When seeking for a job, I find many internships and job positions expect applicants to have prior experience, which is challenging for some graduates like me. To address this, I researched ways to gain practical experience through temporary jobs or short-term projects.
Short-term projects from studios or animators
Small studios or individual animators sometimes hire assistants to help with ongoing projects, by posting call-outs on social media or other platforms. Opportunities can be random, but it also means you can choose projects that interest you and work on them in your spare time.
Even some other students occasionally seek helpers for their graduation projects, there is a block for it in UAL moodle.
While these roles may offer low pay or be voluntary, they provide a valuable chance to participate in real projects, enrich portfolios and gain insight into collaboration. If students in their first year and are not busy on the school stuff yet, it is suitable for them to build up ability.
Join clubs or organization
This suggestion is from Eric’s video (20210. He suggests that students with limited experience can join school clubs or local art communities which related to animation or film. As I know, F.A.T Studio is a good organisation to provide many workshops for the different art forms. We can keep on eye if there are any animation projects. While unpaid, these opportunities only take one day, and you can be credited in the film. Attending workshops also offer a good chance to network with people from different areas and industries, not just peers.
Participate in animation challenges
People on the social media host numerous drawing challenges. These are not only a way to build our showreel, but also a chance to get attention online. A notable one is 48-hour Animation Challenge by Cardiff Animation Festival. Short-term projects are friendly for students or animators who spend most of time on their study or work. And it means the work can be promoted on official accounts and under social media tags by chance, which increasing the visibility for your art account.
Submit work to festivals
Remembering to submit school films to animation festivals. I always feel all the things are done once I finished my animation, and I am too lazy for submitting it. However, it is a good opportunity to show your hard work, especially for students. There are many programmes set for students or international artists. Even if I return to my hometown, I can submit oversea. It is always worth to have a try.
If the work is selected, it is also helpful for apply a fellowship, scholarship or any other funding. (Jaijuu, 2023)
In summary, these strategies allow graduates to gain practical animation experience and strengthen portfolio outside of the industries. It works for people who have a full-time course or job, but want to start exploring a new career path.
Bibliography
Film Festival Search – FilmFreeway. Available at: https://filmfreeway.com/festivals (Accessed: 25 May 2026)
Edric Bravo (2021) ‘HOW TO GET AN ANIMATION INTERNSHIP AT A MAJOR STUDIO (Pixar, Disney, Nickelodeon, Bento Box & more!) 8 January. Availble at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10G6Qcz2dLs (Accessed: 24 May 2026)
Jaijuu (2023) ‘How to Get Entry-level Experience In Animation Before Your First Job‘. 8 December. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vVyzaIs51E (Accessed: 26 May)
@f.a.t.studio. (2026) CALLING OUT FOR PEOPLE TO TAKE PART IN A GROUP ANIMATION SESSION ON MONDAY 2ND MARCH! 25 February. Available at: https://www.instagram.com/p/DVMDcY8CiEb/ (Accessed: 25 May)