Art and Design

"After graduating from the University of Bristol with a BA in English Literature, I was very aware that I was entering a difficult climate for graduates. I was, however, confident that I wanted a job in Arts Administration. I initially applied for a job as an usher at a theatre in Bristol, believing it to be an establishment where there was the possibility of gaining valuable experience in the Arts.

Within a month I applied for the position of Assistant Events Administrator at the same theatre, but within weeks of taking on the position, the person I was assisting decided to move on, leaving me to assume the position of Events Administrator. I am currently in charge of generating revenue for the theatre in its current state of redevelopment, through organising an array of events from weddings to book launches, AGM's to press nights.

It is an exciting environment to be working in, especially with our new Artistic Directors, at the helm. The theatre is divided into the business side and the artistic side, working together symbiotically. My department belongs to the business side, which suits my more pragmatic approach to dealing with tasks. It is my responsibility to attract customers to use our varied spaces in the theatre, from the grand and theatrical theatre royal to our more business orientated conference rooms. I also deal with the catering side of the theatre, which includes the theatre bar and restaurant. Through organising these varied events, I am attempting to raise enough money to fund both the artistic vision of the theatre's directors and the imminent refurbishment of Britain's oldest running theatre."

SION, UNIVERSITY OF BRISTOL

"I finished university just over a year ago, after completing a degree in Photography. I left uni feeling really happy with my results, however I was so unsure as to where I wanted to take this degree and wasn't sure of the options available to me - very aware that I was entering a competitive world of art and design. I moved back to my hometown and managed to get a temporary job working for a school photography company. Although it was great to finally start getting some money, this wasn't a job I particularly enjoyed nor did I see myself doing this as a career path. When this job ended, I unfortunately had to go to the job centre after months of pushing my CV out there and applying for jobs day after day, I gave in and applied for the Job Seekers Allowance - along with many other fellow graduates!

Whilst I was doing this, I got in touch with my local arts council and they put me in touch with a local creative studio. I went along to meet the company and explained my interest in the arts and how I was really keen to get my photography career on the move. By offering my skills, they recommended I do some voluntary work for them that would show what my skills were like and they could get to know me better. After a summer of doing this (unpaid), they and the job centre recommended a new scheme called the Future Jobs Fund which was a 6 month scheme to help under 24 year olds who had been out of work, to find placements. Luckily a placement came available in the same company and I got the job!

I have had the most amazing 6 months working for this company; they have given me so much experience! In this short time, I've gained the relevant skills, knowledge and confidence to develop my CV. It proves that by doing a bit of voluntary work, you can gain so much out of it. I've been able to experience the real world of filmmaking and media projects. Alongside this job, I've kept up the photography work, which has now changed from voluntary to freelance paid work, which has been fantastic. In these 6 months, I've been able to meet so many new contacts and professional artists; of whom I've been fortunate to work alongside. The lists of new skills I've learnt have really expanded. It's been difficult to find the direction I want to go in, but I feel confident now to go out into the art world and find my next career step. As long as you're willing to get involved in anything that gets thrown at you, whether it's paid or not, it proves you're willing to work and that you want to progress."

MADELEINE, SOUTHAMPTON SOLENT UNIVERSITY

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