Featuring an impressive schedule of workshops, informational sessions, and expert-led advice clinics, Careers Week at CSVPA is designed to inspire and equip both undergraduate and postgraduate students for their professional journeys.
Held during the first week of March, Careers Week commenced with an insightful session titled An Introduction to Careers in the Creative Industries, delivered by ERIC, an organisation dedicated to bridging the gap between universities and local career opportunities within the creative sector. This topic, often daunting for students contemplating their post-graduation paths, provided essential guidance and clarity for navigating their next steps.
Additional sessions included Curating Instagram, led by Chevy Ofilayev (Senior Lecturer in Fashion Film and New Media at CSVPA), who offered expert insights on cultivating a distinctive brand and aesthetic on social media. He also highlighted the broader potential of social platforms, demonstrating how they can serve as invaluable networking resources for connecting with models, stylists, makeup artists, and other specialist creatives.
A panel featuring Morchen Liu (Senior Lecturer – Fashion), Holly Fulton (Head of Fashion), and Chevy Ofilaye delved into the intricacies of establishing a creative practice. Drawing from their personal journeys of freelancing and founding their own businesses, the panellists shared invaluable insights. They unanimously emphasised the critical role of cultivating robust networks and the importance mentorship provides through offering both guidance and opportunities within the industry.
Through CSVPA’s partnership with Hearst Magazines, home of iconic titles such as Esquire, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar and Cosmopolitan, professionals from this renowned publishing house led an exclusive masterclass on interview techniques. The session offered our students unparalleled insights into the art of successful interviewing, equipping them with the skills to confidently navigate competitive environments. By drawing on the expertise of industry leaders, students gained essential strategies for crafting compelling narratives, handling challenging questions, and making a lasting impression, all of which are critical in securing opportunities in the highly competitive creative sector.
James Lambert (Senior Lecturer – Fashion at CSVPA) and Lucy Salter (former Talent Acquisition Manager at PVH) hosted a Portfolio Clinic, offering CSVPA students a unique opportunity to receive personalised, constructive feedback on their portfolios directly from industry professionals. These one-on-one sessions allowed students to gain tailored insights into the strengths and areas for improvement in their work, providing valuable guidance on how to refine their portfolios for maximum impact.
This intensive week provided an exceptional platform for students to gain firsthand insights and practical guidance from industry professionals in contemplation of their post-graduation pathways. The diverse array of sessions empowered both undergraduate and postgraduate students with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate and succeed in the competitive creative industry. By fostering direct connections with industry leaders and offering personalised feedback, CSVPA’s Careers Week helped students build the confidence and expertise they need to take the first step into their future careers.
Find out more about pursuing an Undergraduate or Postgraduate course with us at CSVPA.
