Spotlight on Jesse
University Graduate

Hi Jesse, great to talk to you and catch up on what you have been up too. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Hi! I graduated from university this year with a degree in English, with a focus on creative writing. My love for writing developed as my degree progressed, reflecting my interest in the arts and the creative industry. I did an art foundation in illustration before my degree and have been a musician for most of my life. Coming out of university, I was unsure how to draw together my interests in writing, performance and art in a way that resembled some sort of career, due to a lack of opportunity for skills development in the creative industry.

You’ve worked with Future Formed over the past few months, can you tell us how you’ve found the support given and how it has brought value to your journey?

During my search for creative opportunities, I came across Future Formed. I have had the pleasure of working with them since September, developing my skills and opening doors to employment within the creative sector. Opportunities such as the Future Technician programme and paid work with Soho Theatre have come about because of my involvement with Future Formed and I’ve gained invaluable experience and connections because of them. With their support and genuine care, I’ve been able to see how creative careers are possible when you have a network around you who want you to succeed.

You took part in the Future Technician programme in September, how was that?

I had close to no technical experience, simply an interest in the arts and a desire to expand my skillset. The programme was a weeklong course of workshops, focusing on different aspects of technical work in the theatre. I’d recommend this course to anyone. Being able to develop new skills under the leadership of experienced technicians is a rare opportunity. One of the major highlights of the course was being able to do it alongside others from the local community. You get to form connections that go beyond the course.

The relationship with Future Formed has meant other doors opening including getting a role as an assistant at Soho Theatre. Can you tell us a little bit about that role?

Less than a month after I started working with Future Formed, I was able to undertake paid work at Soho Theatre as a Labs Assistant. This job entailed around 2 months of regular sessions at Soho Theatre on one of their artist development workshops culminating in a live show at the start of December. I gained so much from this experience, widening my network of other likeminded and creative individuals whilst also developing technical skills around supporting and developing the practice of artists. This has led me to considering this as a possible career path.

You’re also working with Revel Puck Circus as they begin their annual residency in the borough. What’s that experience been like? If people are visiting the show, what can they expect?

I’m currently working with the bar and front of house team at Revel Puck Circus which has been another new experience for me. The chance to continue working in the world of live performance off the back of my Soho Theatre work first drew me to the opportunity, as well as being able to develop useful professional skills. So far, I’ve really enjoyed my time at Revel Puck and have been able to watch their shows a couple of times. For those visiting they can expect an extremely fun, polished, sometimes nail biting performance from some really talented artists. To be a part of the team is a privilege.

As a young person navigating the employment market, what challenges are you finding starting a career in the creative industry?

I am aware of the rising unemployment challenges for young people, especially since graduating from university without a solid idea of what I wanted to do. Along with the lack of focus and funding on getting young people into the creative industry, it’s easy for people like myself to lose confidence in your ambitions as a creative individual. The end goal of being able to make a living off something that is a genuine passion can seem impossible, especially when there is pressure to move into other industries that don't hold the same interest for you. However, I’d say that working with Future Formed and meeting so many likeminded peoples over the past few months has cemented my goals and reinforced how important programmes such as this one is in providing opportunities and connecting people who are navigating the employment market together.

Do you have any advice for those who are making decisions around employment pathways and support for young adults who may be finding it challenging to get into work?

I think it’s important to seize as many opportunities as you can. Having a wide set of skills not only builds confidence when job searching but also can give you a clearer idea of what it is you want to do. I applied to the Future Technicians course with minimal experience in technical theatre and it’s now become something which I enjoy and have a genuine interest in and has helped me on what it is that I want to do. Additionally, although my experience is focused mainly in the arts, I’ve gained a wide set of skills that I feel confident I can apply to other areas. There is nothing stopping you from applying to courses and programmes like Future Formed and I can’t recommend it enough if you are lacking support or clarity around employment.

You’ve just graduated from university. What would you say to people who compare University to apprenticeships, often citing university as too expensive and not relevant enough to the workplace?

One thing I took away from university is that it’s not just your degree that informs what you want to pursue. During my time there, I was involved in a range of artistic and musical projects. I realised about halfway through that my degree was more of a catalyst for my creativity and it led me towards many other opportunities. The relationships I formed at university and the personal growth I had showed me that it was entirely worth it and it has ultimately led me to where I am now pursuing my interests in writing and theatre work.

Finally, as a young creative finding your way, what’s the best advice you’d give to a young person who may be considering a pathway into a creative or arts based field?

I’m still very much at the beginning of my journey into the creative field, but the growth of my confidence, opportunities and connections that has happened over the past few months has shown me how important it is to put yourself out there. What’s going on in the media might make it seem that pursuing a pathway into the arts isn’t feasible or even worth it, but I’ve never felt so confident in where my work is beginning to take me. I’ve been incredibly lucky to work with Future Formed and I would urge anyone who is interested in a job in the arts to check out the work that they do. The relationships I’ve formed with them has affirmed to me that I will keep pursuing things that I am genuinely passionate about, as there are so many people who are willing to support you and push you in the right direction.