My Career Rationale 


February 2025 to 2029
February September 2025: laying the foundation for the transition work in the first year after graduation
 
1. Learning and Practice of Basic Makeup Techniques
Makeup Workshop Online Course Learning: Systematically learn basic makeup ... Read More

 My Career Rationale 


February 2025 to 2029
February September 2025: laying the foundation for the transition work in the first year after graduation
 
1. Learning and Practice of Basic Makeup Techniques
Makeup Workshop Online Course Learning: Systematically learn basic makeup techniques, including skin modification, color matching, etc.
Self practice: Purchase painting tools by yourself, practice at home, and gradually improve skills.
Makeup and wound effects of film and television characters: Try to restore the makeup of film and television characters, or do some simple wound effects to enhance practical skills.
 
2. Learning and application of silicone special effects makeup
Learn silicone special effects makeup: including age makeup, scar makeup, etc. Master the materials and techniques required for special effects makeup, and be familiar with commonly used special effects makeup products such as silicone and latex.
 
3. Short film practice and accumulated experience
• Participate in short film creation:
Actively participate in campus short film projects and actively apply to join classmates' short film crews.
Strive to hold positions such as makeup artist and prop designer, and accumulate experience through practical operations.
Observe the makeup focus of different types of movies, such as drama films, science fiction films, horror films, etc., to understand and be exposed to various styles.
• Achievement goals:
Strive to create makeup for at least 10 short film projects and accumulate practical experience.
Enhance the design and execution ability from ordinary makeup to complex special effects makeup.
 
4. Special Effects Makeup Course and Professional Certification
Participate in online special effects makeup courses, such as VTCT or ITEC certification courses, to further enhance professional skills.
• Learn about prop making and material knowledge: learn the skills of using materials such as silicone and latex, as well as the production process of various props.
 
5. Professional certification objectives
Obtaining the NVQ Level 2/3 in Beauty Therapy certificate: increases the foundation for entry into the beauty industry and lays the groundwork for entering the field.
Obtaining ITEC or VTCT certification: Enhancing professional recognition and laying the foundation for future careers in makeup or entering higher-level professional fields.
 
6. Teamwork and Portfolio Building
• Enhance teamwork skills: By participating in short film projects, learn how to effectively communicate with team members and improve one's collaboration abilities.
• Organize portfolio:
Participate in at least 3 short film venture capital projects and compile their works into a personal portfolio as one of the qualifications for future job hunting.
September 2025-2026: First year after graduation
Goal: Smooth transition, accumulate experience, and prepare for applying for a PhD
1. Find junior jobs or volunteer opportunities
The focus of the first year after graduation is to accumulate industry experience through practical work, whether it is volunteer service or junior positions, you can give it a try.
• Target direction:
A. Makeup Apprentice
B. Stunt team members (strive to join any organization or alliance such as Stunt Team).
• Action Plan:
Pay more attention to platforms such as Freelancer, Fiverr, and Mandy to find part-time or project opportunities at any time.
Participate in industry events, such as IMATS (if given the opportunity), and interact more with industry professionals.
If there are volunteer opportunities, such as helping with props or special effects makeup, actively participate.
2. Prepare doctoral application materials
Create a detailed research plan that clearly explains the research objectives and methods.
• Write a recommendation letter from a professor or project supervisor to strive for more convincing recommendations.
Organize a professional portfolio to showcase the achievements and personal skills from previous short film projects. (Select)
3. Career planning support
Obtain more required certificates, such as driver's license and weapon combat (depending on specific requirements)
 
