Competitive edge

There is something special that draws people to a career in the arts. It’s a feeling that we’re contributing something worthwhile to the society that we live in. The satisfaction that comes from seeing a full auditorium, a well-attended exhibition, a rousing rendition of a great orchestral piece, or perhaps just the enthusiasm and confidence shown by children taking part in a theatre workshop, is what attracts us to the sector and drives us to succeed in it. However, there’s often a lot of competition for every entry-level post and it can be difficult to find that vital first job. Now, more than ever, is not the time for graduates to rely on being offered a job upon graduation via a final year careers fair. Thinking strategically about placing themselves in the industry whilst still at college or university is a good way for students to demonstrate to prospective employers their commitment to a long-term future in the industry.

A beginning
Anyone wanting to start a career in arts marketing and development should look to spend as much time as possible working in an arts environment. This might include working part-time in a box office, volunteering to help at events, stuffing envelopes for direct mail campaigns, or taking longer-term internships in project management. This willingness to get involved in as many aspects of the business as possible not only gives students practical experience, but also helps to build vital relationships with arts organisations which will notice and appreciate their hard work. I talked to a few Arts Marketing Association (AMA) members at different levels in their careers to find out about their experiences.
Elina Harlas is the new Theatre and Arts Support Officer for the London Borough of Sutton, based at The Secombe Theatre. She believes that the biggest challenge for graduates looking for their first job is trying to stand out from the large number of applications who are applying for posts at arts organisations: “I think that it is essential to focus on conveying your key strengths and proving your enthusiasm and suitability for the job both in your application documents and in your interview... keeping up with current themes and topics in the arts is important for anyone wishing to pursue a career in this field.” Harlas also thinks that graduates need to be patient when applying for jobs, and be prepared to start from the bottom. She says, “Based on my experience, volunteering is an important pathway into full-time jobs in the arts. I feel that I gained valuable skills and knowledge from the internships that I did both during my MA studies and after graduating. When applying for internships, I think that it is important for graduates to focus on roles that are in line with their longer-term career goals. After graduating and before I got the job at the London Borough of Sutton, I volunteered at the arts services of another borough in London.” [[Anyone wanting to start a career in arts marketing and development should look to spend as much time as possible working in an arts environment]]
Practical experience
Hannah Levin, Development Manager at the New Wimbledon Theatre, is convinced that commitment is the key: “A true and honest passion for the arts is the best recipe for success. But new graduates need to be realistic when looking for their ‘dream job’ – which will most likely be occupied by someone who has been in the business for a number of years already.” Hannah took a one-year MA course in Art Business at Sotheby’s after completing her undergraduate degree. During both periods of study, she worked part-time in galleries to gain experience, but even then she had to work for a couple of years in the corporate sector before finally securing her current post. She says, “Graduates need to decide where their professional focus lies and to keep an open mind about the different roles which may help them climb closer to their goal. Networking and knowing your audience are key factors to being successful.”
So it seems that budding arts marketers really benefit from having a balance of good qualifications, plenty of practical experience and a commitment to wanting to contribute to an industry that makes a difference to people’s life experience. Let’s leave the last word to someone who has recruited several graduates to the industry, Sarah Ogle, AMA Board member and Communications Director at Liverpool Everyman Theatre: “A passion for theatre and an ability to share that with audiences is vital; but they also need to be able to juggle multiple priorities and realise that it’s not all glamorous press night parties! A creative mind together with a good eye for detail, are also essential attributes.”