Advice: Go for it! But a smaller business may be a better start for you.  I started at Specsavers but found since it's very corporate my creative skills weren't used to the best of their abilities.

Advice: Go for any opportunity that jumps at you. Even if the job doesn't pay well, you don't use their products or services or it's a small unknown business or agency. Your career is a ladder to success and sometimes you really do have to start at the bottom.

Advice: Pursue it! I think a lot of people can be intimidated by going into a creative industry (myself included) because it can be competitive, but if you don't try you'll never get a chance. I never expected to get a job in the design and I'm extremely proud of myself for doing it, it's a great industry to be in and I'd recommend it to anyone considering

Advice: Take every opportunity you’re faced with and be yourself. Employers like people who are themselves, be open and friendly with everyone. 

Advice: At the beginning, take every job or brief you can even if it means pro bono work. Experience and contacts are worth more than gold at that stage of your life. Once you have them? Don't let anyone take you for a ride. Only you can know your own worth, and you should charge accordingly.

Advice: Go for it. If you plan to go to university, try find a course with a placement as it’s a great way to see if it’s the type of career you want, also is very helpful after you’ve finished university as it shows you have experience. If you aren’t planning on going to university, try find some work experience you could do for a week to see if it’s something you want to do.

2016 - 2018

BA Fashion Styling and Creative Direction, Southampton Solent University.

At Buzz, I am now managing a team and absolutely love what I do. Each day is different in the role but we work to create innovative marketing campaigns and specialise particularly in social media management. The agency lifestyle is fast-paced and diverse and I really enjoy working alongside like-minded creatives.

I began my career working in London as a Social Media Manager for a vintage fashion brand. I now work for Buzz Creative Studio as a Marketing Executive. 

My love for media developed during my degree in BA (Hons) Fashion Styling and Creative Direction, when I created a magazine which focused on female empowerment and inclusivity within a younger generation. Before returning to Guernsey I also worked as a Personal Shopper and Freelance Stylist in London. 

I always demonstrate my flair and attention to detail in everything that I do, and my positive can-do attitude enables me to dive into every task. 

Advice: Go for it! Pursue your dreams and don’t be afraid to embark on a creative career. There is never a dull moment, no day is the same and it’s always an exciting and fast paced industry where the opportunities are endless. 

jodietrott.com

Advice: My main advice would be to get experience and practice skills outside of 6th Form as much as possible. I did freelance graphic design work for clients outside of 6th Form to create a portfolio, and I learnt some website coding alongside studying for my degree. Both meant that I could stand out from other people and widened my skill set for potential employers.

My other piece of advice would be to soak up popular culture. In my case, for advertising, it meant watching a lot of adverts and being up to date in current affairs so that I could be critical and understand them from the creator's point of view.

Advice: Don't compromise on your creativity. Despite not having qualifications in graphic design, somehow my portfolio content managed to convince employers I had potential!

Advice: It sounds simple and oh so cliched, but do what you love and make the work you want to make! This is your life and your career so don't let anyone else's opinions have too much of an impact on your decisions. 

Another cliche here (and one I hate to hear as a serial procrastinator): make as much work as possible. Also try and collaborate with other like-minded people on projects and network with other creatives; not only is it great to build up a varied portfolio but it can also lead to exciting connections and work.

Certainly when I was at school there seemed to be a lot of emphasis put on academic subjects and it definitely felt like a choice to pursue the arts was looked down upon and not really considered as a serious venture. This meant that I wasn't aware of the vast variety of creative degrees and jobs available- so I would definitely suggest that anyone interested in pursing a degree looks at the courses available on university websites. 

Advice:  Learn by doing. Be patient with yourself, try different things. Watch YouTube tutorials!  Find out what you like and what your good at. Start considering your niche. If you are a creative, there are so many options for you! :) 

Advice: If you know, you know. This shouldn't have to feel like a job. Regardless of what you choose to do in life, make sure it's something you enjoy. Make sure you have a reason, too. Why waste your only life doing something you don't care about?

Advice: My advice would be to just get stuck in, if you want to create and make things, whether that's a physical product, a short film, a podcast, a documentary, anything - just do it and don't let anything hold you back. Just create create create, if that's what you love doing, do it and don't listen to the naysayers.

