Our Sector Snapshot series is designed to give you a quick overview of different employment sectors, including a list of resources to get more information and examples of the roles available in this area. This month, we explore careers in the creative industries…
The creative industries: What can you do?
The creative industries sector is a vibrant, exciting and varied place to start, or transition, your career. The sector is broad and encompasses creative arts, broadcasting, design and crafts, performing and visual arts and creative agencies. Routes in vary according to the specific type of work, but roles in creative are often characterised by tough competition, little formal career structure, freelance contracts and the need to build a strong network of connections.
Top tips for exploring and understanding this sector:
- Build a network – this is vital to getting your foot in the door and advancing your career within the creative industries. Always make the most of any introductions your contacts offer to make and take every opportunity to connect with new people.
- Be proactive – many opportunities are not advertised and you’ll be expected to be proactive in your search, contacting companies directly. There are, however, a few graduate schemes you might like to look into; browse the list on the Prospects website.
- Develop a portfolio on an appropriate platform that demonstrates your body of work and keep it updated. Link to it from your LinkedIn profile, and use other social media sites to showcase your work.
Discover more about working in the creative industries
Want to diver deeper into the creative sector? Check out these events and resources:
- Find out more about our Careers in Creative Industries events programme
- Visit our Careers in the arts sector webpage
- Visit our Careers in media and communications sector webpage
- Target blog on options in the creative industries
- Blog: Creative careers with an LSE degree
- Julian Dismore article: Getting your foot in the door in TV production
