Chloe Miller Smith

Chloe produces digital content and events for the world renowned Royal Opera House.

Her role sees her creating a diverse portfolio of projects – virtual realities, films, live broadcasts and music festivals. 

Chloe forged her career with Music in the Round as Education Assistant, and says that the university's partnership with Music in the Round played a key role in the development of her career.

A typical day

There is no typical day really. Some days I'll be editing a film or writing scripts for broadcasts; some days I'll be in production meetings for new content or events, and other days I might be running an event or sitting in our broadcast suite trying to make sure a broadcast goes to plan. One of the most exciting bits of my role is being given a new project and working out how to take it into fruition.

Previous roles

After University, I went straight into a part-time job working in education at Chamber Music Organisation Music in the Round. I did this alongside teaching for Derbyshire Music Services on their Wider Opps programme and ushering at Sheffield Theatres.

I then moved to London to start as the Schools' Liaison Administrator at the Royal Opera House. Since then I've had a number of other roles, including Events Officer, Assistant Festival Producer and Festival Producer.

My time at Sheffield

My time at Sheffield has been key to the path I've taken. Music in the Round's partnership with the Music department meant there was a line of communication to them when the time came to look for jobs, and the job I had with them as Education Assistant was the springboard to getting my first job at the Royal Opera House.

University as a whole was also an incredibly important three years for me. I got involved in as much as I could, made great friends, built confidence, and fell more in love with the performing arts.

Advice

What advice would you give to someone thinking of pursuing a similar career path?

Be brave. I got my job at Music in the Round by asking them if there was anything available to me. 

Grab opportunities when they come near. I've had some incredible experiences and opportunities to learn new skills, outside of my job description, which have then led to a move into an exciting new position.

Finally, ask questions. If you, or whoever it is leading a project, can't answer why or how something should be happening it maybe means it shouldn't happen. Don't be afraid to challenge those up the ladder. Your views, whilst perhaps not the final decider, are as valid as theirs, and I think productive conversation is so important to making something happen well, and to getting yourself noticed.

What skills do you look for in graduates you recruit?

Someone who can work with all kinds of people. Someone who is creative, who has an eye for the finer details without being restricted by them.

What would you tell someone thinking about studying music at university?

Musicians are a special breed. They are willing to work hard and play hard. I made some lifelong friends at university.

I would advise any student to dive in, push themselves out of their comfort zone, and try new things.

Remember, too, that university isn't just about academic learning but also about growing up. It's the chance to live your life how you want to, which is an amazing privilege. That said, do push yourselves to learn and do well academically - it's a big leap from school where learning is more guided.