Last Thursday Robin and I woke up at the crack of dawn to head to the Ideas for Work Experience event at Cardiff University. Robin had never even been to Wales before (talk about sheltered!). But first impressions were good – we loved Cardiff! Especially the Prince of Wales pub (huc hum).

We had a great time chatting to all the Cardiff students that came along and we got some fantastic feedback about what people think of WEXO and what how we can best help you get the careers you want.
We’re big kids here at WEXO and simply LOVE sweets. So when it came to choosing a competition for a £50 Amazon voucher we couldn’t think of anything better than that oldie (but goodie) guess the number of sweets in the jar. Thanks to everyone that took part, but congratulations to Jak Hambleton for bagging the fifty squid voucher! Keep checking our Facebook and Twitter for upcoming competitions.

We were both made to feel very welcome, so thanks Cardiff Uni, no wonder you guys have such a good rep!

photo: ohpleasepeas - photobucket

IT LOOKS as if the journalism industry might be going through a similar crisis to that of the music industry a few years ago. With so much available on the internet for free, nobody wants to pay for content at a time with an increased number of aspiring journos. Something has to give. The widely believed theory of if you work hard enough for something then you will achieve it simply cannot work for everyone, no matter how brilliant nor hard working you are.


That’s the bad news. The good news is that if you are looking for a creative, varied job where you meet lots of people, there are many different types of role out there. You can have a fish for various different media internships and practical experience here via the search on the homepage.


Whatever area of journalism that’s for you it’s becoming more and more likely you will now need a vocational qualification from the NCTJ (The National Council for the Training of Journalists).

Here’s there site – http://www.nctj.com/. Checking out their website should be your first stop in taking your career in journalism seriously. Even if you decide not to go for a post grad NCTJ course it’s a great place to get information about getting into the industry and the skills that look attractive to employers.

General Tips:

- DO work experience. If you can, try to get some work experience before you leave university when funding is less of an issue.
- DO speak to people in the industry you want to work in. BUT be very careful, specifics of how to get into the industry may have changed. A lot of people will say they didn’t need a qualification for example but the media industry is changing at a dramatic rate.
- DO lots and lots of writing. Start a blog and write as often as you can. Carry a notebook around with you and be thinking of ways to write about the things you see or inspire you.
- DO when you hear tips that could help… actually do them. Force yourself to write AND keep it up, you are guaranteed to feel the benefit. Thinking of ways to improve is one thing, doing it is another.
- DO become an expert in a chosen field. Whether it’s politics or fashion, expertise in a specific area is valuable and will make you more employable.

Where famous gonzo journalist Hunter Thompson wrote his best

But of course as you know, there are different types of journalism. Here are some great places to start to develop your interest.

Newspaper journalism
http://www.prospects.ac.uk/p/types_of_job/newspaper_journalist_job_description.jsp

Broadcast journalism
http://www.bjtc.org.uk/

Magazine journalism
http://www.prospects.ac.uk/p/types_of_job/magazine_journalist_job_description.jsp

Speak to other students about anything (we love this site). Whatever you want to talk about, you can discuss it with other students.
http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=42986

Here’s another article with some great tips, but have a look around, there are lots. And when you find them post them up here for all to share!

http://www.studenttimes.org/st_career/article.php?article_id=423

Give us your own tips or tell other people about your experiences. We love to hear your comments.

Will Gordo's news be good for you?

AT WEXO we think it’s important to keep you guys up to date with what the government, (or anyone else for that matter) are doing to help young people looking for work. So…

The government just announced The Young Person’s Guarantee. According to the Government, the guarantee will offer up to 470,000 training or work experience opportunities over the next 15 months, benefiting almost 100,000 youngsters straight away. It offers the chance of work through the Future Jobs Fund, work-focused training, a place on a community task force, help with self-employment and internships. Young people will still receive JSA (Job Seeker’s Allowance) while on the schemes. If they do not take up the offer, young people’s benefits will be affected.

It means a bit more freedom and funding to help develop your career. BUT we think they don’t go quite far enough and have one reservation about the plans: The government should be offering more incentives for businesses to pay their interns at least minimum wage. A graduate on Job Seekers Allowance for 6 months could legally be taken on for an internship and paid £46.85 per week? That could be even less than the travel and expenses bills met by some 14 year olds that we send on work experience placements. WEXO would like to see more action being taken to incentivise companies to recruit graduates in particular and pay them a respectable wage. Otherwise talk of a ‘lost generation’ could still become a reality.


More info on Young Person’s Guarantee – Press Association Coverage


Tell us what you think of the situation. Is the Young Person’s Guarantee Good news?

Photo: Fashion 156 blog

There’s no lack of speculation about the nature of the fashion industry, inspiring of course films such as The Devil Wears Prada and September Issue. But is there truth in the myths? Is it as cut throat as people say? The best way to know if you’re right for an industry is to get some experience! If you’re interested in breaking into the fashion industry, it can be troubling knowing where to start, but your well connected Uncle WEXO can help you get that first foot through the door. Here’s a quick guide to help you kick start your fashion career.

