I will start this entry with some good news; I have successfully completed the Social Media Internship, which will appear upon my HEAR when I graduate in 2014. The whole experience has enabled me to develop my confidence with job searches, but to also self-reflect upon my abilities, achievements and goals. I am quite proud that through engaging my passion with writing, social media and communication, I now have another something on my CV and my HEAR certificate.
In relation to the title of this blog, I have applied for a work experience placement at thisisglobal Academy, with the hope of gaining some experience with Broadcast Journalism. I am waiting for a response to my application with all fingers and toes crossed. It would be an amazing opportunity, one which would really encourage all of my passions. This week I also wrote my second article for blog.grads.co.uk which focuses upon the essential skill of time management as a student, and the benefits of being well organised and time efficient - will be quite an experience to see something I have produced on a website and interactive blog which is accessed daily by such a large audience. It is exciting, but I am also quite nervous - it has been a long time since I have had something published (I occasionally write poetry, of which some has been published).
In the meantime, I am currently researching internships in Birmingham and the West Midlands. There are some fantastic opportunities already for what I want to do, but unfortunately they are in London. I am willing to travel to London each day if I could, but unfortunately my finances do not cover the costs of travel and accommodation. It is a shame, but it makes me ever more determined to succeed in Birmingham (hopefully!)
I am also focusing upon the Public History Conference as part of my BA History degree. The theme of Liberty, Emancipation and Equality is proving to be quite intriguing, and the group paper which I am involved with surrounds the UN and the influence it has on the social and cultural aspects of daily life in Africa. As this project develops I will of course update here, but at the moment it is still taking baby steps. I have the Making of Modern Medicine and Close Encounters modules running alongside this, as well as writing the first chapter of my Research Project. It's all hands-on and there are times where I am so tired, but I absolutely love what I am studying. The feedback I received from the Society, Culture and Politics of World War 1 module have really boosted my confidence. Overall I received as 2:1, which alongside the 1st I received in the Behind Closed Doors module, looks very promising.
Always moving forward, I will of course update this blog with any new developments.
Until then, best wishes.
Saturday, 9 February 2013
Monday, 28 January 2013
Writing Opportunities
From a young age, I have had a passion and interest in writing. It was the niche I felt I had which enabled me to stand out against my siblings or my peers, and it has been a mixture of a hobby and a goal professionally for me.
I have been using the skills and tips learnt through the Social Media Internship to research writing opportunities, and have recently applied for a freelance writing opportunity through iTrigga which was advertised through Media Jobs UK and another which was a brilliant use of the social networking platform to advertise opportunities, @GumptionMag.
I will of course update this blog with progress on each opportunity, and I am still researching writing opportunities to develop my experience of writing, public relations and also editing - a skill which I have not had much experience with, so this is the next goal to achieve.
If you have any tips, advice or opportunities you feel I would benefit from, please contact me through the comments below and I will of course get back to you.
I have been using the skills and tips learnt through the Social Media Internship to research writing opportunities, and have recently applied for a freelance writing opportunity through iTrigga which was advertised through Media Jobs UK and another which was a brilliant use of the social networking platform to advertise opportunities, @GumptionMag.
I will of course update this blog with progress on each opportunity, and I am still researching writing opportunities to develop my experience of writing, public relations and also editing - a skill which I have not had much experience with, so this is the next goal to achieve.
If you have any tips, advice or opportunities you feel I would benefit from, please contact me through the comments below and I will of course get back to you.
Friday, 11 January 2013
2013 and new professional developments
So it has been a while since I have written an entry due to essays and assignments, and of course Christmas. After finishing my first semester of my second year, the end of my degree is in sight and so is the prospect of entering the workig and professional world.
2013 has a few exciting opportunities in store for me, the first is the final touches of my work based module which I will be starting at Bournville College in May 2013. The project is confidential, therefore I cannot discuss anything in detail but it will definitely improve my confidence within the marketing and PR sector. The opportunities that this experience will bring are endless, and will provide me with essential experience and knowledge to present when applying for graduate jobs in June 2014.
