Session Two: Finding Your ‘Why’

By reviewing the overview and content of this event, I was encouraged to reflect on my future career development within the creative industries. The key focus of this workshop was to help students identify their strengths and creative capabilities, as well as prompting them to understand how to build a career around their personal interests and abilities. A particular idea that stood out for me was the concept of shaping a career around your 'why', which can be described as a combination of one's strengths, knowledge and individual desires. This was interesting to me as it is not only a concept that I had never heard of, but also a helpful method of encouragement that will provoke students to think about their long-term satisfaction and how choosing the right job will positively contribute to your standard of living. 

Another theme that was drawn upon is self-presentation. The overview content placed an emphasis on the importance of being able to articulate the story and value behind your work. This lead me to ponder the cruciality of confidence and communication within creative roles. Whether it is through freelancing or professional networking, the ability to present your ideas in a clear and concise manner is a highly important skill to have under your belt. 

This workshop also catered to students who may currently be in the process of applying to jobs and debating different career paths. It communicated the idea that curiosity is enough at this moment in time, and you do not need to have a curated plan before you can start thinking about your future and what it might consist of. The themes explored throughout this session allowed students to understand how to present themselves to the professional world through utilisation of networking and communication, as well as reminding them that self-enjoyment and a satisfactory quality of life are just as important as finding a suitable career.