Feeling a recent lack of media in my life, upon stumbling upon this IDM's "2+2=5: Social and CRM" event clearly not aimed at people in my career position, I thought "what the hell, why not?" Though tickets being £24 with a train ticket of £13 was slightly unfriendly to my student budget, it was an absolute synch when compared to the gross that similar media events often cost, and a deemed worthwhile investment for my future career in marketing.
Upon booking my ticket I was sent a request asking for a picture, 25 words on what my business was and my website for their directory. Of these requested items I had only one to offer, and being a Law undergraduate I'm sure you can guess which one.
As the train gathered speed out of Brighton station, dressed in my as per request "business attire" I started to wonder if my intended career-proactivity was in fact a foolish venture destined to leave me floundering out of my depth? Whilst I had known that this seminar wasn't intended for media novices such as myself, I don't think I really realised the high likelihood that the content of the seminar would sail far too high over my head for me to even vaguely grasp at it's content. That said, having read up a bit on the topic, there was nothing more I could do, so as my dad would say (and perhaps act upon a little too often) "the worst that can happen is you'll make a complete **** out of your self in front of strangers you don't care about and are likely to never see again".
Reaching the check-in desk at the Holiday Inn, I picked up my name badge and directory from the standard super-friendly receptionist, chuckling at the fact that I was in the small minority of people that didn't have the title of "Director" next to their name.
Taking my seat, complete with fancy clipboard and complementary note paper, I took note of the marketing bigwigs that surrounded me. In spite of my bambi-esque presence at the IDM event attracting a few sideways glances, actually being in the room I found myself pleasantly unfazed by the situation, and realised that that all my worrying was for nothing.
The first thing I remembered, is that all these big scary media bosses are just people. Whilst a seemingly obvious statement and one that's often repeated, it's something that's so easy to forget when stood next to someone with that much more power and influence than you. Just remember, (most) people aren't rude, and wont bite your head off when you talk to them. More than that, these people have an enormous wealth of knowledge to share and learn from, else they wouldn't have gained that "Director" title in the first place.
Secondly, I realised that even if I didn't grasp some of the presentation, so what? At least I'm giving it a go. I was trying to learn something new, which can't do anything but help in my aim to be a great marketer, and not just any old Job Bloggs.
Further to this, considering that any agency employee/career advisor etc now all harp on about "making yourself stand out", anyone serious about acquiring any sort of marketing career is taking that advice and going that extra mile. Whilst the industry will undoubtedly benefit from an even higher callibre of grads to chose from, it's meaning that you now have to be ever more inventive and creative to show your commitment to the cause, and prove your worth to potential employers.
As such, it is suggested that seminars and events such as these could well be the next common venture for the undergrad. Nowadays, unless you've scaled a mountain with three broken legs or built an entire African town from love, Gap years are becoming increasingly unimpressive, and are nothing more than a stock paragraph on the CV. Indeed barring a committee position, extra-curricular activities too seem standard, and volunteer work is not the coop that it once was. If anything, the majority of people that this writer has spoken to now undertake voluntary work not out of kindness per se, but in an effort to present themselves as the well rounded individuals employers seek.
So how do you now make yourself stand out? Well it looks to this writer as though the answer lies in commitment. People now likely to change career 4 or 5 times in their life, companies don't want those that are merely trying a job out, they want great people that are in it for the long haul. They want the ones that don't just see themselves climbing to the top, but the ones that already know the mountain before even starting the journey. The key to this? Knowledge. Most people that attend an interview will have looked at a company, their work and it's clients, but the ones that will get that all elusive job are those that can show they understand it, that they know they "why" and the "how". That's why it's believed that lectures and seminars such those that I've attended are the future of the undergrad. This further learning holds the key to being able to show a commitment to the industry, a lust for personal improvement and a drive for success.
The conclusion of this unplanned rant? Well it would appear that if you want a career in marketing (or indeed any area), it's no longer about going the extra mile, but going the extra marathon - and not necessarily by the marked route.
Furthermore, don't be afraid of doing it. Go to the lectures, ask questions, go for that social drink with the manager, and most importantly; never say "no". Though perhaps tedious at times, the knowledge and networking skills that comes from these is what will get you that job in today's tough climate. Whilst this marathon effort may mean that when the race is over you'll be exhausted, but at least you'll have made it over the finish line.
(part 2 to include the content and analysis of the seminar)
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