Developing Careers With Canterbury College
Thu 7 Jul 2022The Marlowe recently won the title of Outstanding Employer at Canterbury College’s Student And Employer Awards.
Our work with Canterbury College sees us provide work experience for their students, helping them to develop workplace skills for future careers.
One of those students is Lucy Edwards, whose ambition is to become a professional photographer. We spoke to Lucy about what work experience at The Marlowe has meant for her.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
Photography is my passion and if I am not taking pictures or studying, I enjoy going for coffee with friends and being around my family and going to the theatre together. I am very proactive over social media, and follow many professional photographers to learn from them.
What course did you take at Canterbury College and what are your future career ambitions?
When I left school I hadn’t decided what I wanted to do. Photography was a hobby first and I learnt it on an online course. After five years doing this, I realised I wanted it to be my career.
I then went to Canterbury School Of Visual Arts at Canterbury College, to study Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Practice Art, Design, Communication and Photography.
I am about to leave Canterbury College and I am now focusing on starting my own business as a freelance photographer, building a portfolio for my websites and building connections with companies and clients.
You recently did work experience at The Marlowe, what were you wanting to gain from it? Why is work experience important?
Work experience is a very important part of education, to learn what is expected in the work place and from employers – and be work ready. Without opportunities given by employers such as The Marlowe, there would be a gap in my knowledge.
When working at The Marlowe, not only was I trying to focus on building my confidence in working with companies but also, I wanted to gain knowledge on understanding a photography brief and exceed expectations.
What was is like doing the work experience at The Marlowe and what has been the benefit to you?
Working with The Marlowe has been an incredible experience. The atmosphere of the team and the working environment was very enjoyable. Not only was this part of my work experience but I was also made to feel like part of their team and it was a pleasure being able to work with, and around, some great performers too. This opportunity has helped me to expand my portfolio.
What was your highlight?
Working with people was my highlight, especially getting to know people before I took their photo. Through this I have developed my people skills which I will find useful in my business.
What are your next steps in your career?
My next step is to develop a good client rapport and put together a website from which clients can contact me and look through my digital portfolio. I would also like to focus on selling some of my prints in the future and I am very eager to work with more businesses taking headshots and architecture work, as well as focussing on wedding photography.
You can see some of Lucy’s work by visiting her website and Instagram page.