Your feelings and experiences during your mentorship period.

During my mentorship period, I felt extremely inspired by the range of creative work I was exposed to, from music videos and short films to networking dinners and commercial events. Being able to witness how the creative process works showed me how much attention to detail goes into every project at every stage. I also felt very supported by the members of the team, since they actively guided me, answered my questions, and took the time to provide feedback and explain why. This made the environment feel safe for learning, where I could continuously grow and improve.

Another important part of my experience was getting to be involved both during production and post-production. During production, I got hands-on experience with how a shoot or project is organized by understanding how everyone has to work within their own roles and also collaboratively. In post-production, I saw how all those pieces are brought together/ polished and turned into something that audiences will watch and enjoy. Having exposure to both sides made this experience feel practical and complete.

What you have learnt and how you can apply this in
your future career.

One of the biggest things I learned was how the media industry actually operates behind the scenes. Before this mentorship, I only had a general idea of what a production meant and was. However, after being there in person, I now understand the amount of preparation needed to make even a short piece of content happen. Now, when I think about my future career, I have a clearer picture of the realities of the creative industry, with both the challenges and the rewards.

In post-production, I learned a lot about what actually captures an audience’s attention, especially when working on a showreel. I began to see patterns in what makes a scene stand out, whether it's the pacing, visual impact, or emotional connection. Understanding what people want to see is imperative in the creative industry since you’re creating for an audience/ client. Since I would like to work in this field, having this insight will help me make more coherent choices about how to make content engaging rather than just aesthetically pleasing.

Overall, the mentorship helped me move from a more abstract interest in creativity to a more grounded understanding of how to build a career in this space. It connected my passion for video editing and graphic design with practical skills and awareness of the industry, which is exactly what I need as I move forward.

Advice for future students.

For those who have just graduated from high school and are interested in the media industry, joining a mentorship like this can be incredibly valuable. The period between high school and university can feel confusing since you might be unsure what specific path to take, or what the reality of your dream industry actually looks like. A mentorship like this can bridge the gap in knowledge by providing real-world exposure.

On the other hand, this mentorship can also act as a small foundation that you can build on when entering university. Since I will be studying Media and Creative Industries at university, I felt that this mentorship was especially valuable as it gave me an idea of what I would expect to learn in the next three years. It also gave me a clearer sense of the skills I need to develop during my studies. For example, I saw how important time management and collaboration are on projects, and that technical or artistic ability is not all that matters. Knowing this before I start university means I can be more intentional in working on group assignments and building my portfolio since I already have a basic understanding of what the industry expects.

It’s a great way to gain experience while also learning new things in a structured, yet supportive, environment. You will not be expected to know everything, and instead, you are given opportunities to try and grow. You can test whether the media industry truly fits you, learn what roles or parts of the process you are most drawn to, and start building basic skills that will give you a head start when you enter university or your first job.

This experience can truly guide you in the right direction. If you’re feeling a bit lost, taking a step like this can give you clarity and the motivation to pursue your passions. Instead of hoping you figure it out later, you get to actively explore your interests now.