Creative Careers Festival 2024
Information sessions and panel discussions exploring career paths in the creative industries
The creative sector is broad and it encompasses an enormous range of talent. The sector includes a variety of roles in areas such as tv and film, heritage, music, journalism, and other creative industries, with different entry requirements and skill sets needed to succeed.
There is a high level of interest in the creative sector at Oxford. For this reason, in 3rd and 4th week of Hilary term 2024, 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 at the Creative Careers Festival.
All Oxford University students, researchers and alumni are welcome to attend the...
Creative Careers Festival: 29 January - 9 February 2024
Below is the list of online and in-person events for the Creative Careers Festival. Click on the event links to find out more about each one and to secure your place in CareerConnect.
Events from 5 February - 9 February 2024
HILARY TERM: 4TH WEEK
Date | Event | Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Monday 5 February 2024 | Expert Panel Discussion: Publishing & Journalism Careers | 12:00 - 13:30 | Online |
Monday 5 February 2024 | Expert Panel Discussion: Creative Careers Beyond the Obvious | 16:00 - 17:30 | Online |
Tuesday 6 February 2024 | Expert Panel Discussion: TV & Film Careers | 12:00 - 13:30 | Online |
Wednesday 7 February 2024 | Expert Panel Discussion: Music Careers | 12:00 - 13:30 | Online |
Wednesday 7 February 2024 | Expert Panel Discussion: Radio & Podcasting Careers | 14:00 - 15:30 | Online |
Thursday 8 February 2024 | Expert Panel Discussion: Arts, Culture & Heritage Careers | 12:00 - 13:30 | Online |
Thursday 8 February 2024 | Expert Panel Discussion: Using Your STEM Expertise for a Creative Career | 16:00 - 17:30 | Online |
Friday 9 February 2024 | Beyond the Festival: Your Roadmap to a Creative Career | 15:00 - 16:00 | Online |
About the sessions
Monday 5 February 2024
Expert Panel Discussion: Publishing & Journalism Careers
Online event, 12:00 - 13:30
Embark on a captivating journey into the dynamic realms of publishing and journalism by joining this expert panel event. Our panellists are:
- Lindsey Cohick – Marvel Publications
- April Peake – Commissioning Editor, BBC Audio at Penguin Random House Audio
- Polly Silk – Senior Lecturer in Publishing, Oxford Brookes University
- Flora Prideaux – Chair, Oxford Student Publications Ltd (OSPL)
Expert Panel Discussion: Creative Careers Beyond the Obvious
Online event, 12:00 - 13:30
This presents a unique opportunity to gain insights from professionals who harness their creativity in fields extending beyond the conventional 'creative industries.' We'll also delve into the experiences of individuals working within the creative industries but in roles not typically associated with creativity. Our panellists are:
- Anna Whitmore – Content Strategy at Netflix
- Chris Buchanan – Senior Marketing and Communications Manager at Mind
- Elizabeth Maggs – Global Partnerships at Hearst
- Gail Caig – Policy Advisor at Creative Industries Council
Tuesday 6 February 2024
Expert Panel Discussion: TV & Film Careers
Online event, 12:00 - 13:30
Join us for our exciting panel event about careers in the screen industries with:
- Jamie Carragher – Writer & Story Editor. Jamie has been part of the HBO's Succession writing team for multiple series of the award-winning drama.
- Safa Dar – Assistant Commissioner, Radio Comedy & Drama. She was a Script Editor at the BBC working across TV comedies and dramas.
- Ishan Deshpande – Solicitor in Film, TV & Theatre at Harbottle & Lewis and Independent Film & Theatre Producer
-
Emily McDowell – Talent Agent, Independent Talent Group
Wednesday 7 February 2024
Expert Panel Discussion: Music Careers
Online event, 12:00 - 13:30
Gain unparalleled insights from professionals across the music industries – both onstage and behind the scenes.
Panellists are:
- Brian Message – Co-Founder, ATC Group (Music Artist Management)
- Clive Deamer – Drummer and Percussionist (Get the Blessing, Radiohead and Portishead)
- Imogen Raey – Music Supervisor, Twenty Below Music
- Lewis Watson – Singer-Songwriter (Signed to Cooking Vinyl Records, previously signed to Warner Bros Records)
- Lisa-Marie Boateng – Publicist, Columbia Records (Sony Music Entertainment)
Expert Panel Discussion: Radio & Podcasting Careers
Online event, 14:00 - 15:30
Hear from professionals across the radio and podcast industry, talk about their careers, offer advice about developing relevant skills and finding work experience and jobs. Our panellists have worked on a range of high profile and award-winning projects across the sector. Panellists are:
- Millie Chu – Lead Podcast Producer, The Louis Theroux Podcast
- Jade Lewis – Music Programmer for the radio stations ‘Capital XTRA’ and ‘Capital XTRA Reloaded’
-
Leo Brnicanin – Psychology and linguistics undergrad and Oxide Radio presenter
Thursday 8 February 2024
Expert Panel Discussion: Arts, Culture & Heritage Careers
Online event, 12:00 - 13:30
Join us for our exciting panel event about careers in the arts, culture, and heritage sector with panellists:
- Dr. Priya Atwal – University of Oxford’s Community History Fellow, and Author of Royals and Rebels: The Rise and Fall of the Sikh Empire; historical consultant on the second series of Bridgerton.