September 2026-2029: Full time study stage
Goal: Complete your studies, accumulate industry experience, and prepare for applying for a talent visa
1. Determine the research topic
Determine one of the following four topic directions before March 2025
Film and artificial intelligence:
AI driven film creation and narrative exploration (A/Creating a short film that combines AI technology, directly practicing and recording the role of AI in film production by generating scripts, designing visual effects, or creating virtual characters. B/Analyze the technological applications and narrative innovations in existing AI movies such as Her, The Congress, The Irishman, etc. Conduct research and interviews with film professionals and audiences to collect attitudes and feedback on the use of AI technology in film creation.
Social media and movie consumption: the reconstruction of the relationship between movies and audiences in the digital age
Explore how social media changes the way audiences interact with movies, and how it influences the creation and marketing of movies. How Netflix's data algorithms drive movie recommendations and content creation. How platforms such as TikTok can change the dissemination path of movies through short videos
Film and Humanities: A Film and Power Structure, the Confrontation between Censorship and Creators, Exploring How Film Creators Challenge Power Structures under Censorship, and Expressing Sensitive Themes through Metaphors and Symbols.
B: Cultural hybridization and identity crisis, exploring the impact of globalization on local films, and how local films can maintain their cultural identity in the wave of globalization
Film and Psychology: The Inspiration of Offensive Behavior in Action Movies
Explore whether action or violent films can stimulate viewers' aggressive behavior or alleviate their desire for aggression through cathartic mechanisms. Studying the relationship between violent content in film and television and human behavior, providing a basis for media regulation and mental health.
 
2. Part time jobs in the industry:
Volunteer service for project-based work in small film crews, independent film companies, and creative studios.
• Participate in internship projects or undertake freelance tasks in the industry during holidays.
3. Other work
• Obtain professional certificates that are beneficial for career development, such as A/Special Effects Makeup Certification, B/Industry Accreditation Certificate for Technical Prop Design C Special Effects Committee
Learn management skills related to the creative industry, such as project management and budget control.
 
September 2029- Career Development Stage
 
Goal: Find a stable job
 
2. Part time jobs in the industry
During academic research, one can utilize their vacation or free time to accumulate more practical experience.
• Practical opportunities:
• Work part-time in small film crews or independent film companies, such as being responsible for prop design, makeup, etc.
Participate in project-based work and gain exposure to more professional processes.
During holidays, find internships or freelance tasks to enhance skills and increase income.
3. Obtain industry related certifications
• Target certificate:
Special effects makeup certification, such as internationally recognized professional qualification certificates.
Certification in prop design related industries to enhance professionalism.
Membership in the stunt committee makes oneself more competitive.
Learn management skills: Learn project management and budget control to gain points for future career development.
After September 2029: Career Development Stage
Goal: Enter the film and television industry and find a stable job
Long term goals
• Core position: Strive to obtain more opportunities to work as a member of the stunt team or as an action instructor in professional film crews
Continuous improvement: Maintain updated professional skills through industry exchanges and learning. Based on the cost of living and job opportunities over the past five years, carefully evaluate the feasibility of continuing to work in this industry, while keeping up with new things, learning, and being prepared to connect with other industries at all times.
 
 
 
Detailed planning for the next seven months
 
Month 1: Basic Accumulation
 
Goal: Learn basic skills and prepare for the start.
1. On campus short film practice
Proactively contact classmates to inquire if there are any short film projects that require assistance, and apply to join the makeup or prop group.
Participate in at least one short film shoot per week, observe and record the on-site process.
2. Special effects makeup learning
Register for special effects makeup online courses (such as Udemy, Masterclass) to learn basic makeup and simple special effects.
Complete 2 course tasks per week and practice independently at home, such as creating simple wound effects.
3. Career preparation
Start researching the job requirements for the target position and understand the relevant skill requirements (prop design, special effects makeup).
Register for Freelancer, Fiver, and Mandy, complete personal information, and prepare to start looking for part-time job opportunities.
 
Month 2: Skill Enhancement
 
Goal: Consolidate the foundation and explore advanced technologies.
1. On campus short film practice
Undertake more specific tasks, such as designing makeup for a short film or making simple props.
Actively learn the impact of lighting and photography on makeup and prop effects in practice.
2. Special effects makeup learning
Focus on learning intermediate course content, such as using latex and silicone to create realistic wounds.
Understand the specific exam content for NVQ Level 2/3 in Beauty Therapy certification and plan your preparation progress.
3. Industry activities
Search for and register for makeup or prop making workshops within the past month, and establish connections with industry professionals.
Start paying attention to the schedule of exhibitions such as IMATS and prepare exhibition plans in advance.
 
