A few more Graduate opportunities...

Hopefully the rainbow brought on by a job will be less painful..

Hello all.

Sorry for the tremendously slow updates; a combination of Christmas and a very busy run up to the festive period left me sidelining AdGrads a tad. But no longer.

There are three opportunities to tell you about:

1) Publicis London:

Publicis are running a graduate scheme that closes on the 22nd of January at 8pm. You can find out more here. You need to send the application form and your CV to gradteam at publicis.co.uk.

Their blurb is below:

"Publicis London is looking for the most promising new grads to join our account management team. Successful applicants from the interview stage will be invited to the ADcademy: an intensive 4 day introduction to the ad industry taking place at 82 Baker Street. Here, you will glean insight from some of the best people in the business and learn what the job is all about, including pitching your idea to a real-life client.Following the ADcademy in April, some lucky grads will be offered places on the year long grad scheme to start in October 2012.

2) Saatchi & Saatchi:

Saatchi's graduate page can be found here. Its Facebook page is here. It has yet to announce dates, but given the launch of the page/the relatively closed nature (you have to ask to be invited to the FB page) of the FB page in order to apply, you should sign up sooner rather than later. As soon as anyone knows the dates, please email me at william dot humphrey at yahoo.co.uk. UPDATE: I've been told this launches on the 19th of January, and anyone who asks can be a member of the FB group.

3) Fallon London:

A few grads have alerted me to Fallon's internships. You can find out more here. In short, you can apply for a paid 3 month internship in account management or planning, or a month's creative placement by emailing myfuture at fallon.co.uk. Planning internships are particularly thin on the ground, so you could definitely apply if Planning's something you might be interested in.

Good luck with those 3, all. I hope to post more regularly in the next few months.

Client services or creative? Or both?

Or a creative suit.

Two new roles to tell you about, chaps.

1) Lambie-Nairn:

The good people at LN are after a client services intern; someone to start ASAP. They're after:

"A graduate that can demonstrate that they know what branding means, someone who is able to work under pressure, meet deadlines and has a keen eye for detail. The candidate will attend to the Global Executive Director a day a week, as well as routinely attending brand clinics. Enthusiasm is very important, as is being conscientious. A Spanish speaker is preferable."

2) Ogilvy's Creative Academy:

"Ogilvy have decided that as most graduate schemes (historically) focus on account handling and planning, that they'd like to run a creative version. Find out more here and here. You'd be working in the creative departments of Dialogue and Ogilvy Action, working with some of the biggest brands in the world - Gillette, Duracell, Braun, Venus and Coca-Cola, giving them access to some of the incredible talent and knowledge within the Ogilvy Group. Various top design universities are taking part, and while we have focused on key creative Universities, such as Kingston, Bournemouth and others, this opportunity is not limited to advertising students.

We know that creativity can come from any discipline or background. Any graduate who feels they can create and execute an idea that can change or reinforce consumer behaviour is eligible for this amazing opportunity. Partners in the scheme are DNA (a boutique specialist Recruitment Consultant) and the MAA(representing the industry). Ogilvy will also have the involvement of P&G in judging our future creative stars. Plus they're exhibiting the finalists’ entries in our Westbourne Terrace office wine bar from February 2012."

Good luck, chaps.

Four is a magic number?

Hi gang.

As an addition to the reasonably exhaustive 2011 grad scheme post, there's a further four graduate opportunities that have winged their way to me here at AdGrads towers. So, without further ado:

Albion London:

"Albion London is a dynamic independent advertising agency based in Shoreditch with clients such as Air New Zealand, Jose Cuervo and Epson. They are looking to recruit an assistant for their marketing team, one who will be excited about the company and keen to develop and progress their role as the company grows. Candidates will be involved in every stage of the pitch process and help promote Albion (through day-to-day PR and events such as Albion Society) as well as ensuring smooth running of the office. Additionally, there is also the opportunity to work closely with the CEO. Albion are conducting interviews over the next two weeks with a view to starting as soon as possible after this so if you’re interested please contact jobs at albionlondon.com for the full job description with your CV and a covering letter."

There is no formal deadline, but the guys are looking to hire as soon as possible, so get involved - they want someone to start in early November.

Clemmow Hornby Inge:

CHI's grad scheme has opened. Check it out here. The deadline's the 25th of November, and they will let you know by the 2nd of December whether you've got an interview.

The Communication Agency:

"The Communications Agency (TCA) is looking for an intern for a 3-month placement, starting immediately, working in our partnerships team. You will help us to brainstorm, sell in and activate brand partnerships for a prestigious portfolio of film and leisure clients including Universal Studios and British Airways. For the right candidate, this could even lead to a permanent graduate role. Go to tcalondon.com and email your CV to the recruitment email address, subject "Partnerships Intern". TCA is a vibrant and award-winning, independent integrated agency whose clients include American Express, Argos, British Airways, The Balvenie, Royal Bank of Scotland, Universal Studios, Warner Bros and Momentum Pictures".

