Graduate Profiles
Richard Jones
“My time at LIPA was great, as I was studying alongside like-minded students and being taught by those who knew what they were talking about. LIPA teaches you to have the confidence to stand up and talk in front of people to get your point across, which is vital in my job where I regularly deal with the press and have to give security briefings. During my three years at LIPA I met people who I still work with and I am now working in an industry I love. The main lesson I learnt from LIPA is that hard work pays off, and if you're willing to put the effort in you will be rewarded.”
Richard Jones (Management 2001) is a tour manager in the music industry. His clients include Girls Aloud, Boyzone, X Factor, Polydor Records, Disney UK, Nintendo and ITV.
Siobhan Pridgeon
"I thoroughly enjoyed my time at LIPA, and learnt a great deal – not only through attending lectures, but also getting involved in various aspects of LIPA life. I worked for LIPA Theatres as a Steward and at the Box Office alongside shifts in the LRC; I also managed LIPA’s radio station, and helped out at fashion shows and galas that took place around the city.
Getting involved and networking with your peers is so important: it amazes me the number of LIPA graduates I come across whilst I’m working, and how many of my ex-classmates I still call upon for contacts and advice. I owe my current position at WFTV to the Arts Manager module – and also to my amazing LIPA experience that preceded it."
Siobhan Pridgeon (Music, Theatre and Entertainment Management, 2010) is currently working as an Awards & Events Producer for Women in Film & Television (WFTV). Her role sees her coordinating the membership organisation’s annual awards ceremony attended by nearly 1,000 guests.
Matthew Campbell
“I loved my time at LIPA – it was great meeting and working with like-minded people and getting involved with such interesting projects from the MTV Europe Music Awards and the Olivier Awards to local charity galas. LIPA gave me a world of opportunities, and the icing on the cake was my Arts Manager placement in the third year. I ended up working with the same company after I graduated. The degree has definitely equipped me with the essential skills – and the confidence – needed to progress in the arts and entertainment industry.”
Matthew Campbell (Management 2011) works at Qdos Entertainment as a production assistant in the pantomime division, helping produce 24 regional pantomimes throughout the UK and working with producer Michael Harrison and household names including John Barrowman, Brian Conley and Shane Richie.