Some thoughts about Table 6: Developing Artists’ Careers.’
On the first question, ‘knowing what’, the table refers to the industry opportunities, threats and requirements. As a graduate, it is easier to apply for campus recruitment than social recruitment because most students have no work experience, whereas most social recruitment requires relevant work experience. But campus recruitment does not have this mandatory requirement, and this is the opportunity that the industry offers to our graduates. But of course, there are also threats. Even for campus recruitment, the competition is intense. I have to be prepared for a period of inactivity without a job. For my inactive period, I want to stay in a creative or study state, choose postgraduate courses or short courses at schools, and actively seek various opportunities to work with directors and game designers. The industry demands skills and experience from candidates.
On the second question, “knowing why”. Based on my interests, I would like to work with sound in film, animation or games. My short-term career goal is to enter the film or games industry, which can be achieved through a postgraduate course, an internship at a relevant company, or campus recruitment at a relevant company. The medium to long-term goal is to work for dream companies such as Nintendo, Riot and Disney. In the future few years, I will try to get closer to this goal by improving my professional level and maintaining a constant state of learning and creativity, as well as increasing the exposure and visibility of my works through film and animation festivals and in games by participating in game competitions and trying to gain experience in game development teams.
The third question is “knowing where”. This part of the table mentions entering the industry. I have considered two possible companies, the Chinese game company Mihoyo and Aurogon Info & Tech (Shanghai) Co. A Master’s programme could also help me to enter the industry, such as the Master’s programme in Sound at National Film and Television School or the Film and Television Production programme at the London Film School.
On the fourth question, “knowing who”. This section talks about building and developing a network of contacts. Most of my contacts are in China, so if I want to stay in the UK and build my career, I may need to join some communities or find and network with relevant people in the industry on Link.
Regarding the fifth question, “knowing when”. I need to note when the companies I am interested in are recruiting this year, such as when they are recruiting in the spring and autumn. Some times are irregular, such as internships or temporary openings for social positions. I must complete an entire portfolio and update it in real-time to ensure I take advantage of these opportunities. A cv and a website to showcase the work are also essential.
On the sixth question, “knowing how”. To summarise what has been said before, firstly, to keep learning, creating and collaborating with directors and game designers to become a professional sound practitioner in film, animation and games. Secondly, prepare my application materials and check every important point in time so I can take advantage of all opportunities. Finally, build a network of contacts in the UK.
