Mentoring Spotlight: Eva Ferguson x Maria Paz Acosta Raimondi
- Written byChloe Murphy
- Published date 18 September 2023
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London College of Communication (LCC) is home to makers, thinkers and innovators. Bringing inspiring ideas and ways of working to a range of diverse industries, we change the world around us and make a positive difference to society.
One of the ways in which we support our students to take the next step in their development is by offering vital support through our Industry Mentoring Programme. This initiative connects current LCC postgraduates and recent alumni to professionals from the creative sectors, all of whom channel profound understanding, experience and insight through opportunities that shape the journeys of those at the beginning of their careers.
Together, mentors and mentees catch up regularly to explore ideas and aspirations that are tailored to specific goals - helping students to feel more confident, informed and engaged in the professional landscape while also enabling mentors to further develop their own skill sets and form new contacts across LCC's vibrant network.
Our Industry Mentoring Programme runs alongside a programme of initiatives designed to empower our College learning community to achieve their career ambitions while contributing to a more diverse, inclusive and innovative society. Managed by the LCC Graduate Futures team, complementary activities range from rapid review sessions and speed networking to our incubation programme, LCC Accelerate, which supports recent graduates to level-up their business ideas through practical advice and creative inspiration.
"A means to collectively shape a more just, responsible, and innovative future"
Graduate Futures Manager Luminita Molico highlighted the importance of mentoring as a tool for profound growth and transformation - not only of those involved, but also of the wider world.
"I wholeheartedly affirm the profound impact of mentorship within our creative community," she said.
"Our commitment to nurturing makers, thinkers, and innovators is exemplified through the transformative stories of our mentors and mentees.
"We encourage all creative practitioners to consider becoming mentors as mentorship is not just a pathway to personal and professional enrichment - it is also a means to collectively shape a more just, responsible and innovative future within the creative industries and society as a whole."
We caught up with MA Arts and Lifestyle Journalism student, Eva Ferguson, and her mentor, strategic project manager Maria Paz Acosta Raimondi, to discuss their experiences of engaging with the LCC Industry Mentoring Programme - from navigating organic career journeys to the ways in which mentorship encourages both personal and professional growth.
Industry Mentoring Programme | London College of Communication
Eva, how did you first become interested in the world of journalism?
Before joining LCC, I studied art history and social anthropology at the University of St Andrews. During my time there, I wrote articles, poems, and other creative writing formats for several student publications on issues of identity and the arts to help others gain a better understanding of themselves.
After graduating from St Andrews, I knew that I wanted to write, but I wasn’t sure in what capacity. The Arts and Lifestyle Journalism course here at UAL seemed like the perfect choice as it integrates my interests in the visual arts, writing, and culture at large, and has allowed me to better understand how the creative arts and social sciences intertwine to influence the lived-human experience.
Tell us about your creative practice.
My writing centers on themes of nostalgia, memory, and identity. I draw influences primarily from my own life experiences of being multicultural and splitting my time growing up between 2 countries.
I’ve always been sensitive to change of any kind – which has made me more susceptible to feeling nostalgia and memories more strongly – and so I often end up using my writing almost as therapy to process heavy feelings that often can’t be strictly defined.
Why did you decide to take part in our Industry Mentoring Programme?
At the beginning of the year, I think I felt both creatively and professionally lost.
The guidance that mentorship could offer seemed like a silver lining, and I hoped that it would be able to lead me on the right path professionally while helping me gain more confidence in my writing abilities - subsequently helping me to find my own journalistic writing niche. I believe that the programme has absolutely done all of this for me.
Maria, tell us a little bit about your professional experience, and how you’ve developed your own creative practice.
I've had opportunities to build intensive corporate experience by working with top-notch companies such as Havas, Accenture, Unilever and Manpower Agency. I've also been able to dabble in the start-up scene through a range of different software companies and even the Imagine Lab by Microsoft. My career has been an amazing journey so far, but I still hold a special place in my heart for where it all began.
I started out with a part-time gig as a sales promoter in retail stores, handing out free samples and enthusiastically talking about the products to boost sales. It might not sound glamorous, but seeing those products fly off the shelves gave me a real sense of accomplishment.
As the industry evolved, so did my own career. I took on roles like Customer Relations Advisor and Senior Global Project Manager, embracing every opportunity that came my way before an exciting turning point arrived: I found myself in a position to start my own consulting firm, pursue my passion for writing, and travel across Europe, Asia, the Middle East and America to explore different consumer cultures.
This journey wasn't meticulously planned: in fact, everything happened quite organically. It all began with simple note-taking, which gradually grew into sales analyses, trend reports, podcasts and even literary works. Now, I'm thrilled to say that I've achieved my dreams, and have found a harmonious balance between my professional and personal life. I'm busy crafting sales strategies, guiding aspiring individuals, compiling business wisdom, and overseeing ventures all while enjoying the serene beauty of a remote Mediterranean island.
Looking back, my time at the University of the Arts London (UAL) had a profound impact on my creative development. I embraced a receptive mindset, thirsted for knowledge, and learned invaluable practices from esteemed academics. I deepened my understanding of consumer psychology and gained insights into the world of public relations, alongside building connections with a diverse community of talented peers. It was clear that exciting careers awaited all of us.
Even to this day, my engagement with UAL remains a valuable investment, and a pillar that supports my professional journey.
Why did you decide to volunteer your time to LCC's Industry Mentoring Programme?
