Andrew Maskall
Stardom was the last thing on Andrew Maskall’s mind when he applied for a place on the GO Wales Graduate Academy after 12 months of unemployment. After a successful work experience placement at Theatr Stiwt in Wrexham Andrew is now looking forward to a new job as Marketing Manager at the theatre plus an exciting role in an S4C documentary. Andrew talks to GO Wales about how the Graduate Academy has changed his life for the better…
Tell us why you applied for the Graduate Academy?
“I was unemployed for a year prior to applying for the Graduate Academy and as I was applying for jobs during this time I began to realise that everything on my CV was too specific to my previous career as a drama teacher and therefore potential employers were not seeing the skills I could offer them. The Graduate Academy seemed like the best option for me to build upon the skills I own and expand my knowledge to ensure that I’m the best possible candidate for future jobs I may apply for. I was nervous at first, because I really didn’t know what to expect and as I graduated in 2004 (I’m 29 now) – I wasn’t sure if I was too old for “graduate” schemes like this; however, I applied, was interviewed and got on the course and it was one of the best things that could have happened to me.”
As part of the Graduate Academy you took part in a 4 week work experience placement, what did this entail?
“My background is in drama, theatre and education and ideally I was looking at moving into Arts Management. I couldn’t have asked for a more appropriate work placement then as I was allocated The Stiwt Arts trust Ltd which is based at Theatr Stiwt, Rhosllannerchrugog in Wrexham. I came in to help with the Marketing of future events and of the theatre itself. My day to day roles included generation and distribution of marketing material as well as liaising with a number of different external companies; ranging from printing companies and graphic designers to theatrical agents and theatre companies. A lot of this is completely new to me as I don’t have a background in marketing or business – but everyone was so supportive and positive that I felt like I could have a go and learn on the job.”
What was the highlight of your experience?
“Feeling valued; the work I created which included some promotional flyers and the season brochure went to print and is now distributed across Wrexham, Flintshire, Denbighshire, Cheshire and Shropshire County Councils. I was proactive in the sense that I never just took on one job; I wanted to immerse myself in the entire marketing process and because of this I had got so much out of it. During my time I really developed my place here at Theatr Stiwt and I became Andrew from Marketing rather than “just another work experience person.”
What are your plans for the future?
“Well thanks to Graduate Academy, Theatr Stiwt have put me on a 10 week GO Wales placement and taking me on as their full-time Marketing Manager at Christmas. Between now and then I’m going on an Arts Marketing course and we have a full season to market and promote – busy, busy, busy! On top of all that, Theatr Stiwt is now the focus of a fly-on-the-wall documentary being shown on S4C over Christmas 2011 called Seren Nadolig Rhos; and the camera crews have been following me around; which is exciting and horribly frightening at the same time!!! So check out the TV show and you might see what I get up to here!
Would you recommend the Graduate Academy to others graduates in the same position as you?
“Absolutely. I can’t sing the praises enough of Graduate Academy. It absolutely lived up to, and surpassed, my expectations. The support is overwhelming and during the entire experience it really felt like everyone was working towards the common goal of finding good employment. There were no hidden agendas or ulterior motives; everyone, absolutely everyone was there to help me and the other colleagues gain employment. Yes there is a lot of work to do along with this; however, it’s all in context and with the guidance we’ve had and the work placements we were on – it all helps to increase our employability.”
Is there anything you would like to add?
“It’s the people who make Graduate Academy work. The organisers, Gwen and Jane, the tutors, Andrew and Sue, the guest speakers, the work experience organisers, the other graduates on the course made this entire course the absolute right decision for me finding work. Without Graduate Academy I wouldn’t be in the position I am now, and for that I can’t thank them enough!”
