Recently, City of Bristol College has welcomed a multitude of special guests from educational and professional backgrounds taking the form of panel discussions and inspirational talks for students.
One event saw the college host an Art Panel, where guests took centre stage, talking to our eager students about their journeys and how they got to where they are today in their successful careers within the creative industry.
Our guests spoke of their educational backgrounds, covering everything from foundation courses, to studying Fine Art, enrolling on to college courses, through to undertaking A Levels and specialised degrees.
Forming part of the panel, we welcomed:
Jack – Technical Producer at the Arnolfini
Jade – Freelance Illustrator
Anna – Animation Director who studied Graphic Design in Milan before enrolling in Vancouver Film School
Helen – Creative business owner and City of Bristol College alum who studied our BA Creative Arts Therapies course (now titled BA Creative Therapeutic Practice).
In the audience were students keen to learn more about working in the creative industry and to discover the ways in which they could obtain their ‘big break’.
The afternoon was certainly not short of inspiration, with helpful advice in abundance. When speaking of her journey, panel member, Helen, commented: “Without college, I don’t think that I’d be in this position now – it opens up doors.
“Don’t ever believe anyone if they tell you that you can’t do something, because you can.”
The underlying aim of the panel event was to make students aware of the opportunities in the creative sector on their doorstep in Bristol. Spreading the message that they don’t necessarily need to go to London to kickstart their careers but alternatively, if they would like to travel, that certainly is an option that could be the right fit for them too.
Advice was given regarding how students can build contacts in the industry, learning how to get themselves in front of the people that they want to and to hear how others before them have managed to do so.
Following the panel and question and answer session, refreshments were served in the break, providing the opportunity for students to network and have meaningful conversations with the professionals from the panel over a cup of tea and slice of cake.
The Art Panel follows the success of our Further Education panel that took place a few weeks prior.
During this event, advice was readily available for students covering their next steps and discussing the various directions in which they could take their progression.
The event was in collaboration with The Creative Tuition Program, an initiative that promotes innovative and inclusive education.
Forming part of the panel for this event, we welcomed:
Krystof Chrappova – PhD Student
Dr. Emmanuel Adukuwu – Deputy Head of Applied Sciences, University of the West of England
Jade Heaton – Apprenticeship Student
Zahid Gill – Head of Higher Education, City of Bristol College
As the academic year slowly begins to draw to a close, we are placing a high level of priority on continuing to guide our students and support them with their next steps; whether they are returning to college in September or heading to pastures new.
The progression of our students is paramount and we run events such as the aforementioned panels to invest in the development of our students and alumni.
