CSM to run bootcamp for students

by Line Elise Svanevik

Central Saint Martins (CSM) will run a Creative Industries Bootcamp to help graduates develop business skills and network within their industry.

The Creative Bootcamp is a 5-day programme designed to assist graduates in a wide range of creative disciplines, including graphic and communication design, 3D design and jewellery design.

“The programme is officially open for anyone who wants to start a creative business,” said Paul Sturrock, Course Director.

“It is not for someone whose main goal is to become a businessperson, but for someone who has a particular creative skill that they want to make a living off,” he added.

Sturrock explained why the course is different from other business start-up courses:

“A lot of courses do business, the traditional MBA, where you’re taught how to make a business plan. This course is different in a way that it’s specifically designed for creative people.”

Key questions

MA Communication Design graduate Rafael Pavon studied at the 2011 Bootcamp. He started up his own company after graduating from CSM.

“It made me tackle the main questions I was dealing with when I finished my degree. How do I make a profit out of my skills? How do I start a company from an idea and make it grow?” he said.

“It also helped us to define a strategy and improve our marketing and business skills in the way that we approach and work with clients, which is exactly what we were missing,” Pavon added.

Students on the course also get the opportunity to make key contacts in the industry.

“On the final day of the programme we have a show where we invite guests from the industry. Each individual sets up a stand, and if their ideas are interesting enough, there’s a good chance of networking,” explained Sturrock.

The course is run by the CSM Innovation Centre and the Mayor’s Office and will operate over an 8-week period from March 12 with a capacity for 50 people.