Recent Photography and Film graduates have shared their insights into career opportunities after graduation at the Photography and Film - What Comes Next? Alumni Panel. The event took place on 30 January at Harrow Campus, and was co-organised by Westminster's Alumni Relations Team, Ochi Reyes, Lecturer at Westminster School of Art, and Francesca Zerenghi, Lecturer at Westminster School of Media and Communications.
The panel included Gyöngyi Bagyinka, Freelance Lighting and Digital Assistant, and Sofia Berto, Co-Founder, Director and Photographer at SEBC Photography, both graduates of the Photography BA course. Also on the panel were Ludovica Colacino, Gallery Assistant at ARTUNER, alumni of the Photographic Arts BA course; Toby Burden, Creative Assistant Producer at Great Scott Media, who graduated from the Television Production BA course; and Etive Pomfret-McHardy, Location Marshal of The Crown Season 6, alumni of the Film BA course.
During the event, the Westminster alumni shared their career journeys and discussed how their experience at the University helped them to discover their own interests and find employment after graduation. They highlighted the importance of networking events, and the building of networks early on to attract potential employees and clients.
Toby Burden shared his experience with going to a networking event at Westminster, which led to a job offer the following day. He also suggested to stay in touch with fellow students, as they are a great network for job referrals, but are also a good support to talk to about work related challenges.
The alumni also discussed the significance of online presence, especially for Photography students and alumni, as online platforms are key to showcasing their work. They also shared some Facebook and WhatsApp groups that are beneficial for job hunting. At the end of the event, the students had a chance to ask their questions during a Q&A and a networking session, while enjoying some refreshments and nibbles served as part of the event.
Reflecting on the panel discussion, Etive Pomfret-McHardy said: “I really enjoyed the event, and I am glad that we covered such a broad range of topics relating to film and photography. It genuinely was lovely to see so many people interested in working in the industry.”
Elijah McDonnell, student from the Film BA course said: “Hearing from speakers who have been successful in gaining employment having only recently graduated was both reassuring and insightful. I appreciated their honesty in speaking about their post graduate prospects and in how they navigated and gained a footing in the industry, subsequently securing regular work positions. I believe this will better my own career prospects outside of university.”
Watch the full recording of the Photography and Film - What Comes Next? Alumni Panel, and learn more about the What Comes Next? event series at the University of Westminster.