My goal is to find a part-time job which will aid my studies and also my desire to finally learn how to drive. I have focused quite heavily upon my studies and education, and now that this is coming to an end in just over 15 months time, it is time I acquired life skills as well as academic.
Another aim of this blog is to highlight my achievements of 2012 working at Bournville College, Birmingham and being actively involved with a wide range of public relation and marketing roles. Many people ask why I am studying BA History if I want to pursue a career which is relatively unrelated, and the answer is quite simple. I had no idea what I wanted to do until I started studying History. The opportunities which a degree has provided have included becoming an active member within the University of Derby Students' Union which I have mentioned before, but it also required me to take on more responsibility for my future. Writing a blog, undertaking the Social Media Internship are both consequences of being a student.
As a History student I have been able to focus upon my skills of report writing, the collation of information, the method in which I communicate my objective understanding and the development of my communication and interpersonal skills. It has enabled me to develop my confidence working within a team and becoming a more assertive individual for what I believe to be true and right. I have developed my creative approach to problem solving and a whole range of other skills.
The internship I undertook at Bournville College gave me a taste of where I would like to be at the end of my degree. I wrote a range of articles for the college website and newspapers such as the Birmingham Mail, and I was also selected as the A-level success story despite finishing my A-levels nearly 2 years ago. I worked with deadlines, within a team and collaborating with the skills of my colleagues to ensure the successful promotion of the college and its' facilities.
(A link of all the articles I was involved with are listed on the right)
In the next eighteen months I hope to secure a placement as a writer within a magazine or newspaper environment, and improve both my skills and passion for creative writing. I also wish to complete my BA History degree and undertake a CIM, developing my CV and professional understanding of a marketing and PR environment and the responsibilities it entails.
Thank you.
2013 has a few exciting opportunities in store for me, the first is the final touches of my work based module which I will be starting at Bournville College in May 2013. The project is confidential, therefore I cannot discuss anything in detail but it will definitely improve my confidence within the marketing and PR sector. The opportunities that this experience will bring are endless, and will provide me with essential experience and knowledge to present when applying for graduate jobs in June 2014.
My goal is to find a part-time job which will aid my studies and also my desire to finally learn how to drive. I have focused quite heavily upon my studies and education, and now that this is coming to an end in just over 15 months time, it is time I acquired life skills as well as academic.
Another aim of this blog is to highlight my achievements of 2012 working at Bournville College, Birmingham and being actively involved with a wide range of public relation and marketing roles. Many people ask why I am studying BA History if I want to pursue a career which is relatively unrelated, and the answer is quite simple. I had no idea what I wanted to do until I started studying History. The opportunities which a degree has provided have included becoming an active member within the University of Derby Students' Union which I have mentioned before, but it also required me to take on more responsibility for my future. Writing a blog, undertaking the Social Media Internship are both consequences of being a student.
As a History student I have been able to focus upon my skills of report writing, the collation of information, the method in which I communicate my objective understanding and the development of my communication and interpersonal skills. It has enabled me to develop my confidence working within a team and becoming a more assertive individual for what I believe to be true and right. I have developed my creative approach to problem solving and a whole range of other skills.
The internship I undertook at Bournville College gave me a taste of where I would like to be at the end of my degree. I wrote a range of articles for the college website and newspapers such as the Birmingham Mail, and I was also selected as the A-level success story despite finishing my A-levels nearly 2 years ago. I worked with deadlines, within a team and collaborating with the skills of my colleagues to ensure the successful promotion of the college and its' facilities.
(A link of all the articles I was involved with are listed on the right)
In the next eighteen months I hope to secure a placement as a writer within a magazine or newspaper environment, and improve both my skills and passion for creative writing. I also wish to complete my BA History degree and undertake a CIM, developing my CV and professional understanding of a marketing and PR environment and the responsibilities it entails.
Thank you.
