Who Needs a Business Card?

At the VFX Festival this past week I bumped into a number of my students, many of whom were taking the opportunity to talk to recruiters from the UK Animation and VFX industry, all scouting for rising talent.

So I asked them - I hope you've brought some business cards? Almost none had.  Now, you might think that business cards are a little old-fashioned, a bit out-of-date. But actually, you'd be wrong.

A stylish business card is still the best way to hand over your details to  someone you have never met, someone who doesn't know anything about you.  After all, you don't want to write your name and email address on a napkin or a scrap of paper - your business card is your first chance to make a good impression and, as the saying goes, you never get a second chance to make a first impression.

When you meet recruiters, or anyone hiring talent, it's important that they are able to easily access all the important information they need to know about you: your name, email address, phone number - and a link to your website or blog.

The good news is that business cards are nowadays very cheap to make. I generally use Moo.com; their interface is simple and easy to use, and within a few minutes you can place an order for 50 cards for just £15.

Wherever and whenever you go, students and graduates should always make sure you have a polished demo reel, and up-to-date CV or resume, and some business cards in your pocket. 

A well-polished business card is still the best way to say "here is who I am" and "don't forget me tomorrow".

For more on the experience of studying at Bucks New University, come and visit us at one of our Open Days, take a virtual tour of one of our animation studios, check out what our students think of our course, and see why we're ranked in the top 12 creative universities in the UK.