At North Hertfordshire College, we’re really proud of the amazing careers our learners start following their courses with us. Take Holly, for example – the skills she developed through her Creative Industries course and the opportunities she took part in have helped her start a career as a Stage Manager!
We spoke to Holly about how her NHC experience has supported her career so far:
How did your experiences at NHC help you plan your future?
“During my time at NHC, I had the opportunity to go to Theatrecraft – an event where you learn about backstage theatre, which introduced me to the world of stage management. This is an event that I never would have gone to without NHC. When I had decided that I wanted to go down this career route in theatre, I was supported by my tutors and head of department to try out being a stage manager in the safe space of our college productions.
“One of my tutors worked in industry alongside her job at NHC and knew a lot about stage management. She supported me in creating paperwork and learning about the job which I now work in professionally.”
Thinking back to what you learnt at college, which knowledge and skills do you still use in your current role?
“I learnt a lot about time management. I was expected to be early, which would count as being on time. For example, if I was walking through the door at the lesson start time, then that would be turning up late. This is something I now teach to other people, because it gave me a real understanding of why it’s so important to be on time.
“The main thing that I learnt at NHC was to be polite and kind to everyone that you’re working with, and it’ll get you far. This is by far the most important takeaway from my tutors – it has definitely helped me to get where I am today. You could be the best at what you do, but if you’re not polite about it then it won’t matter. Throughout my two years at North Hertfordshire College, being polite and nice was something that was emphasised in every lesson and rehearsal.”
What would you say to someone who is thinking of studying at NHC?
“I think choosing NHC is one of the best decisions you can make. I finished NHC four years ago and I still get emails from my tutors to see how I’m doing. I know if I had any problems in the industry I work in, I would get the advice that I need by talking to them.
“I joined North Hertfordshire College as an unconfident 16-year-old who wouldn’t really talk and who didn’t enjoy eye contact with anyone. Within 6 weeks of being there, I was pulled out of my shell and turned into a confident teenager who would never stop talking – I’ve grown ever since! NHC really moulded me into the young professional I am today, and I am so, so thankful for that.
“I’ve never trained somewhere that has been so welcoming to everyone. It feels like I’m coming home to family every time I come back and visit.”
Where do you hope to be in five years’ time?
“I hope to still be making some really cool theatre – it’s as simple as that!”
Thank you to Holly for sharing your story! We wish you all the best for the next steps in your career.
If you’re interested in starting your own journey in the creative sector, check out North Hertfordshire College’s Creative Industries courses. With NHC, you can stay close to home and build key skills and confidence to go far in your future career!