Monday, 3 December 2012
CV Writing and Work Placement interview
It's coming to the end of the Social Media Internship with a few weeks left, but I'm going to continue writing this blog as a way of professional reflection, and how social media as well as other tools enable me to pursue the right path for me following my degree.
Two developments recently:
I'm in the middle of writing a graduate CV and covering letter, focusing on the Marketing and Public Relations industry. It was interesting to hear that people who use Windows Live accounts are not taken seriously when applying for jobs, so I will be using a new email address for any employment and work placement correspondances.
It's also strange to think of all the things I have done, and narrow them down to the essentials which will hopefully "sell" me to the right employer. I have been involved with so many projects over the past four years that it's quite an eye-opening experience as well as a frustrating one when it comes to writing down my skills and experiences.
I had an appointment a few weeks ago with a Careers Advisor at the University of Derby Career Development Center which has helped me move in the right direction, and I have also been using links from Prospect.ac.uk such as CV's and Covering Letters which again has been quite useful.
The second development is I now have a work placement interview at the Royal Shakespeare Collection after I followed them on Twitter, and saw the opportunity posted via a Tweet. For someone who is studying History and looking for more experience working within a History and Creative Arts industry this really excited me and I spent a good few hours writing my application form. I will be updating how this interview goes on Wednesday, so fingers crossed!
That's all for the moment, hopefully enter soon.
Two developments recently:
I'm in the middle of writing a graduate CV and covering letter, focusing on the Marketing and Public Relations industry. It was interesting to hear that people who use Windows Live accounts are not taken seriously when applying for jobs, so I will be using a new email address for any employment and work placement correspondances.
It's also strange to think of all the things I have done, and narrow them down to the essentials which will hopefully "sell" me to the right employer. I have been involved with so many projects over the past four years that it's quite an eye-opening experience as well as a frustrating one when it comes to writing down my skills and experiences.
I had an appointment a few weeks ago with a Careers Advisor at the University of Derby Career Development Center which has helped me move in the right direction, and I have also been using links from Prospect.ac.uk such as CV's and Covering Letters which again has been quite useful.
The second development is I now have a work placement interview at the Royal Shakespeare Collection after I followed them on Twitter, and saw the opportunity posted via a Tweet. For someone who is studying History and looking for more experience working within a History and Creative Arts industry this really excited me and I spent a good few hours writing my application form. I will be updating how this interview goes on Wednesday, so fingers crossed!
That's all for the moment, hopefully enter soon.
Sunday, 25 November 2012
Interviewing skills through Social Media
I have been slightly quiet with regards to posting blogs, but as you can guess my degree has certain demands right now which I need to focus on.
One thing I wanted to write about, and in turn ask about, is interview tips. Particularly for internships, or a future career. I want to enter a profession where a lot of the job descriptions ask for a degree in English, Marketing and PR, Communications or something similar.
I'm guessing that the reason for this is so you have some sort of background knowledge to apply, but for me, the information I have so far is from work experience.
I have volunteered across a wide range of institutes to gain experience, but being able to put that experience into a concise and educated response to questions such as "What sort of marketing strategies would you bring to this company?" is something of a worry for me.
This has been a pressing thought for me for quite some time, and it's actually ironic that today I stumbled across an article on Twitter which talks about a Marketing and PR Internship at Lasa, and this provided me with a 'check-list' of things to research and keep in mind when searching for a career/internship but also what to do if I am offered an interview.
There are several points which I am already doing, including keeping a portfolio of all the things I have been involved in, and researching the company I wish to work for is another key element for interview preparation as it provides an idea of what sort of marketing strategies and skills I already posses and can bring to the team.
This article written by a graduate has offered me some sort of reassurance, and in a few weeks time as part of my Professional Development Portfolio at university, I will be attending an interview workshop which will really help with my confidence and give me some other things to keep in mind.
I have an interview on the 5th December for the Royal Shakespeare Collection for a work placement, and again this is an incredible opportunity to develop new skills and research into an area of history which I genuinely love. My confidence with the interview however is starting to affect my mindframe.
