Ad School

For young people, work experience is often associated with tedious tasks such as making cups of tea and photocopying. It rarely gives you a true insight into the industry itself leaving you none the wiser on whether that career is for you.

Determined to make a change, VCCP have created Ad School - a week long crash course teaching you everything you need to know about advertising. And I was lucky enough to take part.

On Monday morning we were split into groups and briefed by a client. Throughout the week we spent time with various members of the agency, who taught us everything we needed to know in order to answer the brief. From planning to TV production to social media, we learnt about each and every part of the agency. Applying our learnings, we then presented back our ideas to a panel of judges on the final day. 

I would be lying if I said it was easy - it was an intense week which really did put your skills to the test. But it was worth every minute of it as I couldn't have asked for a better introduction into the world of advertising. I have gained so much knowledge through working first-hand on a brief from start to finish. 

12 months on

I cannot believe 12 months have passed since I last posted on here. I won't start making excuses as in all honestly, I don't have any, so let's just pick up where we left off..

This time last year I was desperately seeking a job for my year in industry. I'm now half way through my 12 month placement with O2 and loving every minute of it. Working in the Campaigns team for O2 Business has forced me to enter the big wide world, which I guess isn't as scary as I thought.

So, what have I learnt?

1. Getting a placement is tough. Applications, telephone interviews, assessment centres - it's a long process. And it takes a lot of determination. But practice makes perfect and I can assure you it's worth it in the end. 
2. Working life takes some getting used to. 9-5, 5 days a week is very different to life as a student. Lets just say 9am lectures no longer seem worth complaining about. 
3. It's not what you know, it's who you know. Unfortunately this is the sad reality. Network with anyone and everyone - you never know who you may need in the future. 
4. There is no better teacher than experience. It's all very well having the skills, but they're of no use until you put them into practice. Challenge yourself to step outside your comfort zone and try something new. 
5. Make the most of your weekends. For some reason, they seem to go 10x faster than any other day of the week so make plans and do something different. You can sleep when you're dead right?