One thing that is certainly no myth, fashion is competitive. With so many girls desperate to secure themselves a place in it, especially in magazine editorial and stylist roles, you need to be thick skinned, prepared to work very hard indeed and be good at what you do. But fashion is a colossal industry and there are many different types of roles to be had, so keep an open mind!

It is widely accepted that experience is everything, and often, the big names will specify the need for a few internships on your CV before they offer you one themselves. And while it is definitely a good thing to get big names on your CV, when you’re first starting out you might find that your learning curve is much steeper if you look in less obvious places anyway. Those of you eager to quench your career ambition may find the responsibility you get at smaller companies more exciting than it would be as head wardrobe tidier somewhere well known.

Here are some WEXO top career tips to give yourself a head start:

- Use the internet as much as you can. The web is fashion’s outlet du jour and if it isn’t already it will soon be impossible to get into fashion without being internet savvy. It is essential to familiarise yourself with the ways fashion is being presented online, especially with online fashion retail.

Know your stuff: Online retailers to keep your eye on

1) Net-A-Porter – online fashion mecca

2) Matches – one to watch

3) Asos – affordable fashion, for a broad spectrum of budgets and tastes

- SIGN UP FOR EMAIL NEWSLETTERS and updates from not just your favourite mags, but ALL of them. And importantly take the time to read them. Read. read. read. You might get annoyed when unwanted gossip hits your inbox, but the only way to hear about what’s going on at all times is to have as many sources as possible. That’s not to say you shouldn’t be discerning – developing a strong and shrewd opinion will be key, but you’ll need to know about different markets too. These three are a good place to start.

Know your stuff: Fashion updates

1) Vogue.com – for industry and catwalk reporting

2) Grazia online – high street updates and offers great free fashion events

3) Dazed and Confused Online – The artier side of fashion (+they you get the print mag to flick through online)




With bloggers lining the front rows of top shows it’s obvious just how much influence blogs now have. Have a look around for ones you like, there’s plenty out there, but these should get you started.


Know your stuff: Top Fashion blogs


1) The Sartorialist – the Sultan of style teaches the fashion industry a thing or two on a regular basis

2) Jak and Jil – very fun with gorgeous photography

3) Style Bubble – insight into the experiences of an industry girl.




– Make sure you ALWAYS have a ‘can do’ attitude. I’ve been a fashion intern myself and you’ll do well if you learn the art of appearing excited about such tasks as cleaning a dirty wall and being a leaning post for models in high heels. You may not see immediately how this will get you your dream career, but it’s all part of proving your dedication. Even if you studied nuclear physics at Oxford, you will still have to prove your passion by starting at the bottom.

– Be pushy, but NOT annoying. Offer to do extra things and try to make a good impression with the people you meet. Making connections will be key to your success.

Here’s some exciting opportunities that would make impressive additions to your CV.

Dunhill
Global luxury fashion brand giant


“Marketing, PR and Events – You will create the electronic bi-monthly International press Clipping report -To assist with coordinating all new products for image library – Administration duties – To assist with implementation and execution of PR events.”


Apply now




Burberry
Quintessentially English, iconic fashion brand, synonymous with quality the world over.


“We are looking for someone to fill the next available work experience placement at our company, which we will try to adapt depending on your interests and your ambitions. We can only consider applications from candidates with properly completed profiles, including full academic achievements and career/educational history, so please be as detailed as possible.”

Apply for the role now

Giorgio Armani
One of the leading fashion and luxury goods groups in the world today.



“Press Office Intern: You will be responsible for editorial reports, sample send outs and returns, maintenance of the show room, shoot deliveries and general office duties.”

Apply for the role now

MIH Jeans
“today we dress some of the best bums in the world from New York to Tokyo, and not forgetting London” Chloe Lonsdale, Designer and Founder


“Assisting the Sales and Press department- full time internship for three months”

Apply for the role now

Sheerluxe.com


“Your responsibilities will range from helping the editorial team, to liaising with PRs, assisting with the general running of the site, and more. As part of a small team, your role will be really hands on. You’ll also get the opportunity to write articles on fashion, beauty, home and more.”

Apply for the role now

Yukka
Yukka is Europe’s premier urban online clothing company.


“Marketing Internship – We’re look for a talented individual with a passion for fashion to join Yukka and report into the M.D. to help develop our marketing channels in the areas of Social Media, Blogs and many other avenues.”

Apply for the role now

It’s much easier to be reactive than revolutionary and critiques by definition tend to be more critical than complementary. And so it seems today with the reviews of a new government guide – Parent Motivators: A parent’s guide to helping graduates find work.

