Behind the Scenes

22 February 2010

The Business Development Centre's Student Enterprise team have delivered its first dedicated event for the Liverpool Screen School, to help students explore all aspects of self-employment and working as a freelance.

Over 50 students were provided with inspiration to consider self-employment, work as a freelance and to learn how to 'get a foot-in-the-door' with prospective employers, through a series of keynote talks and activities during the event.

Two keynote speakers - Ed Pugh, freelance media consultant and Ngunan Adamu, LJMU alumnus and BBC journalist - set the scene for the day using practical advice and anecdotal experiences of the media profession, with the key theme being that students need to consider the ways in which they can stand out from the crowd.   Ngunan also spoke of the many opportunities that lie ahead with the BBC's impending move of a number of its departments to MediaCityUK at Salford.

Industry experts were also invited from the subject areas covered in the Liverpool Screen School including television production, independent film, journalism (particularly broadcast and sport) and PR.

The experts introduced themselves to the student audience and the students took part in a targeted 'speed dating' session so they could find out more about how to break into their chosen profession.

During the afternoon, the students received practical advice on surviving as a freelance, in a session delivered by media consultant Moira Kean.  This was followed by a Q&A panel with alumni Paul Riordan, Marie Hardy and Chris Day, hosted by Judith Jones, LSS Academic Manager.   Paul, Marie and Chris spoke highly of the way that their LJMU degrees had prepared them for their working lives and shared their tips for success.

The event concluded with a joint presentation from Student Enterprise and the GDC WoW™ team on the support that is available for developing a business idea, working as a freelance and making the best possible impression with future employers.

Speaking after the event, Judith Jones said: “This was the first time that the Liverpool Screen School has worked with Student Enterprise on an event like this and I thought it was a great success. The students loved being able to talk directly to industry professionals and to receive lots of useful information and advice.  The industry speakers have also been impressed by the enthusiasm and commitment of our students. We certainly hope to hold another event next year."

A Screen School student also commented: "I just wanted to say big thank you for yesterday, I found it very useful and got some really valuable advice, and possibly even some work placements.” and one of the experts said he had: "...a thoroughly invigorating and highly enjoyable day."

Amanda Smith, Entrepreneurship Champion within the Business Development Centre, commented: "Behind the Scenes was a truly inspirational and well received event - a fantastic opportunity for students to gain some behind-the-scenes knowledge of this industry and an essential event for those looking to enter the creative/media industry. The industry experts spoke openly and honestly regarding the ups and downs of the industry whilst offering good contacts and our Alumni guests also gave an account of their experience and how their degree has opened doors. They also gave a few tips and advice on how to enter and survive in this sector.”

LJMU would like to thank the following people for their support: Ngunan Adamu, BBC; Erica Clarke, Lime Pictures; Owen Cotterell, Mocha Productions; Chris Day, LJMU iMedia alumnus; Marie Hardy, LJMU Media Professional Studies alumnus; Don Jones, LFC TV; Moira Kean, freelance media consultant; John Maxwell, independent film producer;  Sarada McDermott, Northern Soul film company; Shivani Mair, Creative by Nature Ltd and The Careers Surgery; Simon Malia, media professional; Stephanie Power, Power Productions; Ed Pugh, freelance media consultant; Paul Riordan, LJMU Media Professional Studies alumnus; Ian White, freelance drama producer.

If you would like the Business Development Centre to work with you to deliver a similar industry-focused conference for students in self-employment, please contact Amanda Smith, Entrepreneurship Champion on 0151-231 8091 or a.smith2@ljmu.ac.uk

If you are a student with a business idea and you would like support to develop your idea, please contact the Student Enterprise team on 0151-231 8060 or email startup@ljmu.ac.uk

This event was funded by NCGE (the National Council for Graduate Entrepreneurship)