Creative Careers Week: 22-27 January 2023

The creative sector encompasses an enormous range of talent. The sector includes a variety of roles in areas such as TV & Film, Heritage, Advertising and beyond, with different entry requirements and skill sets needed to succeed. 

There is a high level of interest in the creative sector at Oxford; and, for this reason, in Hilary term, we will be introducing you to it through a number of information sessions, useful workshops and inspiring panel discussions run by our expert careers advisers and a host of guest speakers.

Creative Careers Week: 22-27 January 2023

Below is the list of online and in-person events for the Creative Careers Week. All Oxford University students, researchers and alumni are welcome to attend. Click on the event links to find out more about each one and to secure your place. 

About the sessions

Sunday, 22 January 2023 

Adjoa Andoh Workshop (Registrations now closed)

In-person workshop, 11:00-16:00

As the Cameron Mackintosh Visiting Professor of Contemporary Theatre, actress Adjoa Andoh (Bridgerton, Invictus, Royal Shakespeare Company) will be running a workshop from 11am on Sunday 22 January, focusing on the theme of ‘Whose stories get told? Reading – Righting – Responding’. The workshop is open to all current Oxford University students. 

Monday, 23 January 2023 

Introduction to Creative Industries

Online panel discussion, 13:00-14:15

Inspiring panellists will share what it’s like to work within their specific sector and how students can start to think about their future within the creative industries. 

• Christine Jones, Set Designer and Artistic Director (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child)

• Daniella Dickinson, Creative Director (BBC)

• Miriam Escofet, Artist (Painted Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II)

The Art of Cringe-free Networking: A Vital Skill for the Creative Industries

Online information session, 15:00-16:15

Few of us like the idea of ‘networking’. But it is a vital skill for those wishing to work within the Creative Industries. It allows us to forge good relationships, helps us understand how things work in new spheres employment, and can ultimately open doors. Join us for an hour of myth-busting insights into the hidden job market and get tips on effective networking through various mechanisms including social media.

Tuesday, 24 January 2023 

Careers in TV, Film & Games

Online panel discussion, 13:00-14:15

Hear from professionals across a range of specialisms such as talent representation, acting, writing, producing and games development, talk about their careers and offer advice to students interested in joining these industries.

• Ruby Avards, Finance Director (Lucasfilm)
• Stephen Robert Morse, Co-Founder (Lone Wolf Studios)
• Anna Pritchard, Production Designer
• Chris Sayers, VFX Artist (Blizzard Entertainment)
• Esme Ash, Assistant Producer

Introduction to Journalism & Publishing

Online information session, 15:00-16:15

Thinking about a career in publishing or journalism but not sure how it all works? Sign up to this event and find out about the roles available (there’s more to publishing than editorial), the skills needed, and how to get a job in this industry (hint: graduate schemes are not the most common routes in).

Wednesday, 25 January 2023 

Careers in Arts, Culture & Heritage

Online panel discussion, 13:00-14:15

Join us at this exciting panel event where you will have the opportunity to hear our panellists talk about their careers in arts, culture and heritage. There are a variety of roles and opportunities available in the sector and sometimes it’s hard to know where to start. Our panel of working professionals will offer tips and advice about finding work experience and jobs.

• Madeleine Kennedy, Independent Curator
• Archie Williams, Cataloguer (Christie’s) 
• Alexa Frost, Archivist (Blenheim Palace) 
• Alice Purkiss, Head of Heritage Partnerships (Oxford University)

Performing Arts: Gaining Experience at Oxford and Beyond

Online panel discussion, 15:00-16:15

Looking to have a career in performing arts? Come along to this session to hear about things you can be doing whilst at Oxford and next steps you need to consider.

Thursday, 26 January 2023 

Creative Careers Beyond the Obvious

Online panel discussion, 13:00-14:15

What should you do if you're trying to choose between a creative career or more 'sensible' options? Hear from our panel of creatives who have backgrounds in law, producing and fine art, about how to keep creativity at the heart of your career, so that you don't have to choose.

• Ishan Deshpande, Film, TV & Theatre Lawyer (Harbottle and Lewis), and Independent Film Producer
• Dr Fiona Whitehouse, Artist and Head of the Internship Office (University of Oxford Careers Service)

Journalism and Publishing: Gaining Experience at Oxford and Beyond

Online panel discussion, 15:00-16:15

Join this session to hear about things you can be doing whilst at Oxford and next steps you need to consider.

Friday, 27 January 2023 

Next Steps: Internships and Post-graduation Plans for a Creative Career

In-person information session, 14:00-15:15

What next? Come along to this session for practical next steps towards a career in the creative industries through internships and work experience. After the session, you will have a chance to network with other creative careers enthusiasts.

Networking with Other Creative Careers Enthusiasts

In-person networking, 15:15-17:00

Come along to our final event of the Creative Careers Week. Start to build those networks and put into practise those networking skills with other creative careers enthusiasts.