2022 Arts Career Expo: Create Your Future

Date: Friday, 26 August  2022
Time: 10:00am-4:00pm
Venue: Sir Ian and Nancy Turbott Auditorium (Building EE), Parramatta South campus

What's on the program?

• Keynote
• Workshops
• Alumni panel
• Employer stalls
• Q&A on course advising
• Network with employers

Over the last two decades we have witnessed a dramatic restructuring of the work world. From the rise of casualising and the gig economy, to the end of a ‘job for life’ or even ‘career for life’, the contemporary work world continues to be in flux. Entering this environment, particularly as a new graduate, can be both intimidating and daunting, but don’t let it faze you. The potential for a fulfilling career is endless, and as this talk will outline, there’s so much you can do now to put yourself in the best position to discover and realise your ambitions. Drawing on my experience across the corporate, consulting, not-for-profit and academic worlds, I will outline the benefits and power of a Arts degree, and share my tips on how to utilise the knowledge gained, networks established, and opportunities offered while at university and beyond. Some of the topics we’ll explore will include how to prepare for the job market through internships and other work integrated learning opportunities, how to articulate and put into practice the skills you’re developing at University (including some of the ones you might not be aware of), how to frame and ‘sell’ your experience and degree, and why an Arts degree at Western gives you the competitive edge.

Professor James Arvanitakis (opens in a new window) is an award-winning educator, cultural researcher, and media commentator. He has 20-years of experience in the higher education sector having also had successful careers in finance, the not-for profit sector and most recently consulting. As an educator and researcher, James was the driving force behind several innovative programs at Western Sydney University including The Academy. He remains associated with the University as an Adjunct Professor at the Institute for Culture and Society. James is a Fulbright alumnus, having spent 12 months at the University of Wyoming as the Milward L Simpson Fellow. In 2021, he was appointed the inaugural Patron of Diversity Arts Australia in recognition of his commitment to promoting a cultural sector that reflects the rich diversity of Australia. In 2022 he founded Respectful Disagreements, a brave spaces project that promotes the lost art of civility in political disagreement as well as the educational power of discomfort.

I Hate Networking will help you understand the value of networking and why it's such an important skill in professional life, while also acknowledging the horror (and sometimes embarrassment) of putting yourself 'out there'. While it’s a vital skill in the twenty-first century job market, many practitioners consider networking the stuff of nightmares. I Hate Networking combines education with the opportunity to practice in a safe and friendly environment, while embracing the discomfort of the whole process and having a laugh.

Tips that will be shared include:

• Success is before you start;
• Mastering the art of the introduction;
• Overcoming shyness, awkwardness and the urge to run away;
• Dealing with difficult people;
• Getting the all-important follow-up right.

You’ll learn how to network in the first half of the session, and hone your skills in the second half.

Wendi Lanham (opens in a new window) is the wonder woman behind the Creative+Business (opens in a new window) wheel and runs the whole show. She started her career as a model and actor, then combined her craft with a Diploma of Business Management and a Bachelor of Performance.

Wendi continues to work as an actor, model and presenter, and is passionate about inclusivity and diversity in the creative industries. She cannot, however, keep her desk plants alive despite her very best efforts and love of nature.

Self Discovery workshop focuses on the first part of the career journey. It's the place to begin if you are stuck, curious about what you could become, or wondering what else is out there. Humie endeavours to provide a safe place to challenge your thinking and help guide you to find the information and strategy you need in your career journey. You'll learn about your motivations, career values and work needs; how to identify and articulate the skills you've acquired for market and potential employers; and key tactics and strategies for identifying and planning for a career you'll love.

Jamie Speight (opens in a new window) is the mastermind behind Humie (opens in a new window). He’s also a successful career coach, helping countless people understand the ‘why’ behind their career choices. Jamie has developed his skills over the years through working with organisations such as LeWagon, AcademyXi and Monash Business School. Jamie’s expert guidance enables people to broaden their professional goals and strive for alignment between their work and their values.