'What Now?': Sarabande Host A Post-College Guide For Graduates

by Christina Donoghue on 26 May 2022

Want to take a stab at guessing a graduate's first words spoken after finishing their degree? 'What now?' is a burdening feeling felt by many upon finishing university, particularly those in the creative arts... however, Matty Bovan, Michaela Stark and the Sarabande foundation are here to help.

Want to take a stab at guessing a graduate's first words spoken after finishing their degree? 'What now?' is a burdening feeling felt by many upon finishing university, particularly those in the creative arts... however, Matty Bovan, Michaela Stark and the Sarabande foundation are here to help.

'Who told you jobs are waiting for you after graduating? Where did you get that impression? I can tell you now - there are no jobs. If you want to progress, you have to create your own job'. This is a sentiment heard by many from their class tutors, yet realised by few. Sold as a 'foot in the door' into your chosen industry, the university dream suddenly bursts for many as numerous graduates slowly realise bagging their dream job straight out of uni isn't a plausible reality; no matter how good your grades are.

It's a tough world out there, and the creative industry is known to make exceptions for no one. Especially after the shit show that has been the past couple of years - with the pandemic and Brexit stopping many students in their tracks. Applying for jobs can be a demeaning process at times. Knowing just how easy it is to feel lost after graduating, fashion designer and Central Saint Martins alumnus Matty Bovan, along with artist Michaela Stark and designer Yoav Hadari have teamed up with the foundation Sarabande to support all those who are either recent or soon-to-be arts and fashion graduates.

'What Now' at Sarabande

Despite promises that we're climbing down the last hill of the pandemic - when job openings fell by 66.5% - recent graduates and freelancers are still finding it harder than ever to get back on their feet after having their work opportunities crushed. Building on the success of the same event hosted by Sarabande last year, designers Matty Bovan, Michaela Stark and Yoav Hadari will join Abigail Wilmore on Wednesday, 22 June, in a candid discussion on wellness and self-betterment after what can only be described as 'an arduous academic year'. Following the discussion, Sarabande's main space will be dedicated to drop-in one-to-one workstations on Thursday, 23 June, ending the day with a panel talk on portfolio development and ways to pique the interest of headhunters and recruiters.

This event will bring together professionals from a cross-section of the creative industries, including life coach and HR specialist Abigail Wilmore, Stephanie Finnan of Creative Search, editor Tamsin Blanchard, not-for-profit arts organisation Bold Tendencies, specialists from Alexander McQueen and many more. Head to Sarabande.org to find out more and read the schedule for the event here.

'What Now' at Sarabande

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