Just ask Freddie

by Sam Carter

Freddie Checketts graduated from Birmingham University with a 2.1 in Economics and after various interviews and an internship at a city bank thought things were going rather well.

Then the recession struck and that 2.1 just wasn’t a 1st (bear with me this tale does have a happy ending).

With the realisation that jobs were becoming scarcer, Freddie found his way to Bonham’s Auction house – working as a porter ­– unpacking valuables and holding clocks up on stage for rich folk to bid upon. The usual Bargain Hunt routine.

“I was initially pretty gutted that I had this great degree that I couldn’t use. I felt like I’d missed out on a big opportunity.

"I knew if I wanted to catch a lucky break it had to be in London, to be honest it’s the only place I’d ever wanted to live.”

Then came a stroke of luck through an art world contact.

Luckily for Freddie his mother Linda Morris is quite a big deal on the art scene, she runs East Gallery in Norwich and her Picasso show is soon coming to the Tate.

She also hung out with Neil Young and the Stones in the sixties.

Talk about a legacy to keep up. Linda invited her son to a gallery opening in East London for chitchat, art unveilings and free wine knowing these are a great forum for discussion and networking.

From general mingling and a bit of luck, Freddie was introduced to the owners of the Cabinet Gallery.

“The Cabinet Gallery was a huge step, it’s a place where popular artists can sell their work for stupid amounts of money. I got talking to one of the owners, was a bit pissed and asked for a job. Next thing I know I’m working Bonham’s Monday to Friday and Cabinet Saturdays.”

So your original degree may not necessitate your career. A degree is a sign that you can work at a higher level for a committed amount of time.

It’s a box that possible employers can tick knowing you’ve risen above the norm. Of course different degrees have different values and one in Fine Art isn’t likely to get you a job as a mortgage broker.

The key to a succesful job hunt is putting yourself out there, accepting internships may be unpaid, the tasks menial, and working bloody hard.

“I was working six days a week and still going out, it’s hard but you just get on with it.

"I’m finally going somewhere and should be working with a second gallery soon. I’m very lucky I didn’t think things would move this fast.”

So there you have it, there are myriad avenues for you to venture.

Be outgoing, find the time and courage to talk to people and at time being slightly abrupt and simply asking for a job can work. Just ask Freddie…