Who does the photo imaging industry need?
The photo imaging industry increasingly requires a workforce with a wide ranging skill set, combining technical proficiency with creativity, visual awareness and business acumen.
Job vacancies are generally not hard to fill as there is no shortage of people wanting to work in most areas of the industry; however, employers report some concerns about the quality of applicants they see, particularly at entry level.
With higher education now providing a significant route into the sector, it is essential to build collaborative partnerships between industry and educators, to ensure that courses reflect current industry practice.
Practitioners across the industry need to be motivated and self-sufficient, committed and enthusiastic. Career success typically requires a strong passion for the subject and a high level of entrepreneurial ability. For freelancers in particular, an absolute drive to succeed is essential, along with the understanding that first and foremost, they are running a business.
Looking to the future, the rapid pace of technological change means that businesses and individuals must develop strong market awareness and demonstrate flexibility to adapt rapidly to new business opportunities.
In addition, wider internet access and the opportunity for image sharing across a number of platforms, makes an understanding of intellectual property rights and how to protect them increasingly important.
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