At BIMM Institute, we’re committed to developing every student’s talent and employability so they can find their place within the industry. It’s why we have a range of outstanding careers and employability initiatives, programmes and partnerships in place, such as Talent Match: our exclusive in-house recruitment service that sources talent for the creative industries.
In our new interview series, we speak to the students and graduates who have walked through our doors and secured their dream roles in music. Next up is Aurora Bennett, a Drums graduate who secured a role as Digital Marketing Assistant at Plectrumm through Talent Match. We spoke with her to find out more about her current position, drumming for SLANT, and how her time at BIMM has helped get her to where she is today.
Music was always my main passion and my earliest memories are of watching live music as my parents used to take me to festivals from an early age; it seemed an obvious choice for me to start playing too. I started with drums at 14 and have subsequently picked up a bit of bass, guitar and piano. It’s something I’ve never really questioned and has always felt like the right choice for me.
” I wanted to get a head start on applying for jobs before I graduated.”
I contacted BIMM’s Talent Match service around the time I was finishing my third year, as I wanted to get a head start on applying for jobs before I graduated. The process was straightforward: I arranged a meeting with Catriona to discuss my skill set, experience, and what positions I’d be interested in applying for. We then had regular meetings to discuss different jobs that were available. Catriona would help me with my applications and give me advice on my CV and cover letters. She recommended me for the position at Plectrumm and then offered guidance throughout the application process.
Working at Plectrumm
It’s great to have a job that I’m actually passionate about, and I would like to think that translates well into the work I do. I love having the opportunity to work with artists I admire and it helps to keep me inspired with my own band too.
“The Careers Team helped me understand what opportunities are available to me outside of playing live.”
I was on the Drums course at BIMM, which really motivated me and pushed me into improving my skills and technique as a drummer. The discipline required to commit to this applies to other areas, though, and I found that a really useful skill to develop. The Careers Team helped me understand what opportunities are available to me outside of playing live, as I knew I wanted to explore other options.
Drumming with SLANT
We’re so excited to get back to playing live, like everyone else, I’m sure. We have some gigs coming up in the summer. I think the first will be July 29th at The Prince Albert. We’ve been trying to use the time away from performing to write, and we’re looking forward to recording and releasing music in the coming months.
“I find myself more motivated now that I know I have limited time to get band work done.”
Before starting full-time work, I was apprehensive that it would prevent me from being able to continue with playing music. I’m obviously yet to face the struggles I’m sure I will encounter trying to balance work with playing live again, but so far it’s been manageable.
We’ve been rehearsing and writing a lot, filming videos and working behind the scenes to make content for social and create plans for future releases. It is a lot of work, but it’s all enjoyable. I find myself more motivated now that I know I have limited time to get band work done, and I make the most of the time I have outside of work.
“My highlight of BIMM was meeting people who loved music as much as I do.”
I love how music connects me with other people and that’s been one of my favourite things about moving to Brighton and going to BIMM – meeting people who have the same interests and being able to work and create music together. My highlight of BIMM was meeting people who loved music as much as I do. It was also really enjoyable to have so much free time to dedicate to practising and rehearsing, which I now miss.
I thoroughly enjoyed my course and felt like I got a lot out of it as a drummer and really improved technically. The best advice I could give would just be proactive and make the most out of the opportunities offered. You’ll get out as much as you put in.
We wish Aurora every success in her career and can’t wait to watch her live her dream. Find out more about Talent Match here. To discover more about Employability and Careers at BIMM, head here. Alternatively, you can read more about our student success stories and inspirational alumni here.
