Lincoln School of Design & Architecture

BA (hons) Michelle Walsh: Creative Confidence Coaching

Michelle Walsh: Creative Confidence Coaching

Michelle Walsh is a Senior Lecturer in Photography with postgraduate qualifications in psychology and nearing completion of a Level 5 Professional Coaching qualification. She is an experienced facilitator, with a background in participatory photography projects in the UK and internationally, supporting reflective practice, dialogue, and confidence-building in group settings.

Summary:

Creative Confidence Coaching is a small-group coaching programme for final-year students preparing to transition from university into professional creative practice. It focuses on  professional identity, career direction, resilience, and employability, offering structured space to reflect, build clarity, and move forward with confidence.

The programme is open to students across all disciplines in the School of Design and Architecture, particularly those whose path into and through university hasn’t been straightforward; whether due to external pressures, responsibilities, health, confidence, or feeling less visible within the system. The programme runs across three sessions, with 9 places available for students able to commit to attending all sessions.

Dates, Times and Locations

  • Session 1: Creative Confidence & Self-Belief  –  (2 hours) – Tuesday – 10.00 -12.00 NDH2018
  • Session 2: Professional Identity & Career Direction – (2 hours) – Thursday 13.30-15.30 NDH2017  
  • Session 3: Resilience & Navigating Industry Pressures (2 hours) – Friday 10.00 -12.00 NDH2018 

DETAILED OUTLINE

Programme Overview 

This three-session group coaching programme is designed to support final-year students as they transition from university into professional creative practice. It focuses on confidence, professional identity, career direction, resilience, and employability. 

Who Can Take Part 

The coaching is aimed at Final-year undergraduate students who are perhaps the first in your family to have come to University or lack confidence in preparing for the workplace. It is open to students across all disciplines with the School of Design and Architecture. *You will need to be able to attend all 3 sessions. 

Participation  

Due to the reflective and group-based nature of the programme, places are limited to 9 students to ensure a supportive and effective learning environment. 

Commitment 

The programme is designed as a connected three-part interactive process, attendance at all three sessions is required once a place has been accepted.  Students are therefore asked to commit to attending all sessions. Those who anticipate being unable to do so are encouraged not to apply, allowing the place to be offered to another student 

Application 

Students wishing to take part should submit a short application to mwalsh@lincoln.ac.uk including: 

  • Name 
  • Course / programme 
  • Email address 
  • A brief statement (100 words max) outlining why you would like to take part and how you feel the programme would benefit you. 

Applications will be reviewed to ensure a balanced group across disciplines. 

Ethical Framework 

The programme is developmental, not therapeutic. Emotional safety, confidentiality, respect, and autonomy are central principles. 

Programme Aims 

  • Build creative confidence and self-belief. 
  • Support professional identity formation. 
  • Develop resilience for creative industries. 
  • Enhance employability readiness.  

Session Structure 

  • Session 1: Creative Confidence & Self-Belief  –  (2 hours) – Tuesday – 10.00 -12.00 NDH2018
  • Session 2: Professional Identity & Career Direction – (2 hours) – Thursday 13.30-15.30 NDH2017  
  • Session 3: Resilience & Navigating Industry Pressures (2 hours) – Friday 10.00 -12.00 NDH2018 
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