How did your degree help you with your career?
Studying a subject I was very passionate about only fuelled that passion even further and made becoming a freelancer photographer feel attainable. Many people questioned whether doing a creative arts degree would be a "waste of time" or felt that there would be no jobs in the industry and that I’d be better off studying a traditional subject for better career prospects. I’m very happy that I didn’t listen, and I carefully chose a university that would be able to invest in my future. While studying photography, I learnt so many technical, creative, theoretical skills that really diversified my understanding.
Would you recommend your degree to others?
Yes! The photography course was varied and had so many brand new and high-tech resources to use, creative projects to get involved with and high-quality teaching and seminars throughout the course to keep you creatively stimulated. I particularly loved the new photography books in the library, the colour darkrooms and the Hasselblad scanners.
What’s your favourite Solent memory?
I would say the Penta Prism student book launch and seeing all that hard work and creative vision come to life. When the course lecturers, the head of art and design and my fellow students congratulated me, it was a great feeling and, topping it off, a special mention by the Vice-Chancellor at the graduation ceremony was a particular highlight.
What are your tips for current students?
Although achieving a degree is a fantastic accomplishment, the industry is very competitive, especially in the creative world. To stand out, I’d recommend getting involved in as many projects, workshops and courses as you can, or start your own initiative while studying and over the holidays to increase your employability chances. It’s never too early to get ready for life after university, so build your work experience and portfolio pieces as much as you can. It’s good to keep an eye out for opportunities, so keeping in regular contact with your network or joining new groups, such as societies, to build your contacts would be a good place to start. There are often lots of great opportunities you can find on social media, so having a good web presence is ideal.