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Nigel Tucker, Entertainment Business lecturer at JMC Academy and experienced artist manager, often tells his students about the importance of networking. ‘Building your contact base, and then turning these associations into ongoing professional relationships cannot be overstated,’ he said.
The same applies to all sectors in the arts, where who you know leads to new opportunities and increases your chances of employment in the future.
For those starting out, open days provide a unique opportunity to meet established people in the industry, teachers in the field and sometimes other students.
At JMC, you can connect with industry experts including lecturers and the Heads of JMC Academy’s Music, Audio, Animation, Game Design, Film and Television, Digital Design and Entertainment Business Management departments. You’ll also be able to see live audio and film production in action, and discuss the industry with JMC’s well-connected staff.
Start networking at the JMC Open Day
To make the most of Open Day opportunities, Tucker recommends these techniques, which are also applicable in other industry settings.
1. Have better conversations
Start researching your area of interest so you can become up to date and knowledgeable on current topics and trends. This knowledge will come in handy next time you see someone you want to speak to.
‘By regularly checking or subscribing to relevant industry newsletters, blogs, trade publications and websites you can also build your own current database of industry professionals and potential connections,’ said Tucker.
2. Get out there
The only way you are going to start building relationships is by putting yourself out there. As well as Open Days, you should start attending conferences, events and seminars.
‘This will assist in, not only meeting prospective contacts and being seen, but also builds a shared experience which can be a good foundation for any introductory discussions,’ said Tucker.
Register for the next JMC Open Day
3. Be aware of your social media activity
Network is no longer just shaking hands and sharing drinks. The social media space is perhaps the most powerful networking environment.
Social media allows you to research the person you would like to connect with, find out what they like or dislike and potentially allow you to find common ground for any future conversations where you do get to meet in person. ‘But be careful here –no one likes to be harassed on social media,’ said Tucker.
The other important thing to remember is your profile is also on view so make sure you are presenting yourself professionally. One way to do this is by posting industry related articles and tweeting or re-tweeting relevant and interesting information, said Tucker.
4. Be friendly and supportive of others
‘The entertainment business is a competitive and often volatile industry. I don’t know anyone who has sustained a long term career in this industry who has not been up and down the mountain a couple of times. So the lesson is you meet the same people on the way up as you do on the way down,’ said Tucker.
‘My advice is always to be professional, friendly and supportive of others, as best you can, since they and you will remember how they were treated. There is likely to be a ‘next time’ and options for assistance –or the opposite- could be the difference between a career option or not.’
More skills and ideas at JMC Open Day
At JMC Academy’s Open Day you can also take a campus tour, speak with current students, view student work, listen to bands and learn all about studying at JMC Academy for your future career.
If you are interested in finding out more about the courses on offer at JMC Academy visit http://www.jmcacademy.edu.au/
The Essential Skills Series is brought to you in partnership with JMC Academy.
