Krystof Graf

Krystof Graf came to Solent from the Czech Republic to study BA (Hons) Music Promotion. He now works as a Digital Marketing and Creative Manager for SUPRAPHON a.s. after completing a successful summer internship with them. We caught up with Krystof to find out more about his career path in the music industry and his experience as an international student at Solent.

Why did you decide to study an undergraduate course?

Music has always been a big part of my life and I wanted to work in such a creative industry, where I can be in close touch with inspirational and famous people. As there are not many ways you can study this kind of business in my country, I followed my older brother´s path to study in the UK.

Did you have any concerns about studying a undergraduate course?

My biggest concern was the language, of course. Also coming to a completely different environment and learning about something I had just a little experience of was not helping. However, my teachers and the entire university staff helped me to dispel those fears within the first weeks.

What was the best thing about your course lecturers?

All the lecturers combined their knowledge and personal experience very well within the course. It was very easy to gather some academic knowledge and improve my personal skills, and overview of the business at the same time. Additionally, the whole team was very friendly and willing to help with any issue I faced.

Did you do any work experience as part of your course?

The course pushed you to get some experience. This ranged from developing design software skills to the creation of a whole event; including finance management and promotion techniques.

Additionally, the lecturers and classmates motivated me to apply for a summer internship within SUPRAPHON label, which later led to my current full-time job using all the skills I developed during my time at Solent.

Tell us a bit about your experience as an undergraduate student?

I find Solent and Southampton as a city a great place for students. If you know what you want to focus on, it's very easy to balance your studies with personal life and work. There are many options on how to spend your free time (sport, cultural events, bars and clubs), as well as opportunities to develop your career. The University is able to help you with all these aspects starting from accommodation, to finding new hobbies and student support.

How did Solent prepare you for your career?

As a creative manager in a label, I gathered a great foundation in designing skills (including the software overview) I can now build on. Also, I was able to understand the business ecosystem as a whole, which nowadays helps me with communication within and outside the company. Last, but not least, the course taught me to focus on the targets and prepared me for communication challenges you can sometimes face when working with artists.

What’s been your proudest career achievement?

After five years working in one of the most significant Czech labels, I find my job as one big achievement as whole. The opportunity to work with the biggest local names and contribute to releasing great classical music albums worldwide is very fulfilling feeling.

Tell us a little bit about your current role?

My position currently includes mainly designing posts and banners for online, some video making and online campaigns (Facebook ads, newsletters, etc). Additionally, I manage a few of our artists´ websites and develop the roster on digital platforms (Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube).

Do you have any advice for anyone thinking of studying in your subject area?

Studying and working in the music business is very inspiring, creative and mostly entertaining. Do not expect a 9-5 job with monotonous tasks, however, if you love music and shows, the studies and jobs always overcome the dark sides as it usually feels more like a hobby than a job.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?

I only want to thank Solent a lot for being such a great part of my life and giving me the opportunity and preparing me well for my dream job.