It effectively encourages parents to show ‘tough love’ towards their graduate offspring and the most rational review I have read was by Graeme Paton in yesterday’s Telegraph but today the Telegraph are on the attack via Philip Johnstone. It is a very well written article. (I myself am spending the next few days working from home and oddly my mother seems to agree with its sentiment!). Johnstone is clearly well read (and as per a previous blog I agree with him on higher education policy) but surely the report is merely a guide – not a directive – and I suspect that some parents outside of the home counties (and even some within judging by my experiences) might find it useful.

I also stumbled upon the ‘Dude Where’s My Career ‘ (DWMC) blog response which is very amusing but like today’s Telegraph article it assumes that Peter Mandelson wrote it and that he should be concentrating on other things and wasting less money (NB: I am no fan of the government but let’s not forget that neither the Tories nor Mandy have ruled out working together when Labour are evicted from power on 25th March).

I confess, I haven’t read the report cover to cover and it might seem a little patronising but it was written by Denise Taylor (Award winning career coach and author of ‘How to get a job in a recession’) and not Mandy (though his Business Innovation and Skills department did produce it). Denise’s credentials as a chartered psychologist and MBA are substantiated by her experiences working with organisations ranging from Vodafone to Christian Aid. All this and from her Tweets (@amazingpeople), it would appear that she even reads NME so she can’t be all bad. In fact she’s probably better qualified than most to write such a guide and I suspect that BIS are merely endorsing it and giving her a platform.

The glaring omission from the report itself was obviously not to mention WEXO in the Useful links section. Joking apart though, the government’s shortcomings are better demonstrated by their failure to research and support private sector initiative and their tendency to try to do things (badly) themselves. We are actively promoting their BIS and LDA programmes to subsidise companies taking on interns and promote paid graduate endeavour (email info@wexo.co.uk for more details). But their own vehicle for promoting it probably cost the tax payer unnecessarily. As DWMC says “First up, we had the much-slated Graduate Talent Pool (“Wow, a load of unpaid internships – that’ll help pay off my £15k of debt…”). This is the very vehicle that could simply have combined private sector initiatives and reduced graduate unemployment with the investment allocated to incentivising companies to open their doors and remunerate them.


Robin Kennedy

There’s been a bit of debate recently on BBC etc on ‘Intern Abuse’. The discussion seems to focus on a) Job-hunting university leavers being warned against paying for services to help get them internships and b) Companies not paying their interns.

The BBC didn’t get round to publishing our feedback so here it is:

We operate on the basis of a ‘Freemium’ model where users can create profiles and search for opportunities for FREE but pay a one-off £10 membership fee which gives them a number of membership benefits (discounts, access to events etc) as well as the ability to identify the names of companies and make applications. In our view this does not constitute anything more than a very reasonable admin fee. Without some form of hurdle like this, companies would be inundated with speculative applications – one of the issues we seek to address. As it is, we find that there is a correlation between the quality (or relevance) of profiles/applications and those that are prepared to pay to join the network.

With advertising rates low, we have had to find ways to make our business model work – we are not yet profitable! To increase supply, companies can post opportunities for free on WEXO but pay us to help them find the right people.

With regard to unpaid internships, we encourage our companies to pay their graduate interns at least the national minimum wage (as legally required and as we have done ourselves) but we do not enforce it. This is a grey area though. I understand that a lot of the internships available on the Graduate Talent Pool are unpaid and that there are unpaid interns at both the BBC and in parliament! Exploitation is wrong but ultimately I would argue that market economics should dictate and if someone wants to work for free to gain valuable experience then they should be allowed to. We are however lobbying the government to subsidise paid internships to encourage companies to offer them.

Robin Kennedy

After graduating from university in August 2008 with a research masters in archaeology, I was fairly confident – despite the recession – that I would be able to find some kind of work, even if it wasn’t my dream job. Sixth months down the line, after numerous failed job applications, unreturned email enquiries, and useless job agencies, a friend suggested that I join WEXO.


After joining and applying for a few jobs, I quickly obtained some work experience working for WEXO itself, and out of this I obtained the internship I am currently doing: working for Intelligence Squared (IQ2), London’s premier debating forum. I am currently working in a small team, helping to build their new website. Not only do I have the chance to put to use the skills I gained at university, but I am also constantly adding new skills to my CV. In addition to helping source content for the website, I carry out research for the background information on the written articles and videos that will appear on the site, and provide input about its layout and style. But the main new skill I have learnt is how to use the software that allows us to add content to the site, and the associated testing and editing. This job was not something I had ever thought of doing when I graduated, but this internship has opened up a whole new career path for me.


What I would recommend about WEO is that it is more personalised than other websites that offer jobs or internships. When I first joined WEXO I was already tired of other websites emailing me details of jobs that were entirely unsuited to me and which seemed to have been chosen at random. Within weeks of joining WEXO I had gained a few days’ work experience there. Shortly after that they arranged for me to have an informal interview (a drink in a pub!) with someone from IQ2, and the next week I started working there. I am hugely grateful to WEXO for this. Although I have only been at IQ2 for two months, I already feel that I have greatly increased my chances for obtaining future employment in a range of roles.


Mark Roberts