After graduating with a German degree, how did you go about finding your current job?

I did 2 weeks work experience immediately after graduating, at a big UK picture agency. Then I went to Germany and did a 4 month internship for a picture agency there. When I got back to the UK I used the Picture Libraries union/industry website - www.bapla.org.uk - to finally get a job at a picture agency here. I think it is important to be prepared to do some unpaid work before getting a paid job in the photograhic industry, as experience and commitment are both valued highly.

Do you enjoy the work?

I work for very small company. This has been good as you learn a lot about every aspect of the business. You get to know people very quickly and I like working in a small team. Limitations of this are that long term there is not as much progression professionally (to higher positions, salaries, etc.) as there might be in a larger company.

How did your degree help you get the job you are doing, if at all?

Very much - languages are always useful for picture agency jobs as there is lots of overseas business.

You're also studying at the moment - tell me about that.

I am now studying for an MA in Photojournalism at the University of Westminster.

Is working and studying at the same time a challenge?

Not for me, as I only work one day a week at the moment. I think working more than 2/3 days a week on a full time course would be too much. Having said that, I am glad that I decided to work and study simultaneously, not only from a financial point of view, but also because I'm sure that my work provides me with a lot more knowledge and motivation for my course than I would have if I was exclusively studying.

Would you recommend your course to other graduates?

Yes - especially if you want to immerse yourself in the world of Photo-Journalism. It has a good balance of academia and photographic theory, as well as practical photography. It doesn't necessarily guarantee a job at the end though - the hard work is still down to you when you leave, but it is a great starting point.