We recently had the first interview day in SCA’s new residency, Pop Brixton. 

A common theme of interview days is the Q&A that rounds off the event. These questions are definitely important for applicants, but as students we’ve heard a lot of them before. Considering the next intake will be Marc’s twelfth, you can guarantee he’s heard most questions before too. Therefore it is with good reason that he pushes potential students to dig for the dirt in search of the grittier responses. 

1. Because as a creative it’s important to be able to ask GOOD questions. 
2. Because the poor bloke is bored of the same generic stuff and needs a break. 

To help Marc out, below is an answered list of the bland queries, so you can start preparing the juicier material. 

What’s Marc like?
He’s wonderful and wacky. Don’t expect him to go easy on you but if you put in the effort, he’ll be sure you reach your potential. 

When did you last cry and why?
Everyone experiences imposter syndrome. Feeling like you’re not good enough or you don’t belong at the school. This is most frequent towards the earlier stages of the course, as people are still finding their feet but also a common part of the experience. Highs will always come with lows. This is part of the job. Push through and learn from your failures, they make the wins that much sweeter. 

What’s partnering like?
It is an awkward balance of self and selflessness. You need to find someone that brings the best out of you. Someone that will challenge your ideas but ultimately you can still agree with. The best way to do this is by partnering with as many people as possible and the flow will follow. When it clicks, it clicks. 

Do you have a social life?
Progressively less so as your year develops. Your attachment to the course will grow and your social life will drop as a result. Don’t panic however as this is actually a positive. SCA will teach you how to appreciate your time and really understand what’s worth the minutes and what’s not. 

How do you manage your time?
With difficulty. SCA provides you with tools that are useful for life beyond advertising. The school pushes you to a point where time management becomes essential (almost seemingly impossible). It means however that you’ll never feel the pressure in a job as you’ve already proven you can surpass your limits. 

How do you cope with the competition?
For KRAK (our year), SCA is a family. Yes it is competitive, but you quickly learn that you need each other to better yourself. As much as people want to be the best, we all work on each other’s campaigns and as one person improves the rest all follow, developing as a unit. The only person you’re competing against is yourself. 

Do you enjoy it?
Personally, I FUCKING LOVE IT! 

Is it worth the money?
The course is expensive, seeming to sit in the middle of other available options. The attention you receive as an individual and the exposure you get to a multitude of mentors/industry greats however provides a strong justification for the price tag. You definitely get your money’s worth if you’re willing to commit to the course. Try and save up before coming, as time and pressure make juggling a job v difficult but people do manage. (Although I’m not sure how.) 

Do you need to know the software?
It is not essential as many people learn the software on arrival. BUT you will 100% be using the majority of standard adobe programs, so the more you know and the sooner you know it, the better. Definitely try and get some practice in. 

Are you a copywriter or art director?
Again you don’t need to know what your preferred skill set is before arriving. It is helpful to gauge an understanding, so that potential partners can identify how you might fit. Plenty of people transition over the course or prefer to approach the situation as a hybrid. Just follow the route that allows you to do your best work… And make sure you have fun along the way. 

Is it as hard, as they say?
This course is WAY harder than I had ever anticipated before arriving. Being pushed becomes addictive however and you learn to love it. I mean, who doesn’t want to see what they’re really made of. 

@CharlesHueWill1