From Epic Games to TikTok: SAE Students Meet Industry Leaders

SAE students recently joined peers from ICMP for a dedicated Creative Careers Day, bringing together industry professionals, recruiters and creatives from some of the world’s leading companies to share advice, industry insight and career opportunities.

Held at ICMP’s Queen’s Park campus, the event welcomed speakers and panellists from organisations including Epic Games, TikTok Live, Warner Music Group, AEG and BIY People & Talent, giving students direct access to the people shaping today’s creative industries.

Bringing Industry into the Classroom

The day opened with a keynote from creative technology professional Des Agyekumhene, who shared his unconventional career journey from science into music, emerging technologies and the world of augmented reality.

His story highlighted an important message for students: there is no single route into a creative career. Instead, success often comes from embracing opportunities, building transferable skills and remaining open to new directions throughout your professional journey.

Throughout the day, students heard directly from professionals working across music, film, games, marketing and business, gaining valuable insight into the skills, experiences and attitudes employers are looking for in today’s creative industries.

Expert Advice Across Music, Film and Games

A series of specialist panels gave students the opportunity to hear from industry experts representing a wide range of creative sectors.

The music panel featured professionals working across sync, production and artist development, offering practical advice on how students can prepare for industry life before graduation and develop skills that will help them stand out in a competitive marketplace.

Meanwhile, the Film, TV and Games panel brought together experts from organisations including Epic Games and FutureLab, alongside experienced film and television practitioners. Discussions focused on portfolio development, industry expectations and the different routes available into creative careers.

Students were encouraged to think beyond traditional career paths and focus on building strong portfolios, professional networks and practical experience alongside their studies.

Personalised Career Support

Alongside the panel sessions, students were able to book one-to-one conversations with industry specialists, recruiters and employers.

Representatives from creative recruitment agencies, games studios, film production and music businesses provided tailored advice on career planning, portfolio development and industry expectations. Professional LinkedIn headshots were also available throughout the day, helping students strengthen their personal brand and online presence.

The event attracted around 50 attendees and generated positive feedback from students, with many highlighting the value of speaking directly with professionals currently working in the industries they aspire to join.

The day also began with a networking brunch, giving SAE and ICMP students the opportunity to connect with one another before the sessions started, helping to foster new creative relationships across disciplines.

A Career Service That Continues Beyond Graduation

One of the key messages shared during the event was that career support at SAE doesn’t end when students graduate.

Through Careers+, SAE graduates receive lifetime access to careers support, including one-to-one guidance, exclusive job opportunities, internships, networking events and industry resources. The platform is designed to support graduates throughout their professional journey, recognising that creative careers often develop over time rather than following a traditional route into employment.

Nicky Williams, Careers Manager at AD Education, said:

“We want to give students the best opportunity and support that we can. Creative careers don’t always follow a straightforward path, which is why providing ongoing access to industry connections, resources and advice is so important.”

In addition to events like Creative Careers Day, Careers+ provides graduates with ongoing access to specialist support, exclusive opportunities and industry connections long after they leave SAE.

Supporting Creative Futures

Creative Careers Day highlighted the growing collaboration between SAE and ICMP students, bringing together aspiring professionals from different creative disciplines to learn from one another and gain insight from experienced industry practitioners.

By combining industry expertise, practical advice and personalised careers support, events such as this help ensure SAE students graduate with more than just technical skills. They leave with valuable industry connections, professional confidence and a clearer understanding of how to build a successful career in the creative industries.

Start Your Creative Career at SAE

If you’re serious about working in games, film, audio, animation, content creation or creative technology, it’s not just about having ideas. It’s about knowing how to develop them, test them, collaborate with others and bring them to life.

At SAE, students don’t just study creative subjects. They build projects, work in teams, receive industry insight and develop the skills needed to turn ideas into real outcomes.

TELL ME MORE →