I don't remember a time when I wasn't fascinated by the media. When I was little, I could recite pretty much every advert on TV and have always been interested in acting.
Looking into getting jobs in the world of the media, while it is an expanding Market in many ways with social media and new marketing methods being deployed - it remains hard. Particularly for someone like me who has that interest and passion but has only got an A in AS Level Media Studies.
So here's my plea to any media employers who might be reading this....
I have so much enthusiasm for working in the media, what drives me most in this area is the constant change and innovation we see there. The Internet, being possibly the biggest advancement in communication technology ever, is changing how businesses operate and target their customers. The markets are slowly all becoming universal and open to all and the media marketing strategies need adapting to accomodate this change.
Working with these new media techniques is something that brings me great joy. I have become competent at Adobe Photoshop since before my studies in Media at school and have taught myself a lot of detailed techniques since. I set up a flash mob society at the University of Warwick and used Facebook and YouTube to organise events - have a look here.
Finally, if this blog and the Twitter account that you may or may not have been directed to it from wasn't enough to show I have a good working knowledge of it's uses and heaps of initiative and innovative drive behind me then I don't know how else to show you!
I'm very much motivated by new ideas and different ways of doing things, shown particularly by the flash mob society. I am pursuing a new business idea that requires a large and complex website to be set up along with an app alongside it. I'm not afraid of looking at these new ideas and seeing where they lead.
I have come close to securing impressive positions at graduate level, including being within the final 112 applicants of 4000 who submitted for the BBC Production Trainee Scheme. I really believe that I would do a fantastic job in a similar position due to my ideas-driven persona and would also be interested in positions around marketing using my knowledge of social media.
... So, there you have it. I have applied for media jobs recently as well as campaigning jobs for charities, so we will see how this kind of application goes. I really am not limiting myself to one kind of job and I will next be writing about why I apply for jobs in politics, my third passion.
Stay lucky,
Jon
CV: http://goo.gl/NzGU1
LinkedIn: http://goo.gl/jsuyJ
Twitter: @getjonajob
"Don't hate the media, become the media." Jello Biafra (someone I don't usually associate myself I must add...)
Tuesday 30 August 2011
Friday 26 August 2011
Why I want a career in History.
What I'm most fascinated by history is the sheer scale of how much there is still to learn. Now, I don't mean going further and further back in time, which can be exceptionally interesting, but there are so many hidden and forgotten pasts which are just as intriguing and enthralling as those already in the collective knowledge of historians.
Everyone has a history. Everyone has a story to tell. It's those stories that get forgotten if they are only recorded in the individual libraries that are people's memories. Those stories which are worth telling (often again and again) and the ones that have lessons or meaning are so important to hear and learn about if the human race is to progress. History is an anthropological study of the past and is fundamentally about human behaviour. There's a lot of value and worth in people and far too many are forgotten.
What I would love to do with my life is preserve at least a small fraction of other people's history for future generations to learn from. That's what I loved so much about Historypin: it was creating a digital history of the world and anyone can contribute their own stories and memories to it.
I have written before about my plans to set up a community project centred around history, using Historypin as a platform and building on it. Well it seems like I wasn't the only one with that idea...
Looking through one of my favourite job sites today I found a role which is to create a history of a place using various methods over two years. As nothing concrete has been established here in Kent yet, I applied (with a large degree of enthusiasm) and will see what happens. Not sure if they will take the gamble with someone with non real experience in that sort of thing, but then I acknowledged that in my application and hopefully my passion will show through! I would definitely love the job and give it all I can!
Why there is such a negativity about the arts and heritage in the jobs market right now I don't know. At university it seemed that the only jobs in the world were Business, Economics, Marketing, Engineering, Law and IT. Those students must be laughing all the way to their cubicles in Canary Wharf. Sorry, that's just not for me.
I really want to make a difference to real people and real history. Not pushing intangible money around a spreadsheet working in an artificial world.
As the American writer Denis Waitley put it: "Chase your passion, not your pension."
Have a great weekend everyone!
Jon
Everyone has a history. Everyone has a story to tell. It's those stories that get forgotten if they are only recorded in the individual libraries that are people's memories. Those stories which are worth telling (often again and again) and the ones that have lessons or meaning are so important to hear and learn about if the human race is to progress. History is an anthropological study of the past and is fundamentally about human behaviour. There's a lot of value and worth in people and far too many are forgotten.