So, as I end this entry I would like to ask if anyone has any tips for interviews and also how do you cope when your mind suddenly goes blank from the pressure of being on the spot?
I'm great with public speaking now, but reflecting on my own strengths and attributes is something which I am still trying to get my head around.
Feedback would be great, and I'll update again soon.
One thing I wanted to write about, and in turn ask about, is interview tips. Particularly for internships, or a future career. I want to enter a profession where a lot of the job descriptions ask for a degree in English, Marketing and PR, Communications or something similar.
I'm guessing that the reason for this is so you have some sort of background knowledge to apply, but for me, the information I have so far is from work experience.
I have volunteered across a wide range of institutes to gain experience, but being able to put that experience into a concise and educated response to questions such as "What sort of marketing strategies would you bring to this company?" is something of a worry for me.
This has been a pressing thought for me for quite some time, and it's actually ironic that today I stumbled across an article on Twitter which talks about a Marketing and PR Internship at Lasa, and this provided me with a 'check-list' of things to research and keep in mind when searching for a career/internship but also what to do if I am offered an interview.
There are several points which I am already doing, including keeping a portfolio of all the things I have been involved in, and researching the company I wish to work for is another key element for interview preparation as it provides an idea of what sort of marketing strategies and skills I already posses and can bring to the team.
This article written by a graduate has offered me some sort of reassurance, and in a few weeks time as part of my Professional Development Portfolio at university, I will be attending an interview workshop which will really help with my confidence and give me some other things to keep in mind.
I have an interview on the 5th December for the Royal Shakespeare Collection for a work placement, and again this is an incredible opportunity to develop new skills and research into an area of history which I genuinely love. My confidence with the interview however is starting to affect my mindframe.
So, as I end this entry I would like to ask if anyone has any tips for interviews and also how do you cope when your mind suddenly goes blank from the pressure of being on the spot?
I'm great with public speaking now, but reflecting on my own strengths and attributes is something which I am still trying to get my head around.
Feedback would be great, and I'll update again soon.
Wednesday, 14 November 2012
Using Social Media to build contacts
The ultimate purpose of the Social Media Internship is to build professional contacts who we can use to find work experience, part-time or full-time employment and to seek advice in terms of how to develop.
My previous posts have been about the development of my skills but this post will look at how I have been able to use social networking sites such as Twitter and Linkedin to broaden my network of professionals and how I have utilised both services.
The first development came when I applied to become a student writer for grads.co.uk which is a blog relating to student experiences whilst studying and can focus on a wide range of things.
I was emailed back shortly after my application with the news that I had been accepted as a student blogger with the following statement:
The second development has come through meeting a fellow student at the University of Derby who has a love for books. This is not only a common interest, but I have been able to share a project with her which will enhance both of our skills. I am hosting a book sale to raise money for Oxfam, one of the charities which I feel passionate about and I need help planning and managing. Callie has those skills and eventually wants to open her own book shop so this has become a mutual relationship where we can work together to produce something amazing.
Other communications has involved me setting up a meeting with someone whose career is centered around public relations and I have also emailed Big Cat Group which is a company in Birmingham who specialise in Marketing and Public Relations to ask a range of questions such as how I can enhance my CV, are there any recommended courses I need to undertake and potentially arrange some work experience as I feel I need to start branching out.
Ultimately my goal is to work in Public Relations with an amazing team, and I have found one at Bournville College so there is a part of me which hopes that by the time I graduate, I will be considered for employment however this is not a concrete plan and there may be things out of my control so I am not counting all my chickens, so having more experience and extending my knowledge, understanding and contacts within the career field is essential at this point, and even if I gain employment.
Prior the starting the internship, I already used Twitter as a way of connecting with companies around Derby and in Birmingham. I've followed fundraising groups, professionals and individuals who have experience in the field I want to work in and so my goal is to look at how I can build upon my interactions through Twitter and again potentially find some work experience or receive some advice on how I can stand out in 2014 when I graduate.
Thank you for reading, will update again soon.
