Our Career Advisory Programme at the School: celebrating International Mentoring Day
Today, in celebration of International Mentoring Day, we spoke with Andy Granville, Senior Teacher at Upper School and Head of the Degree Programme, about the Career Advisory Programme designed to support our students. Over the past year, the programme has undergone significant enhancements, and Andy shared insights into these exciting developments.
What is the Career Advisory Programme and what does it provide to the students?
The programme takes a holistic approach to careers education through supporting students in understanding what a career as a dancer entails and preparing them for life beyond performance. It includes general career education in PSHRE lessons, financial literacy, and career-focused academic modules as part of the BA (Hons) in Classical Ballet and Dance Performance programme.
Students benefit from Creative Artist Talks, featuring speakers from diverse creative industries. This year, we welcomed Iain Mackay, Lauren Cuthbertson, and Mavin Khoo. A key element of the programme, delivered by Dancers’ Career Development (DCD), includes workshops and mentoring to support students throughout their Upper School journey. The Mercers’ Company generously supports the programme, enabling access to these invaluable resources.
What is the School’s relationship with DCD?
DCD plays an integral role in shaping our Career Advisory Programme. Executive Director Vanessa LeFrancois and her team provide workshops, mentoring, and resources to help students navigate the transition to professional dance careers and beyond. The mentoring programme pairs pre-professional students with former dancers, offering guidance from graduation through the first year post-graduation. This collaboration ensures students are aware of DCD’s lifelong support.
How has the programme evolved in the past year?
The programme now explores broader career opportunities alongside dance, helping students see how their skills can support additional income or future career transitions. A new initiative allows pre-professional students to work with financial advisors to prepare for managing their first salaries. Expanded guest talks, workshops, and mentoring further enhance students’ understanding of life as professional dancers and beyond. Mentoring now begins in the final year and continues through the December after graduation.
How is this programme beneficial for the students?
Students gain insight into the realities of a dance career and acquire essential skills like CV writing, job applications, and interview techniques. They also learn about supporting organisations like Equity and DCD. The programme prepares them for dual-career paths, equipping them to feel confident and in control of their career journey.
What challenges do you face in preparing students for life beyond their performance careers?
Balancing the dream of a dance career with the reality of potential transitions is a key challenge. Many students have focused solely on dance from a young age, unlike peers in academic schools who explore varied career aspirations. We aim to provide space for students to reflect on their transferable skills and consider future career opportunities.
What role do alumni play in the programme?
Alumni are vital, sharing their experiences as dancers and their transitions to new careers, such as teaching, acting, film production, or company management. These talks deeply resonate with students. Alumni interested in contributing can contact the school via social media.
What plans or aspirations do you have for developing the programme in the future?
Future goals include introducing practice interview days and leadership training, preparing students to excel in interviews and envision themselves as future leaders in dance. By providing these opportunities, we aim to inspire and equip the next generation of industry professionals.
Thank you to Andy, for sharing these insights with us and for being another great mentor for our students.
