Creating A Career in the Digital Industries: Q&A with Chris Scragg

Why did you choose to study the HNC course as an adult learner?

I really wanted to do something to honour my late parents. I've always loved photography but my skills are a lot different than the younger students. I wanted to challenge myself to get up-to-date and gain the skills employers are currently looking for. After I lost my parents, I needed the motivation to move forward in my life and when my daughter told me about the photography courses on offer at NSCG, I got on the phone and found out more about. That's where my journey started.

Which courses have you studied so far at NSCG?

I initially studied three short courses which were free as they were funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. These courses were Cameras and Communication, Design and Branding and Motion and Manipulation and this really captured my imagination and gave me the drive to study at a higher level. I then took the plunge to progress onto the HNC Digital Content Creation course and I am so happy I did.

As an adult learner, how do you find studying a university-level course alongside your family life?

I have 3 children so like anyone studying around that, it can be a challenge! I tend to do my coursework during the evenings and this is when I'm actually more creative and most productive. Everyone is different but this works for me.

Describe the key employability skills you've developed so far?

I had an existing working knowledge of modern cameras and techniques thanks to the introductory UKSP courses I studied beforehand. On the HNC, I've learnt so many skills from my lecturers around lighting techniques and I've gained a deeper understanding of cameras and their functions and capabilities. Video wise, I am developing lots of skills and my overall working knowledge of equipment and how to get the best outcome on my projects. I've also learnt so much about colour schemes, fonts and design principles in branding.

How do you feel the course is helping you to prepare for a new career?

Due to health issues, I have been away from the world of work for a while, but studying this course is giving me the motivation and desire to retrain in the creative industries and I'm loving every moment so far. My initial goal is to work with estate agents as a photographer, to work in product photography and I'd also love to become a photographic drone pilot.

Getting a feel for life in front of the camera, I have been involved in a few short roles as part of the client briefs we work on throughout the course. I'm quite a shy person, and this is definitely helping me become more confident as a person.

What has been the biggest learning curve for you so far?

Photography has definitely been the biggest learning curve. Understanding elements such as ISO, aperture and shutter speeds has been a challenge as I was self taught up until this point which made my images inconsistent. I've really enjoyed learning what I need to improve on from my lecturers and peers. 

Another big challenge has been the sheer amount of hours I've spent developing my skills in video editing and I've really had to become resilient and ask for help when I've needed it in this area. I have also got to grips with Adobe, Canva and Capcut.

How are you enjoying learning at the Institute of Technology?

As an adult learner, education can be a really scary thing to think about doing, but the IoT setting is really inspiring and I couldn't have asked for better lecturers and the equipment I've had access to. Everything is brand new and every detail has been thought about to make learners enjoy coming in to learn.

I like the practical aspect of the course. Having the chance to watch something being done and then to have a go myself is a really good way to learn. I really benefit from the 1-1 approach offered on each project and live brief. Cross referencing the evidence and processes helps me to understand processes for the next project I work on.

Do you enjoy the live brief work?

Yes as it gives me the chance to decide what work I like to be involved in and what I find harder that I might need to work more on.

What's next for you?

I am excited to start the HND in September!

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I'd like to have a well-paid job which includes the opportunity for international travel. I think I would like to predominantly focus on estate agency photography and home tour videos. I also have dreams to buyer a bigger home to accommodate a photo studio.

Finally, what would your advice me to anyone looking to study a higher education course at NSCG?

A course like this which helps you to improve your photography, videography or creative skills in general, is perfect. It's practical and employer-focussed to make sure you're developing the skills you will actually need in the real world. Find out if you're able to access financial support as this makes a huge difference.