And I know it's cliche, but it's so important to network! (Honestly this is still something I struggle with) But get to know other like minded individuals and collaborate. You will learn so much from other people, and they'll probably have a lot to learn from you!

Advice:  One of the many things I've learnt over the last 3 years is that the industry is always changing and adapting, it's almost impossible to master it because it's evolving every day. 

- No question is a silly question! Make sure to always be asking questions - it's likely others in the room are thinking of asking the same thing.

- Keep up to date with industry knowledge, websites like The Drum, Marketing Week, Campaign, Moz, Digital Marketing Institute, Mintel and Statista are all great for this.

- Be adaptable. As I mentioned, the industry is continuously evolving and changing and it's important that we're open to these changes.

- Throw yourself in the deep end! Pushing yourself out of your comfort zone will play a key part in building your confidence. You'll feel great after you've done it.

- Get involved with as much as you can. If you're specialising in one area, make sure to try and involve yourself in other areas too, whether that be shadowing others, inductions or even just extra curricular activities/committees. Get your name out there!

- Maintain contacts. Try to gather and keep as many key contacts in the industry as possible - you're likely to be able to help each other out in the future!

Advice: Follow your passion and create a portfolio early on, it will become very useful. Get your work out there! 

Advice: I would thoroughly recommend getting the best portfolio you can together whilst you have the opportunity to create content at school and at Uni, having the time and equipment to borrow. I believe in this industry a good portfolio to show off your work and what you can do is essential; potential clients and employers are mainly going to see whether you can do the job rather just some text on a page. After being involved in interviewing for an Assistant Editor,  I know what it is like looking over people's work and basing their abilities on it. Since starting, my employers also have told me the reason I got the job was because some pieces in my portfolio stood out above other candidates.

Advice: In my experience, it is important to keep creating new ideas and projects not matter if they are big or small. Not only can these be used in your portfolio, you can also learn new tools, techniques and applications. Your portfolio should show off your passion to design and create as well as your skills and capabilities to use design apps or tools.

Advice: To work hard and be confident. In the arts, persuading people you’re the expert and you know what you’re talking about. You have to graft, but the journey is fun and so rewarding on the other side. Believe in yourself, if you don’t, no one will. 

Advice: Be willing to grind and work for it. The creative industry is hard to join but once your in, it’s the best type of job in the world. 

Advice:  Just do it. It’s not an easy ride to get started a lot of the time and people might put you off it. But it’s so worth it, and it’s so rewarding. The world relies on you so much more than it makes out.

Any opportunity is a good opportunity, take them all and you’ll build a better picture of what you want to do with the more experience you get. I'm very much still working it out!  

Do what you want to do don’t let other people distract you from being creative!

Finally, creativity comes in all shapes and forms. You don’t have to be a designer to be creative, think outside the box….

Advice: Try to get as much experience as possible, especially if you would like a role that is on set. My aim is to eventually work my way up to a production coordinator role within television. My one regret is not leveraging even more of my time at university to gain as much on set experience so I could get a role within television straight away. 

Advice:  I'd highly recommend a career in Marketing; it's fun, fast paced and creative but my one bit of advice would be to take every opportunity that comes your way!

Advice: Go for it! Have confidence in your ability and creativity. The media industry is constantly growing and changing so be adaptable and take opportunities that excite you. 

Advice: Take advantage of the internet/social media to promote yourself and your work. Don't hold back!

2016 - 2018

I left school and went straight to work at the Digital Greenhouse for 2.5 years which  gave me great experience in all areas of creative design, as I was able to get involved in all of their projects. After leaving the Digital Greenhouse I moved to the UK to pursue my freelance career and successfully ran my own business and I specialise in filmmaking, graphic design, motion graphics and animation.

I've been doing all sorts of creative biz since I was a kid but I made my way into the creative working world in 2018. I spent a few years working for an innovation hub and co-working space managing the members and creating content to promote events, socials, and other activities. 

In 2021 I moved to the UK and started freelancing full time which ended up leading me to a full time design position at a new marketing agency in London.