- Danielle Burke – Lead Art Historian at Fine Art Restoration Company in Cumbria.
- Madeleine Kennedy – Independent Curator, has worked in curatorial departments at Tate Britain, Laing Art Gallery and Firstsite.
- Alice Purkiss – Head of Heritage Partnerships, Oxford University. Co-lead of the Oxford University Heritage Network, Fellow of Kellogg College and Trustee of The Heritage Alliance NGO, Associate Fellow of the Royal Historical Society.
- Archie Williams, Cataloguer, Islamic and Indian Art and Rugs and Carpets at Christie’s, London.
Expert Panel Discussion: Using Your STEM Expertise for a Creative Career
Online event, 16:00 - 17:30
This is an exclusive and unique opportunity to hear from professionals who have used their STEM expertise as part of their creative career. Our panellists are:
- Cai Richards – Special Effects Technician, HBO and Warner Bros
- James Brown – Head of Festivals, Director of the British Science Festival at British Science Association
- Lee Magpili – Senior Model Designer, LEGO
- Wanmei Liang – Science Visualizer, NASA Earth Observatory
Friday 9 February 2024
Beyond the Festival: Your Roadmap to a Creative Career
Online event, 15:00 - 16:00
During this session, we will focus on what to do next and how to put into practice what you have learnt throughout the Creative Careers Festival. We will talk about the importance of getting experience and planning for post-graduation if you wish to go into a creative career.
Events from 29 January - 2 February 2024
HILARY TERM: 3RD WEEK
About the sessions
Monday 29 January 2024
Creative Careers Keynote & Pizza: Emma Bridgewater on Thriving in the Creative Industries
In-person event at the Careers Service, 15:30-17:30
Embark on an inspirational journey into the heart of the creative industries at our launch event for the Creative Careers Festival, where renowned entrepreneur and pottery virtuoso, Emma Bridgewater, will take centre stage. Unveil the secrets of a thriving career in the creative sector as Emma shares her invaluable insights and experiences, providing a rare glimpse into the world where imagination meets innovation. The keynote will be followed by informal networking over pizza.
Tuesday 30 January 2024
Expert Q&A: Creative Career Practicalities with Fiona Whitehouse
Online talk, 12:00 - 13:00
Dive into the dynamic world of creative freelancing and beyond with renowned artist (and Head of the Internship Office here at the Careers Service) Fiona Whitehouse. Fiona has navigated the intricate landscape of freelancing, undertook a portfolio career, whilst establishing herself as a prominent figure in the art world.
Introduction to TV & Film Careers
Online information session, 14:00 - 15:00
Whether you're an aspiring filmmaker, storyteller, actor, producer, or simply fascinated by the magic that happens behind the scenes, this workshop is your golden ticket to understanding the career opportunities within these captivating mediums.
Expert Q&A: Getting an Agent with Emily McDowell (Talent Agent) & Laura Macdougall (Literary Agent)
Online talk, 16:00 - 17:00
In this session, Talent Agent Emily McDowell (Independent Talent Group) and Literary Agent Laura Macdougall (United Talent) share their wealth of experience, providing insights into the role of an agent and tips for securing representation in the competitive creative industries.
Wednesday 31 January 2024
Introduction to Publishing & Journalism Careers
Online information session, 14:00 - 15:00
Whether you're an aspiring wordsmith, an avid storyteller, or someone intrigued by the intricacies of the written word, this event is tailored to provide a comprehensive insight into the captivating careers within the of publishing and journalism industries.
Expert Q&A: Writing a Novel with Philip Bowne (Award-Winning Author)
Online talk, 16:00 - 16:45
Delve into the world of writing and publishing as Philip Bowne, the author of "Cows Can't Jump", shares insights into crafting a novel and navigating the intricate publishing process. This session is a unique opportunity to gain first-hand knowledge from an accomplished author who has successfully brought his creative vision to life.
Thursday 1 February 2024
Introduction to Music, Radio & Podcasting Careers
Online information session, 14:00 - 15:00
From breaking into the music industry as a musician, producer, or manager, to carving out a niche in the ever-evolving landscape of radio and podcasting, this session will provide valuable insights to help you transfer your audio skills into a fulfilling career.
Expert Q&A: Writing a West End Show with Tom Ling (Lyricist & Producer)
Online talk, 16:00 - 16:45
Accomplished Lyricist and Producer Tom Ling will share presents a captivating exploration into the creative process behind the West End show, "The Little Big Things," a musical adaptation of the Sunday Times best-selling memoir by Henry Fraser. Tom will share his expertise, providing an insightful journey into bringing this poignant narrative to life on the stage.
Friday 2 February 2024
Introduction to Arts, Culture & Heritage Careers
Online information session, 14:00 - 15:00
Discover the academic and skill-building pathways that lead to success and gain insights into the profound impact arts, culture, and heritage professionals have on society. Delve into the vast array of professions, from curatorship and conservation to arts administration and event management, uncovering hidden gems and lesser-known roles that may spark your interest.