Students at Oaklands College’s Welwyn Garden City Campus were recently inspired by a guest talk from BBC Studios, offering valuable insight into careers within the media and creative industries.

We were delighted to welcome Claire Knowles to the College, who spoke to students about the wide range of career opportunities available in film and television. Drawing on real-world experience, Claire shared practical advice on breaking into the industry, outlining potential career pathways and the skills, resilience and determination needed to succeed in a highly competitive sector.

Students gained a deeper understanding of how the media industry operates beyond the classroom, as well as the importance of building experience, developing transferable skills and staying motivated when pursuing creative careers.

The creative industries—particularly film and television—play an important role in Hertfordshire’s economy and cultural identity. Opportunities like this are invaluable in helping students explore career options close to home while engaging with a thriving local industry.

A huge thank you to Claire Knowles and BBC Studios for taking the time to visit Oaklands College and for inspiring the next generation of creative talent.