Again, there's no set deadline for this one - it's to start ASAP.

ZenithOptimedia:

ZenithOptimedia (MediaWeek agency of the year 2010) are recruiting graduates to work in a variety of roles including media planning and buying, branded content, digital, search and strategic insights. We have a raft of fantastic clients you would potentially be working on such as L'Oreal, O2, Mars, Molsoon Coors, British Airways and Compare The Market, amongst others. As a graduate at ZenithOptimedia you would also have the opportunity to study toward IPA and Google GAP professional qualifications, as well as being part of an industry renowned graduate programme. We hire all year round (we don't have set intake dates - though one of the questions on the talent hub asking when you can next start/only giving a few fixed dates. Any applicants should answer this question with the date closest to when they can begin.

There's no deadline for this one - and there are a multitude of roles.

So gang, get applying. And, good luck.

Two unique opportunities....

They don't knock, but they might tick.

Hi guys.

I've just been alerted to two of graduate/junior roles, all of which I think could be filled by AdGrads readers.

Both are from KesselsKramer - their London office, the KK Outlet, is looking for two people for two roles.

1) A smart strategist. KK Outlet is looking for a smart strategist who is also super organised who is also able to manage accounts who is also able to get their hands dirty. KK Outlet is KesselsKramer's London office based in Hoxton square – it's a cultural centre, thanks to its gallery and a communications agency with projects and clients in London and Europe. The suitable person is expected to manage some key accounts as well as work on new business, new briefings and the cultural output of the agency. Two years experience, but less is ok if you're the right fit and send a nice email. Details – about work and about yourself please – to info at kkoutlet.com.

2) A talented writer. KK Outlet (KesselsKramer's London office) is looking for a talented writer who is also a very smart conceptual thinker who is able to write anything be it copy, business solutions, short stories, short films, even shorter press releases, letters to lawyers, obituaries, product recall ads, book blurbs, amazon reviews or whisky labels, and can explain a good idea in words so effortlessly that those listening will faint with admiration. You don't need to have an advertising background, but if you do 1 or 2 or so years experience will do. Details – some work and any personal projects please – to info at kkoutlet.com.

Good luck, guys.

Ad Agency Grad Schemes - 2011/12...

Some of these folks may end up working in adland....

Hi all.

This is (probably) the post you've been waiting for, if you're a regular reader of the site. The list of ad agencies that are running graduate schemes in the second half of 2011 are below. I'm sure I've missed one or two - do let me know in the comments:

AMV:

Shortly to open in October 2011 (here). You can keep an eye on the latest comings and goings by following their twitter account.

BBH:

BBH have no ‘formal’ graduate scheme running at the moment; instead, they have two initiatives – one of which is a ten week internship (the twitter’s here), though it appears the deadline’s past (and I’m unclear about whether it is US only or UK and US – does anyone from BBH London want to comment?), and another which is a formalised placement scheme. Check them out.

BMB:

BMB are running a ‘non grad grad scheme’, which is shortly to open. Whether you have a degree or not, you can apply. Keep an eye on it – it reportedly opens on the 1^st of November.

CHI:

CHI’s grad scheme is due to open in December 2011. Watch this page like a hawk, as well as their twitter-stream.

Chime:

The Chime group (which comprises of Ad Agencies - VCCP - design and PR) are shortly to open their scheme. The page should be fully functional/open in November 2011.

Dare:

Dare’s grad scheme has yet to re-open this year. However, their Facebook page (which they used to recruit last year) hints that the graduate scheme is going to open in the Autumn. Their twitter streams (both for main agency and the graduates) should provide a hint as to when it’s going to open.

DAS Accelerate:

The DAS scheme has just launched. It shuts on the 3^rd of January 2012. You can find out more about it on the DAS link above, or go straight to the application page here. Alternatively, you can check out their twitter here.

DLKW Lowe:

My old agency is looking for bright grads to come and join. You can find more details here. You’ll have to apply before midday on the 9^th of November.

Elvis:

Elvis are shortly to announce their 2011 graduate scheme. Any activity will take place on their Facebook wall, which you can see here. Applications will open in Autumn.

JWT London:

JWT's graduate scheme is happening this year - find out more here and on the Facebook page (and the twitter stream). Applications shut on the 2nd of November.

Leo Burnett:

Leo’s have just launched their new graduate scheme, called ‘The Foundry’, aimed at both account handlers and planners. You can find out more about it here. (UPDATE - THE FACEBOOK PAGE IS NOW LIVE. ). Their twitter stream is here. Applications close on Friday 28^th of October.

M&C Saatchi:

M&C’s site indicates that they are going to be recruiting graduates this year, but the link re-directs to a broken email link. They’ve recruited every year since I’ve written AdGrads, so it’s worth keeping your eyes peeled.