My previous posts have been about the development of my skills but this post will look at how I have been able to use social networking sites such as Twitter and Linkedin to broaden my network of professionals and how I have utilised both services.
The first development came when I applied to become a student writer for grads.co.uk which is a blog relating to student experiences whilst studying and can focus on a wide range of things.
I was emailed back shortly after my application with the news that I had been accepted as a student blogger with the following statement:
"This position is voluntary however it would reflect exceptionally well on your CV, enhance your core skills and your work will be viewed by all candidates who visit our site and clients who advertise with us – who knows, you may even get head hunted. You will have your very own profile page on our website, with links to all your social networks – thus enhancing your profile."This is an amazing opportunity and it happened within days of using Linkedin which is a social media platform which I avoided prior to starting the internship. I will now have experience proof-reading, writing, editing and being involved with a wide community of graduates which is something I know I can use in the future.
The second development has come through meeting a fellow student at the University of Derby who has a love for books. This is not only a common interest, but I have been able to share a project with her which will enhance both of our skills. I am hosting a book sale to raise money for Oxfam, one of the charities which I feel passionate about and I need help planning and managing. Callie has those skills and eventually wants to open her own book shop so this has become a mutual relationship where we can work together to produce something amazing.
Other communications has involved me setting up a meeting with someone whose career is centered around public relations and I have also emailed Big Cat Group which is a company in Birmingham who specialise in Marketing and Public Relations to ask a range of questions such as how I can enhance my CV, are there any recommended courses I need to undertake and potentially arrange some work experience as I feel I need to start branching out.
Ultimately my goal is to work in Public Relations with an amazing team, and I have found one at Bournville College so there is a part of me which hopes that by the time I graduate, I will be considered for employment however this is not a concrete plan and there may be things out of my control so I am not counting all my chickens, so having more experience and extending my knowledge, understanding and contacts within the career field is essential at this point, and even if I gain employment.
Prior the starting the internship, I already used Twitter as a way of connecting with companies around Derby and in Birmingham. I've followed fundraising groups, professionals and individuals who have experience in the field I want to work in and so my goal is to look at how I can build upon my interactions through Twitter and again potentially find some work experience or receive some advice on how I can stand out in 2014 when I graduate.
Thank you for reading, will update again soon.
Time management
I am not the first, nor the last, to admit that before I started my degree I was someone who abused the fact that time was a 'luxury' - by this I mean I wasted time, I lost track of time and I always relied on my mom to remind me of key things such as the dentist, cadet uniform, camping dates.
Then I moved out, and a whole world of things happened. One of the key things I noticed is I was relying more and more upon To Do lists and highlighters, and I eventually purchased my first diary. I was starting to organise my own time and my own responsibilities.
I will be honest, it's something I became addicted to and love. I have colour schemes on my calendar for a range of things, for example orange will always represent a social event, and blue will represent an essay deadline or the date of a seminar which I need to present. I began to respect and admire people who keep mental calendars, or parents who manage their own timetables as well as their partners, their childrens and extended family. I began to respect the fact that time is crucial, and time is precious.
Things such as essay writing, domestic chores (I will never find a love for laundry washing), shopping, socialising, job hunting, part-time work, volunteering... it all collides at once and I found it incredibly hard at times to switch off at the end of each day. I have managed to find a balance now with categorising people and activities, and turning my phone off or diverting calls past a certain time so I have Me Time. I've found that timetabling my weeks, my days important and I rely heavily upon structure.
There are times when structure gets thrown out the window and I refuse to do anything but relax, but I know that by the next day I will be back on form and ready for whatever is coming my way (most of it is essay deadlines at the moment).
Time management is something which I have struggled with but is something I've found to be essential both on a personal level and also within the work place. I've realised the importance of meetings, appointment, getting things done and how important it is to work as a team to make sure each person is on the right track.
My work placement at Bournville College involved me writing articles in time to be published by major newspapers such as the Birmingham Mail. This demonstrated to me how important it was to break down what needed to be done and utilise my love for To Do lists, and remind myself that if I was to be disorganised with my own timetable and my own deadlines, then this has a domino effect on everyone else.
