Networking workshop boosts university students’ employability

12 Feb 2024

Published in: Member News

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University of Wolverhampton photography and fine art students enjoy networking workshop by Charlotte Davies

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Photography and fine art students at University of Wolverhampton received a masterclass in networking last Thursday (8 February).

The two hour workshop focused on developing the skills required to build business and professional relationships.

Wolverhampton-based content and copywriter Charlotte Davies, aka Charlotte the Copywriter, delivered the session.

The workshop included tips and advice on how to prepare, what to do during an event, and how to turn a one-time meeting into the start of a business relationship.

The session is part of a series of speakers from industry.

Euripides Altinzoglou, University of Wolverhampton’s photography course leader and fine art senior lecturer, said “Sessions like this are important because we want to balance academic and theoretical education with practical advice and real world experience.

Students appreciated hearing from Charlotte because they gained valuable tips that will help them in their future careers and boost their employment prospects.”

Charlotte Davies started her copywriting business in 2021. She spent 8 years working in PR and was formerly the development manager for Wolverhampton Grand Theatre.

She also took a career break in 2014 to battle Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma (blood cancer). She was treated at New Cross Hospital.

Charlotte said “Networking is a skill that has been hugely important in my career. It has opened up exciting opportunities and helped me to bounce back after two redundancies and cancer.

However, in my experience, it’s something that many people are nervous about, especially if they haven’t done it before.

My aim is to show that these skills can be developed, and it can be fun too.”

Three photography students, Bethany Robinson, Callum Cotterill and Liberty Steventon, used the workshop to gain event photography and filming experience.

Charlotte said “In my final year of university, 2005, I got work experience at several newspapers, including the Express and Star. The experience was invaluable. I kept the articles in my portfolio and over the years, it helped me to stand out in interviews and secure job offers.

I was impressed by Callum, Bethany and Liberty’s proactive approach and pleased they have photos and film to add to their own portfolios”