Leaving university can be both exhilarating and terrifying. On the one hand, you have just achieved a significant milestone in your life, earning a qualification from a higher institution. On the other hand, you are now facing the real world and wondering how to turn your degree into a successful creative career.

Unfortunately, many graduates, like myself, find that their university curriculum did not fully prepare them for the challenges of building a career in the arts. While they may have learned the technical skills needed to create and perform, they may not have learned how to market themselves, network, or navigate the business side of the industry. I believe this is an integral part of building a creative degree because we are our own business.

One of the biggest challenges faced by recent graduates is finding work. In the arts, many jobs are not advertised in traditional ways, and networking and personal connections can be crucial to landing a gig. This is a daunting prospect because it becomes difficult to decide where to start especially without a well-established network.

Another challenge is learning how to market yourself effectively. Many artists struggle to find a balance between promoting their work and coming across as too self-promotional or pushy. It can be difficult to know how to present yourself in a way that will appeal to potential employers or collaborators.

In addition, there is often a significant gap between the kind of work that is taught in universities and the work that is required in the industry. For example, while many drama programs focus on traditional theatre productions, there may be a greater demand for experimental or immersive theatre experiences in the industry.

So, based on the conversations I have had with both young new creatives and other creatives with established careers, this is what I think you can do to bridge the gap between leaving university and starting your creative career:

Network: Start building relationships with other artists and professionals in the industry. Attend industry events, reach out to alumni from your program, and make connections through social media.

Build a portfolio: Create a website or online portfolio that showcases your work. This will make it easier for potential employers or collaborators to see what you’re capable of.

Continue learning: Take classes, attend workshops, and keep up with the latest trends and technologies in your field. This will help you stay relevant and competitive.

Be proactive: Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you. Look for ways to create your own work and collaborate with others. This will help you build a reputation and gain experience.

Seek mentorship: Find a mentor who can provide guidance and support as you navigate your career. This could be a former professor, a more experienced artist, or someone you admire in the industry.

In conclusion, while leaving university can be a daunting prospect for those looking to start a creative career, there are many ways to bridge the gap between academia and the industry. These are steps that I am starting to take up in my own creative practice. Building a strong network, creating a portfolio, continuing to learn, being proactive, and seeking mentorship, you can increase your chances of success and build a fulfilling and rewarding career in the arts.

This was written as part of the Fundza Fellowship Programme.