Fresh Content: Six Months On

This week marks the start of my sixth month working with the Fresh Content team.

It would be super cliche to suggest that the time has flown by... but it really has.

Leaving Birmingham City University after finishing my degree was a promising, albeit slightly frightening, time! I set myself the goal of securing a job by Christmas time. I aimed to apply for everything related to my degree and interests until September and if I had no luck by then, it would be time to widen the search and look for any form of employment. There's bills to pay, after all!

After just my second interview, I secured employment with Fresh Content in September 2013. Getting the call that Friday afternoon was a fantastic way to start my last weekend of being unemployed!

Fast forward six months and I've had some of the most fantastic opportunities to put my skills and education to the test, some great challenges to handle and a lot of fun along the way.

From working on the first Digital Marketing Show, to managing content for the Digital Marketing Magazine and writing content and managing social media platforms for clients, I've had the chance to put both aspects of my role (Event and Content Marketing Executive) into action.

It's been stressful, busy and manic at times but I've had a fantastic few months here and I look forward to the next 6 months and the exciting 2014 we have ahead of us with a move, more events and new content.

You can follow us on Twitter and or follow my professional account for more updates throughout the year.

Have you recently started a job? What have been your best bits so far? Share below!

Re-blog: Newbie Alert!

"As a newbie to both Fresh Content and the fast-paced world of digital marketing, I expected my head to be in a spin before the end of my first day, let alone my first week. Now I’m at the beginning of week 3 as Event and Content Marketing Executive and I can happily confirm that my head is firmly still in place!"

...read more of my first blog for the Fresh Content website here. 

Are you Thinking Big about your career?

If you're a young, aspiring professional trying to get a foot on their desired career ladder, you should already know about the great site that is Go Think Big... 

If you didn't then now you have no excuses! 

Start searching, reading, practicing, applying, and generally using Go Think Big to improve your chances of employment. After all, it's there to help you better your professional chances and opportunities! 

So, who are Go Think Big and why are they helping us?

The teams behind O2, KISS, Kerrang!, Grazia, Empire, Q (...and more!) have come together in response to young people's challenges in the field of work. It's hard to know where to start so Go Think Big have set out to make it that bit easier. But don't worry, it's not all boring business jargon... check out their Twitter page and you'll see they're not immune to some silliness and fun. 

If you're still wondering why you should check out Go Think Big (there can't be many of you!) then I can recommend it from some great firsthand experience... 

As a recent graduate and someone who is actively pursuing a career in the music industry, live events and media fields, Go Think Big has been invaluable. From little things such as 'what to wear to an interview' to huge things such as securing an internship with Bon Jovi's Tour Management, they cover it all! 

There's written features offering advice and inspiration, opportunities to develop your CV and skills, and tools to help you get closer to your dream job. 

Sounds too good to be true, right? Wrong! 

It's all on Go Think Big, so what are you waiting for?

Get ahead in that big, bad world of employment! 

Dotty about Business Cards

I can't help but love business cards. They're functional and fun, especially with the range of creative designs and styles available. I love handing them out while networking! 

Not only are they easy to use and great for developing and maintaining an important contact base but they can be effective in creating a lasting impression if done well. Think of your business card as an extension of the 'professional you' which, if given to the right person, could land you with an exciting opportunity! 

After being pleased with the quality of the Moo.com cards produced for Sundae Promotions, I decided to turn my hand to making some for myself following my graduation from university and transition into the world of job hunting. 

My key tips for effective business cards are:

1. Easy to read - This includes font and colours but also the content of the card. You don't want to bombard your contact with information. Make it short, snappy and straight to the point. You want the reader to know who you are and what you're about in a glance. 
2. Know your field - Design your card to suit or stand out in the career field you are heading into. Perhaps have a look at other examples online or at networking events to get a feel for the style. You want the design to represent you and your skills at a glance.  
3. Attractive design and colours - Of course this depends on what style suits your career field. However, I think having an attractive or eye-catching card is just as important as the content. For example, with my business cards, I am hoping the bright colours will draw the attention of the contact. Remember they may have a pile of business cards but if yours stands out then you're in with a better chance of being remembered. 
4. Vital information - Name, skills, telephone number, email and (if you have one) website. Remember that a business card isn't just there to look pretty. You want this little treasure to develop contacts and provide opportunities. So, the reader needs to know who you are and what you do but your contact details are just as important. Make sure they're all up-to-date and correct before you hit 'Order'. 

Here's my finished product...

If you're going to the effort of designing an attractive and well thought-out business card then make sure you give them the storage they deserve! A flashy little tin card holder keeps your cards crumple-free and safe. You don't have to go rummaging in your bag or purse... they'll be easy to find and easy to give out to those important people. 

What are you waiting for... start creating and networking! 

Investigate Online!

I am currently working on an investigation into the worth of a degree. Within my role as Community Manager I will be talking to those at the heart of this topic, trying to answer their questions and summarise the views and findings. Hopefully the insights and findings from this investigation will help draw light to some very important issues and to address where important  changes need to be made.

I recently posted a piece that pointed out some very interesting questions and ideas about whether arts degrees should be less important, with trainee-ships tacking precedence. Additionally, the value of gaining work experience through internships alongside a degree is becoming apparent in today's society.

Don't hesitate to get involved! Feel free to share your ideas or ask questions.

Make sure you follow us on our investigative journey! The outcomes will be summarised in the final investigation story by our editor by Tuesday 6th March 2012.

http://www.investigateonline.co.uk/