INTERNSHIP AT THE PEGGY GUGGENHEIM COLLECTION PLACEMENT CASE HISTORYSTUDY OF ART LIVERPOOL SCHOOL OF ART AND DESIGN www.ljmu.ac.uk/studentfutures 10 CAREERS AND EMPLOYABILITY CASE STUDIES
What did the application process involve and how did you prepare for each stage? I had to complete an application form and write a personal statement on why I wanted to work there.
I have worked in many art galleries around Liverpool as an invigilator, and I wanted to find a role that allowed me to become more involved within a gallery space. I also love languages and can speak French, so a placement abroad was ideal for me. I also felt that it would give me a lot of work experience for working in a creative environment. Where did you find out about the internship? The university advertised this internship to me.
What help and support did you access from the Careers, Employability & Start-Up Team at LJMU? I visited the Careers Zone to help with my CV. What relevant work experience activities did you use during the selection process? I talked about my experience in various art galleries around Liverpool at FACT and Bluecoat and my most recent workshop at the Walker Art Gallery. I also drew on my experience in Face Lab where I worked as a research assistant and the admin work I carried out at Aintree Hospital with PARTIA. What aspects of your degree were particularly useful in the selection process?
ROBERTS TELLS US ABOUT
Why did you want to do an internship?
What did the application / selection process involve and how did you prepare for each stage?
Source: BBC GET A 20% DISCOUNT OFF YOUR LJMU POSTGRADUATE COURSE To discover more, call 0151 231 5090, or go to: LIVERPOL SCHOOL OF ART AND DESIGNwww.ljmu.ac.uk/studentfutures 11CAREERS AND EMPLOYABILITY CASE STUDIES
Researcher: I talked to my lecturer and checked on the internship page on the University website.
Idealab: There was a paper selection process, in which I had to answer multiple questions about my aspirations and plans of what I wanted to gain from the experience. For this process, I carefully wrote out and edited all the answers.
Researcher: for this role, I am researching the artists and artworks that will be included in the final exhibition.
www.ljmu.ac.uk/postgraduate
Idealab: The University advertised this, but I made connections with members at the Centre of Entrepreneurship who recommended that I complete this three-week long experience.
Idealab: The idea of working in business has always fascinated me, however, I did not know the process that went behind running/ starting a business so this three-week experience appealed to me. It was also a good experience to work with people from many different Researcher:courses.Thiswas especially interesting as it was a role I was considering as a post-graduation job. Regardless of me considering it as a job, being a researcher is a realistic role that a graduate could undertake and I wanted to explore all my options.
Where did you find out about these opportunities?
ATTENDING
Describe the roles and your main duties: Idealab: I set up a business, social media marketing and coming up with product design were the roles that I undertook as part of this experience, however there were other roles that I could have chosen/applied for.
Why did you want to take on these opportunities?
EXPERIENCES OF WORKING
Researcher: I offered my services to my lecturer who kindly accepted my offer. What help and support did you access from the Careers, Employability & Start-Up Team? I went to Liz Harrison to talk about my fears of entering the world of work without a clear aim of what to do in life. Liz helped me in finding some direction. What relevant experience did you use during the selection process? I found that for the selection process, I referred to my experience volunteering with FACT, but also referred back to experience from college. I similarly brought experience I gained from my course, such as using colour theory, which I stated, would aid with advertising and branding. What advice would you give to other students to improve their employability? I would advise students to participate in every experience they can, by constantly seeking out options and asking people they know. It really helps to boost your CV. Would you do anything differently if you were a first-year student again? I wish I got involved in more activities and societies. Similarly I wish I got involved in volunteering/gaining experience in first year to better improve my CV. What aspects of your degree were particularly useful in the selection process? Guest lecturers, such as the lectures by Anna Sexton from the Centre for Entrepreneurship, were particularly useful as they motivated me to chase after experiences. HER AS BOTH A RESEARCHER AT LJMU AND IDEALAB AT THE CENTRE FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP INTERNSHIP CASE STUDY
HISTORY OF ART STUDENT MELANIE LAMB TELLS US ABOUT
Whether you are looking to specialise, change direction, enhance your earning potential or boost your employability, staying at LJMU for postgraduate study is a great investment in your future success, with increased earnings of up to 18% for postgraduates compared to graduates.
TO ACCESS CAREERS ZONE 24/7: CAREERS ZONE 24/7 INCLUDES: TRACK PROGRESSYOUR ACCESS PROGRAMMESPERSONALISED GET FEEDBACKPERSONALISED CONFIDENCEIDENTIFY GAPS IMPACTMEASURE ❙ Job board & employer tracker ❙ Bespoke careers content ❙ E-Learning courses ❙ Aptitude tests ❙ Interactive tools ❙ Career assessments ❙ Employer videos, webinars & podcasts ❙ Careers news & articles ❙ Industry reports CLICK HERE TO LOG IN CAREERS ZONE 24/7 GET PREPARED FOR YOUR FUTURE Access our online careers platform on any device, at any time, from anywhere ... Over 12,000 students used Careers Zone 24/7 during the last academic year, completing over 200,000 activities in total Student Futures: Careers, Employability & Start-Up Service CONNECT WITH US: studentfutures@ljmu.ac.uk ❙ 0151 231 2048/3719 ljmu.ac.uk/studentfutures