Ogilvy:

Ogilvy have a bumper crop of schemes that are shortly to open. They've been in touch. Both the Ogilvy Fellowship and Planning Fellowship open on the 14th of November, and will close on the 8th of January 2012. There's also a two month 'Summer Fellowship', which is going to open in early 2012. You can find out more about the Ogilvy Fellows by looking at their Facebook page, their twitter account or by looking on Youtube. Also, they are launching a competition on Monday (10th of October) for potential applicants to their open night, where top speakers from the group will be chatting. To get a place, you should write a tweet explaining why, and hashtagging it #OgilvyOpenNight.

RKCR/Y&R:

UPDATED: Rainey's grad scheme (for account management) is now live. It closes on the 28th of October.

WPP Fellowship:

WPP's 'golden ticket', 3 year, multiple country and marketing discipline scheme is now open. It shuts Thursday 10th of November at midday, GMT.

Good luck with all of these, guys. Again, let me know if I've missed any.

War of the Words...

You could be one of these folks...

Hello gang.

There will be very shortly be a round up of all of the grad schemes. Honest. In the meantime, the lovely people at Brand Republic have been in touch to talk to me about the forthcoming War of the Words event.

It's squarely aimed at you, AdGrads folks. Sadly, for the studenty types, going along to see it will cost a bit of cash, but there are other opportunities (see the bold type) which you should try to get involved with.

Here's some of the blurb:

"Campaign's War of the Words, in association with The Huffington Post UK, is a new half-day, fast-paced event where speakers (all aged 30 or under), will present ideas that may shape the future in profound ways.

Like the Advertising Association's Front Foot Initiative, it will show the industry the reality of the world in which these speakers - advertising's future - have grown up.

Each speaker will be drawn from different disciplines and territories. Each will present for 15 minutes maximum. Speakers will address how creativity, planning, brands and media might change the face of advertising, and the way it works.
The X Factor-style judges will be Nikki Crumpton, the chief strategy officer of McCann London, David Hackworthy, a founding partner at The Red Brick Road, and Johnny Hornby, a co-founder of CHI & Partners.

There will also be an open-mic strand, open to agency talent of 25 or under, students and any madly hungry young people. In this section, promoted by The Huffington Post UK, ten people will be asked to pitch an idea that can be expressed with a statement starting with two words: "I believe." They will explore their idea in just three minutes."

You wouldn't usually get access to the likes of those big, advertising names usually. To apply for one of the ten open mic places, email wotw at huffingtonpost.com (EMAIL ADDRESS CHANGED) with a piece of up to 500 words on one of things you're most passionate about by (UPDATED DATE) the 31st of October. Creative submissions are actively encouraged, and then Campaign and the Huffington Post will ask the best to submit their 'I believe' 3 minute presentation, and the final ten will be asked to speak at the event.

FURTHER UPDATE: AdGrads readers can now get discounted tickets. The first fifty can buy tickets for £50 plus VAT when they email.

FINAL UPDATE: There's just a few tickets yet....get 'em now.

I hope many AdGrads readers get involved.

Brand bothering, and how it can help...

Yes, it can begin this early.

Hi all.

I tend, these days, to post just job or internship opportunities. When AdGrads was first formed, we tried to write more useful posts about how best to get into the business, but in recent years, it's been a bit job-specific.

So, with that in mind, I've decided to write a post on the topic of personal branding and how to make yourself stand out from the crowd.

With the rise of potential employers googling your name (and some of the more locked down searching Facebook), personal branding is something of a hot topic, and has been for the past few years...particularly when you're considering a career in communications, where opinions on branding (and indeed, people who like making themselves heard) are ten-a-penny.

My stock advice used to be 'start a blog, express your opinions' (particularly for those who wanted to get into planning). Now, given that most communications students/new ad folk have blogs or twitter accounts, the grad market is overrun with opinions.

Not a problem, you might claim; my opinion is good enough to get me a job/get me noticed. Well, I'd claim that it probably isn't enough any more. No, in order to truly stand out, you should try and cultivate a wealth of pre-job examples of where you've personally made a difference by improving/changing/helping someone with their communications.

Think about it - was there a local band you helped promote? Have you done something in social media? Created a character/persona who is widely followed? What did you learn? How could this experience help the businesses you're thinking of joining?

Or, for more specific job roles - have you proven how well organised you are when putting on a play at University? (This looks good for an account management role). Have you taken part in the 'Account Planning School of the Web'? (It's open to anyone, but it's good practice/a viable way of improving your strategic chops).

There are people in Advertising/Comms who have done some of these, and many of those things discussed above are the sorts of things that require the same skills to tackle situations they have to deal with daily.

Don't just talk about how important it is to be aware of digital and communicate well - live it, point to it before you interview and demonstrate your skills.

You've got a blank canvas out there to impress the industry. Who knows - if you do a good enough job, you may just get onto Brand Republic and secure that first graduate role without ever having to go on a grad scheme.