I know that this blog is focusing on how I have developed with each of the skills listed upon my Curriculum Vitae, but I find that being aware of my developments, how they have happened and how I can progress or utilise them is essential if I am to achieve what I want to achieve from this Social Media Internship.
This blog has provided me with a sense of purpose to my writing (ramblings) and it has also provided me with a reflective outlet where I am able to access, evaluate and move forward, and that saves me time in the future when searching for things to say when I hopefully attend an interview to be a Public Relations Officer (time management and effective delivery of projects... key!).
I do have a lot more things to write about in terms of my development but I want to be able to save those for another time.
My goals for the next week though are as follows:
- Finalise my seminar notes and essay reading
- Organise an informal meeting with Callie regarding a fundraising book-sale (we met through the Social Media Internship and she loves books... I'm excited!)
- Research career fields and edit CV for PDP portfolio
- Organise meeting to go through interview techniques
- Get an idea of how to finalise Derby Award portfolio which is stressing me out
- Write 300 word article for a student-led nationwide blog.
I will update again soon and I hope that you have found this blog to be engaging. If you have any advice on how to improve or what you would like to see then you can leave a comment.
Thank you.
Then I moved out, and a whole world of things happened. One of the key things I noticed is I was relying more and more upon To Do lists and highlighters, and I eventually purchased my first diary. I was starting to organise my own time and my own responsibilities.
I will be honest, it's something I became addicted to and love. I have colour schemes on my calendar for a range of things, for example orange will always represent a social event, and blue will represent an essay deadline or the date of a seminar which I need to present. I began to respect and admire people who keep mental calendars, or parents who manage their own timetables as well as their partners, their childrens and extended family. I began to respect the fact that time is crucial, and time is precious.
Things such as essay writing, domestic chores (I will never find a love for laundry washing), shopping, socialising, job hunting, part-time work, volunteering... it all collides at once and I found it incredibly hard at times to switch off at the end of each day. I have managed to find a balance now with categorising people and activities, and turning my phone off or diverting calls past a certain time so I have Me Time. I've found that timetabling my weeks, my days important and I rely heavily upon structure.
There are times when structure gets thrown out the window and I refuse to do anything but relax, but I know that by the next day I will be back on form and ready for whatever is coming my way (most of it is essay deadlines at the moment).
Time management is something which I have struggled with but is something I've found to be essential both on a personal level and also within the work place. I've realised the importance of meetings, appointment, getting things done and how important it is to work as a team to make sure each person is on the right track.
My work placement at Bournville College involved me writing articles in time to be published by major newspapers such as the Birmingham Mail. This demonstrated to me how important it was to break down what needed to be done and utilise my love for To Do lists, and remind myself that if I was to be disorganised with my own timetable and my own deadlines, then this has a domino effect on everyone else.
I know that this blog is focusing on how I have developed with each of the skills listed upon my Curriculum Vitae, but I find that being aware of my developments, how they have happened and how I can progress or utilise them is essential if I am to achieve what I want to achieve from this Social Media Internship.
This blog has provided me with a sense of purpose to my writing (ramblings) and it has also provided me with a reflective outlet where I am able to access, evaluate and move forward, and that saves me time in the future when searching for things to say when I hopefully attend an interview to be a Public Relations Officer (time management and effective delivery of projects... key!).
I do have a lot more things to write about in terms of my development but I want to be able to save those for another time.
My goals for the next week though are as follows:
- Finalise my seminar notes and essay reading
- Organise an informal meeting with Callie regarding a fundraising book-sale (we met through the Social Media Internship and she loves books... I'm excited!)
- Research career fields and edit CV for PDP portfolio
- Organise meeting to go through interview techniques
- Get an idea of how to finalise Derby Award portfolio which is stressing me out
- Write 300 word article for a student-led nationwide blog.
I will update again soon and I hope that you have found this blog to be engaging. If you have any advice on how to improve or what you would like to see then you can leave a comment.
Thank you.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)