As part of an ongoing Alumni Blog series, I caught up with Lisha Yan to find out, among other things, why she chose CMCI’s MA Art’s & Cultural Management Course and how the course prepared her for a future working the cultural and creative industries.
Lisha Yan is an expert in television and film format adaption and IP licensing. Lisha undertook CMCI’s MA Cultural and Creative Industries course between 2008 and 2009.
Biography
During her time at King’s, she worked as a Student Ambassador at KCL’s Conference and Vacation Bureau and an Events Manger at the Rushes Soho Shorts Film Festival. After graduating Lisha began a role as an International Coordinator for Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing where she worked as the account manager for the organisation’s Far East regions. This role required her to conduct extensive market research, analyse industry data and organise examination sessions and events for both domestic and international students. In her most recent role, Lisha has been working as a General Manager at Zespa Media where she makes an integral input into the company’s business commercial growth, plans the company’s rights strategy and both leads and manages company’s key projects and business negotiations, for clients inclusive of Agatha Christie’s Limited, Warner Bros, ITV, China Central Television, Youku, iQiyi, Tencent, among others.
Interview
Firstly, why did you choose to study the MA Cultural and Creative Industries course? And why at the CMCI Department at King’s College?
I have always wanted have more exposure to international cultures after completing my BA in English. Before coming to study at King’s, my work experience with a group of international designers further encouraged me to pursue higher education in the cultural and creative industries.
King’s College London has a prestigious reputation, with London being such a great hub for creativity and culture, the CMCI course was my first choice for an MA programme.
Since completing your MA you have had an impressive career, working with high-profile clients, can you tell me more about how the MA Cultural and Creative Industries course helped you prepare for these roles and your future after graduation?
The MA programme offered a broad range of subjects in the cultural and creative sector, it sparkled many deeper reflections that I never had before towards these industries and their impacts. It definitely helped to broaden my horizon, and from there I was interested in working the cultural and creative industries. It also gave me confidence in living and working in a multi-cultural society, and how to interact and communicate with people from different backgrounds, which I think is vital for any work environments too.
If you could give any advice to students currently enrolled on MA Cultural and Creative Industries course, what would it be?
The MA course is a great platform to bring out the best of your talents so be brave and confident, and try and explore things that you are passionate about. Do not be afraid to make mistakes.
What did you enjoy most about the MA Cultural and Creative Industries course?
I enjoyed most the resources and connections the MA course offered at the time, such as our relationship to many creative organisations and institution, such as the The Courtauld Gallery, the Tate Modern and the British Film Institute, they provided a wealth of inspirational thoughts, events and resources.
Culture Media and Creative Industries @ Kings 