And I am now back in Guernsey working as a designer at Buzz Creative Studio. I do a lot of graphics for social media campaigns, video production and animation projects for local businesses. I'm also working as a filmmaker taking on local short and feature films, and some international short films.

Advice: If you put the work in anything is possible. Make your own path with hard work and if you want to learn something, don't be afraid to teach yourself! Learning at your own pace is sometimes easier but also much more rewarding when you succeed. 

https://charleykendall.myportfolio.com

Advice: GET INVOLVED! Spending time on your interests is equally as important as focussing on your grades. Spend time doing things like volunteering, travelling and finding opportunities to lead a team or pick up extra courses. What will separate you from other applicants is reflecting on how your interests and experiences will contribute to a future role. Also, take risks; you will never know if you enjoy something unless you give it a go and there's no failure in trying!

Advice: My main bit of advice would be build your profile, get experience, do the free courses, meet people for coffees and so on! Expect a lot of rejection and take it as a chance to improve and progress rather than personally.  Read about the industry, keep up to date with exciting progressions in technology / marketing / whatever it may be. Keep applying, abuse your contacts list, EVERYWHERE (even banks and finance companies) needs creative leads and marketers. Understand what it is you can offer, no you may not have a degree in graphic design or 15 years industry experience (as some entry level jobs seem to require!?!). But, unlike many older or more experienced candidates, what you do have is a young creative mind that has grown up in the digital age where these things are almost second nature. Being untouched by other company cultures is a positive thing, you don't have anything to unlearn or any bad habits, you're at factory reset ready to be programmed. Be honest and be yourself, as easy as it is said than done - try to contain your nerves, these are people you're talking to at the end of the day who were once in your shoes. 

I still struggle with imposter syndrome, it really is fake it 'til you make it - everyone is just pretending to know what they're doing, the sooner you realise it the more self confident you can be!

And, don't settle! You can't expect different outcomes for doing the same thing over and over again, but keep trying and you will get there eventually. Apply to places that will nurture your career goals and provide assistance in building your skills.

Advice: Go for it! There are so many different opportunities within this type of career so don't worry if you aren't 100% sure on what exact role you want to be in yet. In most roles within this type of career no two days will be the same - although it can be full-on it's exciting, fast-paced and sometimes doesn't even feel like work! If you do decide you want to go down this route, don't worry if you don't get offered a job straight away - these roles are always high in-demand - keep going and don't give up! 

Advice: If you're going into a creative job, you're most probably a creative person. Creative people are often more flexible, flowy and passionate than others, and I've learned how important it is to honour those parts of yourself in your work, otherwise you end up doing something you don't enjoy and feeling like you're wasting your time or going against who you are at your core. So aim for the thing that you absolutely adore whenever possible (and it may change - go with it!). Also, don't be afraid to follow your gut instincts and not be swayed by others who think they know the only path you should be taking. There are an infinite number of creative jobs or options out there and an equally infinite number of paths that take you there. You may have to start somewhere that you don't ultimately want to end up, but you will inevitably learn something (a skill, a technique or something about yourself) that will lead you to the next step. Trust that it will work out, and keep tuning in to how you feel and what you want to change to improve your work life. Oh and be afraid to say no - that's something I'm admittedly still working on, but it's a necessary skill in creative life!

Advice: Go for it, if possible try to gather experience in the industry from a local business, there's great opportunities you can get with digital greenhouse and others

Advice: Don't listen to any negative voices that tell you the creative industries are oversaturated or that it will be too difficult to make a career out of what you love. It's one of the fastest growing industries in the UK and new types of job roles are invented all the time! If you really want it, you can 100% do it.

 https://www.linkedin.com/in/gjackson01/

I applied for a job at BBC Guernsey while I was still at school, and I started there a week after finishing Sixth Form.

I did lots of work experience in the media world to figure out exactly where my place was. I photographed events, worked in marketing at the OGH, looked at online work and then did a course on radio and tv broadcasting and fell in love! 

