In a series of live, interactive presentations designed to introduce students to the breadth of career options available within media, culture and heritage, Christine Morrow, New and Emerging Talent Executive at Northern Ireland Screen; Rachel Leitch, Marketing Manager, at the Lyric Theatre Belfast and Helen Connolly from National Museums NI led the ‘Industry Insights’ panel, delivered by the Careers, Employability and Skills team at Queen’s.

Christine shared the best piece of career advice she ever received: “It was actually to keep going and to keep doing things.” A self-confessed procrastinator, she added: “This advice made me do more of what I wanted to do, rather than just thinking about what I wanted to do. Doing things and being active about doing things is really important.”

Volunteer manager Helen spoke of the value of building up experience saying: “Volunteering experience is invaluable. Look for roles that are going to give you the skills and experience to get you through the door and get an interview.”

“Say yes to opportunities that take you out of your comfort zone. I know that is easier said than done, but don’t be afraid to fail; fail fast; pick yourself up and learn from it. It will be the most invaluable thing you have ever done.”

Meanwhile Rachel had advice for succeeding in the competitive creative industry. “Passion is so important,” she said. “The industry is really competitive at the moment and I’ve found when doing interviews that when the passion comes across, that can be the difference between someone getting a job and not.”

The live talks were complemented by a pre-recorded video stream from Peter Craven, Creative Director Of Bluesky Video Marketing. The session was the final in the current series of Industry Insights panels and the first to be delivered in-person due to lockdown restrictions.

 

For more information visit Go.Qub.ac.uk/IndustryInsight