Month 3: Accumulation of works
 
Goal: Create works and expand networks.
1. On campus short film practice
Participate in at least one short film production throughout the entire process, responsible for the entire process from makeup design to implementation.
After the project is completed, organize the records of the shooting site and create a portfolio of makeup and props materials.
2. Special effects makeup learning
Create a complete special effects makeup look (such as elderly makeup or scar effects), shoot the entire process and record the experience.
Practice makeup projects related to exams to improve speed and accuracy, and prepare for certification.
3. Career preparation
Start contacting BAFTA Crew or The Guild of Beauty Therapists to apply for membership.
Attempt to undertake simple makeup or design tasks through Freelancer or Fiver to accumulate practical experience.
 
Month 4: Industry Exploration
 
Goal: Start to engage with the industry and broaden your horizons.
1. On campus short film practice
Provide free makeup services for classmates and accumulate more practical experience.
Proactively communicate with the crew members and learn about the working methods within the industry.
2. Special effects makeup learning
Learn more complex special effects makeup, such as monster styling or burn effects.
Register for the VTCT or ITEC makeup certification exam, develop a sprint plan, and complete the preparation work in stages.
3. Industry activities
Attend a makeup or beauty exhibition (such as IMATS), observe industry trends, and communicate with exhibitors.
Actively join online or offline industry communication groups related to makeup to expand network resources.
 
Month 5: Mid term Summary
 
Goal: Evaluate progress and optimize plans.
1. On campus short film practice
Summarize past short film projects and compile successful cases into a portfolio.
• Plan to participate in a more complex short film project, such as a production team with a large number of special effects scenes.
2. Special effects makeup learning
Focus on reviewing the knowledge points of the certification exam to ensure familiarity and confidence in the exam process.
Attempt to independently complete a small special effects project using the skills learned and record it as a video.
3. Career preparation
Update the portfolios of Freelancer and Mandy to include more professional descriptions and image displays.
Continue to seek opportunities to join the Stunt Team and actively monitor the dynamics of related alliances.
 
Month 6: In depth Practice
 
Goal: To participate more in practical projects and consolidate professional skills.
1. On campus short film practice
Proactively invite classmates to collaborate, plan and complete the makeup and props section of a short film project.
Learn how to communicate with directors and photographers to ensure that the makeup effect matches the overall style.
2. Special effects makeup learning
Complete VTCT or ITEC certification exams and obtain certificates.
Learn advanced makeup techniques in the industry, such as using 3D printing technology to create props.
3. Industry activities
Proactively contact the film stunt team and strive for the opportunity to participate in a stunt project.
Continue to participate in industry exhibitions or workshops to showcase your skills and works to professionals.
 
7th month: Stable phase
 
Goal: Improve the portfolio and target the work.
1. On campus short film practice
Continue to participate in short film projects, while focusing on quality rather than quantity, striving to create high-quality makeup effects.
Shoot behind the scenes footage of one's work on the set to prepare materials for professional presentations.
2. Special effects makeup learning
Learn budget management and teamwork skills within the industry to prepare for future work.
• Complete a cross disciplinary project (such as combining makeup and 3D prop design).
3. Career preparation
Organize the portfolio into both electronic and physical formats to ensure ease of display and sharing.
Start formally submitting resumes and try to apply for junior positions in prop design, special effects makeup, or special effects practitioners.
 
8th month: Entering the profession
 
Goal: To be fully prepared for the start of one's career.
1. Summary of Short Film Practice
Summarize the practical experience of the past 8 months, organize and optimize the portfolio, and clarify personal strengths.
Maintain contact with classmates to ensure active participation in alumni circles and lay the foundation for future collaborations.
2. Summary of special effects makeup
Create a short video showcasing your makeup skills and design work as part of your career application materials.
Learn how to describe your makeup work in professional language and prepare for an interview.
3. Career Expansion
Proactively contact BAFTA Crew or The Guild of Beauty Therapists to participate in career guidance activities.
Participate in more career exhibitions, communicate directly with potential employers, and strive to find your first full-time job.
 
2025 Learning Plan
Clarify the research direction, develop a preliminary research plan, and read relevant literature
 
• Identify a general research question (such as the conflict between movies and power structures, globalization and local movies, the application of AI in movies, etc.).
2. Preliminary literature review
• Refer to classic literature and recently published academic papers in the core field.
Use databases such as Google Scholar, JSTOR, ProQuest to search for literature on relevant topics and establish a reference library.
Read papers by renowned professors in the field of film research to understand research hotspots and methodologies. Read Less