Plans for the Summer…

So Easter is fast approaching and we all know that after Easter there is not much time left of Uni.
It is never too early to start thinking and planning what you are going to do over that long summer break. I have already started applying to agencies in London with regards to work experience, some paid – FAB! some unpaid – not so fab but anything helps. I have had many replies saying “we do not have any opportunities at present but will keep your details for future reference” – does anyone actually believe that they do this?
But I have also had a couple of replies asking me to come in for a chat over Easter to see what can be arranged – result!

I have also completed 3 bigger applications for larger agencies which have included answering questions such as ‘What is your favourite ad and why?’,’If you were a brand what would you be?’ and ‘Why do you believe in digital marketing?’ When I was filling in these forms i thought to myself this seems like a lot of effort, why can’t they just arrange to meet me and decided whether to take me on based on me personally after meeting me? Surely this is the best way of getting to know someone?

Anyway I’ll keep you updated with my progress in my next blog will tell you how to make a good first impression when meeting potential employers.

Im a professional now!

So as I told you I am now working for a Newcastle advertising agency as a result of my work experience in November last year.

I work on my days off from uni which this semester are wednesdays and fridays. Although i appreciate the money which is coming in I am finding working the long 9-5 hard. I have never appreciated my weekends more. On the plus side I am gaining an invaluable insight into the world of advertising and I love it. My job title at the moment is Business Development Coordinator. Sounds great but in reality i am responsible for getting the agency new clients which is a hard task especially in the time of recession. Companies and businesses are spendning less on advertising so my job is proving to be difficult. However from working at the agency I a have confirmed my passion for a career within Accouunt Management and hope to gain a graduate scheme in Account Executive of Account Management position. I have learnt a lot about how all the departments of an advertising agency fit and work together, from the creatives who design the adverts, to the media planners and buyers who delegate the adverts into chosen media forms such as TV channels, radio slots, magazines and newspapers.

In my next blog I will tell you what I plan to do over the summer in trems of work experience as the more you can get the better this will look for potential employers and the more commercial accumen you will gain and the more skills you will learn.

Getting your foot in the door!

My name is Laura Robinson and i am a second year media, communication and cultural studies student. Since my A level studies have have had a keen interest in a career in advertising and one day hope to become a creative director for a top advertising agency. I believe if you have a passion for something you should never give up persuing your dream. Having a goal spurs on motivation which ultimatley leads to success. Success comes with pereseverence.

In order to get to where you want to be in life you have to make the effort. I found this to be true when i started trying to get work experience in an advertising agency. A year later after trying i have only just managed to get some unpaid work expreience with an advertising agency. I got this through looking up agencies in the North East graduate directory and contacting the relevant agencies who said they could offer work experience. After a number of non-replies or responses such as “unfortunately we have no current vacancies but we will keep your details on file if anything comes up in the future” i was begining to het frustrated. However finally one agency contacted me and asked me for my CV and cover letter explaining what i was looking to gain out of work experience. Success at last. I received a call asking me to come in ofr an interview and after the interview I was offered a placement.