Professional Development

Lecture 1

Week 1 Notes  (see for more detail)

I found this first session very useful for thinking about my future with a different, profound mindset. Using a holistic approach, the module was split to be thought about in three sections:

Philosophical Approach to Life:

Considers your stance on political, social, economic, historical, psychological, language and religious factors. 

Personal: 

Focuses on what makes you happy, money, housing, lifestyle, relationships, health, how others see me and what I worry about. ​

Professional: 

Also considers what makes me happy, skills I already have and ones I would like to acquire, known languages and future ones to learn, knowledge I have, how others see me, and my ambition

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Writing separate answers for all sections of my philosophy helped me realise how much our personal psychology impacts our day-to-day. We all have a philosophy of life and act on it, consciously or unconsciously. My values, worries, and ambitions aren't separate from my career goals in editing; they inform who I want to become. Politically and socially, I would place myself on the left. I believe more should be done to address global warming and homelessness. I think charities play an important role in raising awareness and supporting communities; however, I don't hold extreme views and don't always research obsessively or centre my mindset on political activism. I think people should be able to live how they choose without judgment, provided their way of life brings no harm to others. Economically, I believe I am pretty responsible with money, ensuring a positive balance of savings and treating myself. I see money as positive when balanced, but my underlying anxiety also shapes how I think about my future career in the film industry, which is known for instability. History is important to me because it teaches lessons; ignoring it is dangerous, but the past shouldn't be dwelt on. I see language as a vital part of culture and identity; its evolution across different places interests me just as much as its extinction. Psychologically, I am reflective, but sometimes negatively, being overly conscious of how others might perceive me. I want to be better at reading people, but remember not to let external oppressions that are beyond my control determine my self-image. Overall, my philosophical approach to life is useful in the editing industry, as no film can ever be neutral. Our biases impact every edit approach, and social awareness makes you a better storyteller. Editing is already deeply psychological, so being aware of emotions and situations makes it ideal to understand editing rhythm and tension. 

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Personally, music, animals, and films are what make me the happiest, most connected, and most present. Especially with my busy and sometimes overwhelming lifestyle, balancing social life, work and studies, I wish I had more motivation and time to invest in hobbies and stay more informed globally. Money is a recurring source of worry for me, and whilst not struggling, financial security is always on my mind. Other adult worries, like housing, also cause stress, but I remain grateful for what I do have. Whilst challenging, I try to practice gratitude along with my faith. My relationships are currently at the strongest point in my whole life, having struggled to find my people in my small town before University. I am mostly comfortable and safe with my friends and family, despite sometimes getting frustrated by habits or dynamics. I recognise that no relationship is perfect. This improvement serves as a reminder of personal development and that so much can change so quickly. Health is something I manage but do not prioritise enough. Whilst my habits are not destructive, I know there is room for improvement. My anxieties reflect both my ambition and my fear of failure; however, acknowledging these worries is part of developing resilience. My specific personality and love for music work in harmony with my career goals as music trains timing, pacing and emotional buildup needed in editing. Feeling the cuts like music aligns with the collaborative process of post-production. Though anxieties about money and the future can feel like a weakness, they can also push me to be more organised and plan ahead. Patience is required in every career, so it's vital to not let anxiety drive every decision. Good relationships are one of the most important aspects of filmmaking, as no film could be completed without working closely with others.

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Professionally, what excites me the most is the collaborative process of filmmaking. I love the final stage of tying together different ideas and processes into their almost-final form. The shared sense of achievement in audiences and the team is very fulfilling. My current strengths lie in editing (particularly Avid Media Composer), understanding narrative structure, communication and ambition. I am driven and committed to improving; however, I still need to develop my confidence, speed and technical understanding. Expanding my language skills would also be beneficial in many ways. Wanting to work on media (films or music) that have a big impact, collaborate with relevant creatives, and build a reliable, dedicated reputation is a driving goal of mine. I strive for a career that is fulfilling and stable, for a balanced life. An open, growth mindset is essential in this career; ambition and communication are among the biggest drivers of this collaborative medium. ​

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Overall, editing cannot separate your values, personality and technical skill. My philosophy will always be influential in my approach to storytelling, with my personal habits and skills shaping my professional practice. Technical ability is not the sole skill required in a good editor; understanding the holistic connection of other aspects, like emotional intelligence, reliability, social awareness and balanced lifestyle, contributes to getting ahead in the game.