Empowering mature students: Navigating career development in the creative arts

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Emma Lennox , Careers Consultant at Queen's University Belfast , will be presenting at the AGCAS Annual Conference 2024, sharing insights from case study research to underscore the resilience of mature learners. In this blog, she previews her session, which will delve into non-traditional pathways to higher education, unexpected career shifts, and the delicate balance of juggling creative pursuits with parenthood. Secure your conference place by Friday 24 May.

In this session, the student voice will take centre stage. I will share the insights from three lifelong learners, which were gathered through detailed case study research. These students have taken unconventional paths to higher education, undergone unplanned career changes, and experienced challenges including a late diagnosis of learning difficulties. Despite this, they have managed to complete a degree while juggling parenting, part-time work, and building a creative portfolio.

Levels of resilience are off the chart with this group! They discussed their expectations and disappointments with HE study, their attitudes towards entrepreneurship and freelance work, and, in hindsight, what would have made a difference to their career development journey. The students shared these experiences to help careers professionals understand lifelong learners’ motivations, challenges, and aspirations in the ever-evolving landscape of higher education.

Using McMahon and Patton’s Systems Theory Framework of Career Development (2022), this session highlights the intricate web of influences that shape the career trajectories of mature UK students. While our focus is on creative arts students, the insights gleaned are universally applicable, resonating with lifelong learners across disciplines.

With the introduction of the Lifelong Learning Loan in 2025 potentially reshaping the dynamics of higher education, gaining insights into the experiences of mature students has never been more crucial. Whether you're passionate about career development, inclusive learning environments, or the unique challenges faced by non-vocational disciplines, this session offers invaluable perspectives and actionable strategies. In many cases, these strategies were suggested by the students themselves.

By the end of this session, you'll walk away with a nuanced understanding of the motivations and barriers confronting mature creative arts students. Armed with research-backed insights, you'll be equipped to tailor your support services and co-create solutions that empower students to navigate non-linear career paths with confidence. The aim is to foster empathy and understanding, share experiences and empower you to better serve the diverse needs of mature students.

Find details of this session in the conference programme and book your place by Friday 24 May: https://www.agcas.org.uk/training-and-conferences/agcas-annual-conference-2024-/16060?OccId=23021

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