Going digital

I am currently in my third year of the BA (Hons) Digital Media course at Cambridge School of Art. After graduation I wish to delve into the world of Marketing and Advertising.

Eventually I would love to work my way up to a Creative Director role. I have become so enthusiastic about media and the constant digitalisation of our society since the start of my Digital Media course, that I cannot imagine having a career in any other field.

On the course, we are constantly given opportunities to engage with the creative arts and technology industries. There are always interesting and relevant talks available to us from guest speakers on a variety of subjects, from encryption to storytelling.

We often have the freedom to participate with live briefs such as one from the Stop Funding Hate organisation, which involves changing the way mobile phone companies advertise their products. Live briefs are always a great way to get involved in the community and start networking. The beauty of the Digital Media course is that we have the ability to get involved in endless talks, exhibitions and conventions across the university, as there is usually some relevance to social media and 'going digital'.

The flexibility the Digital Media course provides with its module choices has enabled me to work towards my desired career. In order to increase my chances of getting closer to my goal of a Creative Director role, I opted to choose the ‘Professional Practice’ module, which imitated what it would be like to produce a piece of work for a possible employer. Having to contact a potential client or agency who was willing to give me feedback on my project was daunting. However, it taught me resilience and gave me the confidence I needed in myself in order to produce work that I was beyond proud of. This newfound confidence encouraged me to be assertive and brave enough to start applying for graduate positions that I otherwise would have felt intimidated by.

Before starting the course, I was most nervous about my capability of producing work of a certain quality. Within a month or two of my first semester, I was encouraged and inspired by my classmates to constantly try new techniques and improve my practice. Being surrounded by like-minded, creative individuals really motivated me to throw myself into my work and try my best to keep up with their impressive project ideas.

However, I think I was most surprised by how supportive and helpful all my lecturers have been throughout my three years at ARU. My course leader especially has helped me to develop my confidence with projects and pitches, whilst always encouraging and pushing me to reach my full potential.

Studying in Cambridge has had a positive effect on my self-development as the city is bursting with culture, creativity and endless opportunities. I have been able to attend various talks at the University of Cambridge - including: ‘Is Tech Making Us Miserable?’ - which has allowed me to stay educated and interested in current events.

I find that I am always able to find time for my passion of fine art in Cambridge; In the first year I was especially excited to see the Degas: A Passion for Perfection exhibition at the Fitzwilliam Museum. Cambridge’s proximity to London is also an obvious bonus - we are always finding excuses to visit new exhibitions.

It is hard to choose a highlight of my time on the Digital Media course so far; however, I would probably narrow it down to being offered a work placement with One Brand Magic, an Integrated Marketing Agency, at the end of second year - after applying for experiences for what felt like forever. Once I was presented with the opportunity, I think I finally felt the sense of accomplishment and pride that I needed to help motivate me through the third year. Without the praise and approval I received from my employer I do not think I would have been so excited and confident going into my Major Project, I feel beyond thankful for the experience they provided me with and the skills they helped me develop.

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Abbie Turner is a third year student on our Digital Media BA (Hons)

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