The specialist

I graduated in 2006 with an English degree, and in the subsequent academic year studied for an MA in Audience and Reception Studies. My first graduate job was Marketing Officer (Campaigns) for Welsh National Opera. Having completed my postgraduate course, I began looking for arts marketing jobs based in Cardiff. I found listings on the ArtsJobFinder and Arts Marketing Association websites invaluable to my search. Concerned that I might be impeded by the potentially high level of competition, I was keen to gain relevant experience to strengthen my job applications and overcome this hurdle. I worked during my MA, first as Box Office Assistant at Aberystwyth Arts Centre and later as Marketing Assistant at the same venue. This experience was essential in securing my first job after graduating.

University also played a vital part in preparing me for employment. My first degree allowed me to acquire skills for the tactical aspects of my job, such as copy-writing. My MA equipped me with more specialist knowledge which has been directly transferable to the strategic aspects of my work, such as conducting research. Simultaneously working and studying was also a valuable experience which prepared me for managing my workload in the high-pressure environment I currently work in. My post as Marketing Assistant came about as a result of volunteering to spend a couple of hours a week putting up posters for the Marketing Department whilst I was still employed as Box Office Assistant. My advice to anyone currently pursuing a career in the arts is to seize every opportunity to gain relevant experience, as it will prove advantageous when making applications and may even lead to greater opportunities