When the opportunity to join the programme came my way, I have to admit that I initially had my doubts - I questioned whether I had anything valuable to offer. Previous mentoring experiences had mainly focused on guiding budding entrepreneurs, and I wasn't sure how I could connect with students who seemed to have so much knowledge at their fingertips. However, I then discovered the program's innovative and dynamic approach which ignited a newfound passion for mentoring within me.
LCC’s Graduate Futures initiative offered an exciting chance for me to refine my skills in sharing knowledge, to enhance my communication abilities, and to engage with future leaders who are forging their own paths. It’s opened doors for me to explore endless possibilities in the field of education, and I'm eagerly looking forward to embarking on this journey of personal growth even further - making a meaningful impact on the lives of these exceptional individuals, and learning and evolving alongside them.
What support have you both been able to access and offer through taking part in our mentoring initiative?
Eva: I was provided with invaluable advice throughout the duration of my mentorship. I had monthly meetings with my mentor, Maria, where I brought up several questions that had arisen while completing projects and internship-/job-hunting.
Maria not only answered all my questions sufficiently and with personal depth that I could relate to, but also emailed me after our meetings with supportive advice and uplifting words of encouragement, which helped me immensely.
Maria: Initially, Eva and I focused on developing self-management skills and honing her personal branding in ways that considered her interest in writing. As our partnership evolved, we adapted our approach – working together to create a creative employee profile and build an impressive writer's portfolio, setting new objectives along the way.
Throughout our mentorship journey, we faced pivotal moments that required us to readjust our strategy and expectations. This ultimately led us to establish a shared vision for Eva's dynamic career path motivated by ambition, dedication and a nurturing environment.
Our collaborative efforts have yielded remarkable outcomes. Eva now thrives as a writer in a reputable organisation, actively participates in literary contests, works on an ongoing book project and, to top it all off, we even co-hosted a podcast episode on Spotify where we interviewed another incredibly talented student from UAL.
Seeing Eva's growth and accomplishments has been immensely fulfilling, and I take great pride in the role I've played in helping her achieve her professional goals.
Eva, how has taking part in the Industry Mentoring Programme helped you to develop both your career and your creative practice?
My mentorship experience has allowed me to gain immense confidence regarding my career trajectory. Maria provided me with thorough advice that can only come from someone with extensive experience in career progression and development (especially working in a similar field to me).
Due to her support, I’ve since achieved the goals I outlined at the beginning of my mentorship: to be professionally published, to be recognised in a writing contest, to complete a rough draft/outline of a novella, and to land a paid editorial internship. I don’t think that I’d have been able to complete these goals without the programme.
Maria, what have been the highlights of your time as an LCC industry mentor?
The standout moments of my mentorship are reflected in the diverse range of topics that Eva and I have explored together. Our discussions have covered everything from understanding the essential components of an ATS CV to contemplating the idea that personal triumph shouldn’t be measured against external benchmarks. One particularly thought-provoking session delved into the concept of the ‘true self’, where we explored the profound journey of self-discovery that leads to genuine happiness and the formation of one's identity.
We've engaged in stimulating conversations about ‘company culture’, discussing the merits of selecting workplaces that align with our ideals and values in ways that eliminate the need for assimilation. I strongly believe that the job search process can be incredibly rewarding when we align our expectations with reality and discover a perfect place where everything fits together harmoniously.
Both the Industry Mentoring Programme and my mentorship with Eva has been characterised by dynamism, collaboration, and, above all, the invaluable support provided by the Graduate Futures team at London College of Communication. Their commendable coordination has addressed any doubts or queries that may have arisen along the way.
Eva, what are your top tips for other students on how to make the most of the mentorship initiative?
I’d advise that students who are interested in completing this mentorship come into it with clear, thought-out areas for improvement that they’d specifically like to target, as well as the ways in which a mentor would be able to assist them. It’s easier to achieve your goals if you have a clear idea of where exactly you want to be at the end of the six months - either personally, professionally or both.
Also, I’d suggest coming to an agreement with your mentor on how often you would like to meet, and in what capacity – this will help for a smooth and steady mentorship experience. Communication is key!
Maria, why would you encourage other creative practitioners to sign up as mentors?
I really do encourage other creative professionals to volunteer as mentors: it's a cause that I passionately support because I’ve found the experience so profoundly enriching, and it's given me newfound confidence in sharing my knowledge with students. The mentoring process is vibrant, collaborative, and incredibly gratifying, and has truly transformed me.
Graduate Futures at LCC is an unparalleled source of unwavering support. They provide invaluable training, enlightening workshops and informative guides, fostering a nurturing and intellectually stimulating community. Throughout this transformative journey, I've sought guidance from fellow mentors; learned from my mother, who is a seasoned educator; and explored manuals that delve into the intricacies of student dynamics. The wealth of knowledge I've gained through this extraordinary experience is truly awe-inspiring.
The mentoring experience facilitated by LCC is transformative, and I urge other creative professionals to seize this opportunity. By dedicating their time, they can make a positive change in the world and their respective industries. It's a chance to contribute to the betterment of others while nurturing personal and professional growth.
Our Industry Mentoring Programme supports LCC students and recent graduates to explore potential career paths in the creative industries and beyond. If you're a creative professional interested in mentoring with us, find out more and register your interest for our upcoming programme cycle.
Related links:
- Explore our Industry Mentoring Programme.
- Learn more about our MA Arts and Lifestyle Journalism course.
- Find out more about the work of our Graduate Futures team.
