Graduate career advice from Falmouth alumni

Going from student to graduate can be both an exciting and daunting experience. It’s a time of new possibilities as graduates decide what’s next and explore different career paths. We recently asked our alumni what advice they’d give to current students and recent graduates about navigating working life after university. 

Career advice from alumni

Collaborate and build networks 

“True collaboration comes with trust, surround yourself with people who support and believe in you, you will achieve your best work this way.” - Alex Elms, Creative Director for Electronic Arts (EA) and Digital Media BA(Hons) alumni

“Collaboration is key, it makes work more enjoyable, helps to build your confidence and allows you to feed off each other's ideas and inspiration. Remember to be kind to people, you never know what opportunities you may get offered and people like to work with likeable people.” - Ella Kasperowicz, freelance Illustrator and Illustration BA(Hons) alumni

“Don't be afraid to reach out to similar creatives and ask for advice - you never know what treasure you might find! Use your existing connections to help you start out if you're looking to launch a creative project. Approach people directly to ask if they want to be involved in your project, especially if it means good coverage for both of you. I've found that most people are incredibly willing and supportive to be involved.” - Emily Charlotte Ould, Founder at PaperBound Magazine and Creative Writing BA(Hons) alumni

“Book launches, online events, social media, podcasts, interviews, and more are all crucial in building the image of your trusted muses as well as the credibility of your publishing company!” - Michael Amos, Managing Director at Sleepy Lion Publishing and English with Creative Writing BA(Hons) alumni

Use the power of social media

“One of the great things about this [manufacturing] industry is that the work is easy to appreciate, even with little understanding, due to its visual nature. As a result, it's good to use social media platforms such as LinkedIn to really show off and make some noise in a way that might lead to a job.” - Jack Cockle, Additive Manufacturing Engineer for 3DGBIRE and Sustainable Product Design BA(Hons) alumni 

“Be present on social media platforms such as Instagram as I was noticed by BBC Bitesize on here and offered a commission!” - Ella Kasperowicz, freelance Illustrator and Illustration BA(Hons) alumni

Showcase your interests

“Put your own experiences into your work as this will help you love what you do and make your work feel authentic to others.” - Ella Kasperowicz, freelance Illustrator and Illustration BA(Hons) alumni

“If you'd like to diversify and push your career trajectory towards something you've not explored in depth before, being proactive by completing and sharing personal (or academic) projects in that area is a great way of indicating your interest and ability to potential employers, especially whilst you're at university and have access to lots of equipment. Most of the time it'll be something that you can apply your existing skills and knowledge to with significant effectiveness!” - Jack Cockle, Additive Manufacturing Engineer for 3DGBIRE and Sustainable Product Design BA(Hons) alumni

“Know that you get as much out of a project as you put into it. Be willing to spend a lot of time honing your project and be active on social media to spread the word as long as you're honest and genuine with bundles of passion, a following will come!” - Emily Charlotte Ould, Founder at PaperBound Magazine and Creative Writing BA(Hons) alumni

Don’t be afraid to take risks 

“Take risks while you are young. In business you are always going to have to take risks, but as you get older, you may have responsibilities, so the risks become even riskier.” - Jake Jeffries, Creative Director & Owner of Milk & Tweed, Graphic Design BA(Hons) alumni

Create your own job 

“Start and run your business alongside your job and keep your regular wage. Then any money your business does make, don't take it, keep it in the business and build up a pot of money. Think of ways or services your business can get residual income from your clients. If you have a consistent amount of contractual money coming in every month, it will mean less stress and worry getting the money in.” - Jake Jeffries, Creative Director & Owner of Milk & Tweed, Graphic Design BA(Hons) alumni

Keep learning 

“Believe in the skills you have, nearly everything is transferable! I started with a camera in my hand and ended up in video games. Ask for help when you need it. Reaching out for help is a sign of strength and a willingness to learn, so if you don’t know, ask! Everyone has to start somewhere so better to learn early.” - Alex Elms, Creative Director for Electronic Arts (EA) and Digital Media BA(Hons) alumni 

“Embrace a studio culture and be as sociable as possible with your peers. If you get bored/frustrated with your project, get up and wander around the studio, look at your peers' work, and consult them about it or discuss a crazy idea you’ve had, or something cool you’ve seen that’s industry-related. This will fuel your academic and professional drive, as well as helping to maintain good mental health. As well as being a bit of fun, it aids the development of creative and critical thinking, generates ideas for further exploration and allows you to learn/teach about new stuff within the industry in general. It also helped me to interpret and respond to criticism in a less negative way. This is definitely something that should be continued in your professional life if you are able to.” - Jack Cockle, Additive Manufacturing Engineer for 3DGBIRE and Sustainable Product Design BA(Hons) alumni

“The learning doesn't stop when you graduate, continue experimenting and your work will continue to develop.” - Ella Kasperowicz, freelance Illustrator and Illustration BA(Hons) alumni