I was a Journalist Coordinator at BBC Guernsey. On a daily basis I helped produce the breakfast show (yes I wake up at 4:15am everyday). I made packages, voice pieces and clip sequences which involved a lot of audio editing. I also got to do live inserts and interviews, book guests, dial guests, research ideas and potential stories, read bulletins. The only way to describe it is a little bit of everything! 

I am now the Guernsey Raiders Marketing and Media Officer. It’s a great job for me as a rugby player, lots more freedom and creativity than my previous job, and I’ve been able to use more of my media skills with website design etc!

Advice : There's a lot of early rejection when applying for your first job in the industry, don't be disheartened by this. It's an incredibly competitive field, but when you're in, you'll thank yourself. 

Advice: Get as much experience as you can, whether this be temping, shadowing or work experience. It is great to have qualifications under your belt but experience is just as important!

Advice: My advice would be to try your hardest to create a strong network with other creatives. This means that whenever one of your mates finds work, they could potentially hit you up as well. This is how I got my first gig.

Also, perfect your email game. Email to any and everyone.

Advice: The Media is a very broad field of work, and every area will teach you something different. If you want a career in television but have landed a job in marketing, there’s still always a way in, no matter what the angle! 

Advice: My advice would be say ‘yes’, and be honest. You don’t know where an opportunity will take you and there is no shame in saying you don’t know - but make sure you’re willing to try.

Advice: Attitude and motivation is everything. If you truly invest yourself, learn by error, and improve, I find the creative arts to be a fantastic career choice, at the very least it has been for me. 

2020-2022

After school I got a job at Joys Events but then landed my dream job as a Junior Graphic Designer - Designing Social Media Content, Web Ads, Animation, Motion Graphics, Web Design, Brand Design at Clicksmith, a local design, advertising, marketing agency. 

Advice: Your school work is not a portfolio! Use something you're passionate about to create work for your portfolio. I used my band as the product where I built a brand, created social media content, edited photos and music videos. Try to have a range of different examples to keep your skill set broad and not too refined on one thing.

Clicksmith’s answer to Roger Taylor has been promoted to designer.

Toby Beasley, who sidelines as a drum teacher, was formerly our junior designer.

‘We’re thrilled to announce Toby’s well-deserved promotion to the role of designer. Toby has come a long way in such a short time, which is testament to his creativity, dedication, and invaluable contributions to our team. Toby has a bright career ahead of him and I’m confident that he’ll continue to elevate our design efforts and bring fresh perspectives to our projects. Congratulations Toby on your achievement,’ said Clicksmith’s operations & marketing director, Dominic Bennett.

Toby joined Clicksmith in 2022 after leaving the Grammar School Sixth Form Centre where he studied media, business and art and design.

‘I’m grateful for the opportunity to step into the role of designer. I’ve learnt so much since being at Clicksmith and I’m excited to take my creativity to the next level. I look forward to supporting on the upcoming projects we have lined up and to making a real impact for our clients,’ said Toby.

https://tobybeasley.myportfolio.com/

Advice:  Do it! There is a multitude of different paths you can go down so there is bound to be something that you like. There are so many opportunities!

Advice:  Do not let people convince you that the Creative Arts are not a valid and worthy industry to work in. The most intelligent and talented people I know are those who I’ve had the privilege to work alongside.

2020 - 2022

Although I had applied for university, in the end I decided it wasn’t for me. Initially, I went into retail however I knew it wasn’t what I wanted to do long term and that the dream for me was to go into a media job.

Whilst working in retail I contacted a few media companies to see if there were any vacancies available. I know media jobs are popular so I had to be patient. In early January 2023 I applied for a Production Apprenticeship role at BBC Radio Guernsey. I worked really hard to practice for each interview and was fortunate enough to get the job. I would recommend the apprenticeship to anyone interested in production and journalism.

I learn everyday on the job, some of my job roles include interviewing, editing audio/video for radio and social media, writing scripts for presenter to read on air, finding guests for stories we are working on, going live on air.

Advice: I would say if you're not completely sure what part of the media industry interests you the most, something like an apprenticeship will help you learn a variety of skills and help narrow down your favourites for a future job. I would also say apply for multiple media jobs at a time, you can always interview for multiple jobs and figure out where you feel you’ll fit in best or decide which one covers you main interest more.

