My Career To Do List

Hey everyone, 

I know you’ve already seen my 5-year plan, where I talk about the goals I would like to achieve within the next 5 years, but I wanted to hone in on things I would like to do, career-wise.

I’m a chronic perfectionist with imposter’s syndrome, so of course I can always think of ways I could upskill and improve myself professionally, so here’re some of the things I want to do to further my career.

Increase my Insta Following

As I said in my last blog, (5 Steps to Getting Your Foot in the Door) I started this blog as a way to demonstrate my skills, and essentially remind people that I exist so I’m at the front of people’s minds when between jobs (I’m available in Sept btw ✌🏻😙)

To help my blog achieve its purpose more effectively, I’ve been trying a lot harder on my Instagram and have been creating a lot of short-form content on insta reels and TikTok. 

If I can get more followers on Instagram, it would lead more people (and employers) to my blog, and therefore to me.

 

Learn Irish

If you follow NI Screen on Facebook or Twitter, you’ll know that there are so many jobs and opportunities in Irish Language Film & TV.

So many assistant producer/coordinator roles advertised require fluency in the Irish Language, and it really eats at me that my lacking in this skill is counting me out of the running.

After a few failed Duolingo attempts to pick up some of the language, I’ve decided that a part-time evening course is the only way I could properly learn, so I’ve been keeping my eye on the Belfast Met website in the hope their part-time Irish Language Beginner Course will run again this September! 

Complete a Photoshop Course

I couldn’t tell you how useful being skilled in photoshop actually is when working in the Film & TV industry.

I’ve been asked several times to take out watermarks, cut out images, and make tweaks on Photoshop. So far, I’ve had to admit I can’t do it or ask my more skilled friends to make a slight tweak for me.

This is obviously not ideal and as it’s been a recurring thing, I’ve decided that it’s time for me to get this skill and do a course! 

Again, I’m keeping my eye out on the Belfast Met Website for any cool part time courses!

Figure Out My Next Step

The scariest thing about working in a gig-based industry is the uncertainty of when your next job will be. I’m currently working on a big-budget feature, so what most people do in that corner of the industry is work really hard for the 6-9 months they’re on that job, and then take a month or two off when the next job rolls around.

The gig I’m on finishes at the end of August, and ideally, I’ll take September off and then start another job in October.

I’m sorry to say that I do not yet have that next gig lined up, but if I want to work in the film & tv sector I have no choice but to try and remain positive and hope for the phone to ring again (it always does!)

Before this gig I had my sights set solely on production, but I’m currently working in the art dept (they design the sets, in a nutshell) which I absolutely love, which messes up my plans.

My experience in the art dept has been really enjoyable, so I’m having a tough time figuring out whether I would want my next gig to be in production or to stay in art? 

Whoever calls me first, I guess 😂

Stacey Xx