Careering ahead

It was my involvement in student music and theatre which led me to a career in the arts. I sat on numerous society committees whilst studying History at Durham, and roles such as running a lunchtime concert series for the Music Society inspired me to pursue arts administration professionally. Our Careers Service provided little advice about the sector however – it appeared more oriented towards graduate schemes with large firms, and it was only by proactively seeking and completing placements with the BBC Philharmonic and several theatres that I knew I was making the right decision. Despite a good academic degree and experience, I was rejected by most organisations I applied to when I moved to London to seek full-time employment. I flirted with internships in a bid to boost my CV, but found offers of these equally sparse: I was rejected from several in favour of candidates with more experience, and had to turn down one because it was full-time for six months, unpaid, and I simply could not afford to do it. For the 15 full-time job applications I made over the course of three months, I got just two interviews.

Looking back now, even though my job search may have been frustrating at times, I think graduates have to expect to be rebuffed many times before finding success. Arts organisations receive so many applications for vacant positions that you have to hone your application and interview skills to demonstrate not only relevant experience, but also a strong interest in the particular organisation you apply to and its art form, plus an affable personality which will complement its ethos. It takes practice and perseverance to get there, but when you do it is well worth it – I have certainly never regretted my chosen career