2018 - 2020

BA Hons Graphic Design at The Arts University Bournemouth

My journey was an uncharacteristically straight line. I finished university in May, graduated in July and started at Potting Shed in September.

My current role includes lots of work in indesign for corporate clients, social media projects, photo editing plus a little bit of web and animation work.

Advice: Make sure you have a strong refined portfolio, and that you are confident in talking through your projects.

https://pottingshed.com/work / www.harrytorode.com

University of Winchester, BA Hons Media Production 

After uni, I got a job at Orchard PR through the States of Guernsey Creative Industries placement scheme. After six years in the public relations industry, I then moved to Clicksmith, a digital marketing company, as a senior account manager.

Thoughout my career I have kept learning and have become a CIPR Accredited Practitioner, CIPR Professional PR Certificate holder. I've completed the Squared Online Digital Marketing course and am on the CIPR committee locally. In 2022 I won Rising Star of the Year at the PRCA DARE Awards and was also listed as one of Women in Public Life Guernsey's Iconic Women of the Future.

At Clicksmith I work closely with clients to understand their business needs and objectives so that we can produce sucessful digital marketing campaigns. We use a variety of digital channels including email marketing, social media advertising and Google Ads (paid search, YouTube and display). We also create videos and do photography.

Advice: Go for it, creative skills are more valued by companies than ever before. The more skills you can get through qualifications (there’s lots of free courses online) and work experience the quicker you will progress in your career and become more desired by employers.

 

www.clicksmith.co.uk

A Level Photography

2014 - 2016

When I left Sixth Form I accepted a job in Fund Administration. After 2 years, I knew it wasn't for me and I wanted to pursue a more creative career. I applied for a Marketing Assistant position at Healthxchange Pharmacy, where I gained valuable experience over the course of three years. I moved from Healthxchange to Mourant (law firm) as a Marketing Executive in the Summer of 2021 and have recently been promoted to Senior Marketing Executive at Mourant.

I didn't go to University, but my Media Studies and Photography A-levels have been beneficial. While I've largely acquired my proficiency in Adobe programmes post sixth-form, my exposure to the programmes during my studies meant that they were not unfamiliar territory, giving me a head start because I understood their basic functions.

My role as Senior Marketing Executive, Mourant includes:

● Responsible for the majority of Mourant LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram posts, including artwork, imagery, native document or video creation and copy.

● Creating and updating web pages on the website.

● Attending local events to photograph and update relevant social media platforms.

● Presenting social media (predominantly LinkedIn) training to colleagues in one-on-one and group settings.

● Evaluating firm performance across social media and web pages using social media statistics and Google Analytics. Using the data to inform future creative and copy decisions.

● Working individually or with colleagues on global communication projects, from conception and planning to implementing internal and external delivery.

Advice: Make the most of the head start, take your time to learn the programmes you have access to now.

A Level Photography

2021 - 2023

My roles are to come up with new ideas in how we market to our members and keep them coming back. Razorbill Media is a global agency offering acquisition, affiliate and design marketing.

In our company we focus on what it takes to win in the competitive marketing world. We aim to improve revenue, drive awareness and conversion suited to individual business needs.

Advice: Be open minded

2021 - 2023

I began my job search as early as March in year 13, this meant that I had researched and contacted all of the existing firms at which I could work either in their creative team or for a creative agency. This led me to secure the position of Business Development and Events Assistant at Mourant. I started the position in July and I quickly integrated into the team, feeling like a natural fit by September. Despite being new to the concept of Business Development, the role has significantly boosted my confidence, and I've learnt a lot in a short time.

Although I enjoy working on events and email campaigns, I would like to progress into an even more creative space in the future so will likely complete my CIPR or CIM qualification which Mourant will provide funding and study leave for.

• Assist in planning both internal and external events for Guernsey BD and marketing initiatives - hosting events such as quizzes and seminars.

• Support lawyers in preparing for marketing trips and follow-up activities

• Manage client, intermediary, and BD data using the CRM system

• Create and deliver email campaigns for events

Advice: Go for every opportunity that is available to you even if it is outside your comfort zone and never underestimate the value of work experience.