What I would love to do with my life is preserve at least a small fraction of other people's history for future generations to learn from. That's what I loved so much about Historypin: it was creating a digital history of the world and anyone can contribute their own stories and memories to it.
I have written before about my plans to set up a community project centred around history, using Historypin as a platform and building on it. Well it seems like I wasn't the only one with that idea...
Looking through one of my favourite job sites today I found a role which is to create a history of a place using various methods over two years. As nothing concrete has been established here in Kent yet, I applied (with a large degree of enthusiasm) and will see what happens. Not sure if they will take the gamble with someone with non real experience in that sort of thing, but then I acknowledged that in my application and hopefully my passion will show through! I would definitely love the job and give it all I can!
Why there is such a negativity about the arts and heritage in the jobs market right now I don't know. At university it seemed that the only jobs in the world were Business, Economics, Marketing, Engineering, Law and IT. Those students must be laughing all the way to their cubicles in Canary Wharf. Sorry, that's just not for me.
I really want to make a difference to real people and real history. Not pushing intangible money around a spreadsheet working in an artificial world.
As the American writer Denis Waitley put it: "Chase your passion, not your pension."
Have a great weekend everyone!
Jon
Wednesday 24 August 2011
All work (finding) and no (more) play .... Makes Jon a glad boy.
Well I'm sure you - all of my avid and wholehearted supporters and readers - have gone out of your minds as I haven't updated for nearly a fortnight!
To put your minds to rest and feed the irreplaceable hole that has left you feeling like you have no purpose anymore... no wait, that's just me. Anyway, I have been away on a family holiday which was very enjoyable despite it simultaneously being in the most dreadful location ever - that which has no wifi!
Plus, I am still without permanent employment, so no change really! However just because I have been away doesn't mean things haven't been changing... Here's an update of my situation:
GOOD NEWS! Well, relatively. The graduate scheme in Oxford that I applied for (that wanted me to travel there for one hour to do tests before maybe going up again for an assessment centre) have seen sense and sent me online tests to do instead! Hurrah! No waste of money is needed and I will sit down today or tomorrow to give them my best shot.
BAD NEWS! (I imagined saying these in the voices of the KFC advert voice-over guy.) I had a couple of rejections from political jobs I applied for a few weeks back. One of them had 150 applicants!
INDIFFERENT NEWS! I signed up for a few mystery shopping agencies a few weeks ago, as that sounded like a good job to do as I have time on my hands. I got a few updates but nothing in my area so didn't really pursue it, but then out of the blue I got a phone call from one of the agencies who wanted me to conduct a visit on Monday, which I did and thoroughly enjoyed. Hopefully my work was good enough for them and I get more opportunities. I had to act as someone else, which took me back to my drama days as a teenager!
I'll be getting back into the swing of job hunting in the next few days and I'll let all you wonderful people know what happens with them. The holiday was great but I'm equally as happy to be back and channeling my energy into this campaign.
Not a day went by where I wasn't wishing to update this! I missed writing down my thoughts and what I have been up to. I expect no sympathy, all I ask is your forgiveness and I promise that I will never leave you again... Except maybe if this works and I get a job or I'm still going at 85 and my fingers have become numb with the typing.
In the meantime, thanks again to everyone who has helped me so far. A big thank you goes out to Milkround and Jobsite who have tweeted and retweeted about me, many thanks you guys - my appreciation is unending!
Anyway, excuse me - I have a job to find.
Jon
CV: http://goo.gl/NzGU1
LinkedIn: http://goo.gl/jsuyJ
Twitter: @getjonajob
On a side note, I'm going to give blood next week. If you're healthy and not utterly petrified of needles, definitely do it. It makes you feel fantastic, you save lives and you get a free cup of tea and a biscuit at the end. What's not to love?!
Do something amazing. Give blood. http://www.blood.co.uk
To put your minds to rest and feed the irreplaceable hole that has left you feeling like you have no purpose anymore... no wait, that's just me. Anyway, I have been away on a family holiday which was very enjoyable despite it simultaneously being in the most dreadful location ever - that which has no wifi!
Plus, I am still without permanent employment, so no change really! However just because I have been away doesn't mean things haven't been changing... Here's an update of my situation:
GOOD NEWS! Well, relatively. The graduate scheme in Oxford that I applied for (that wanted me to travel there for one hour to do tests before maybe going up again for an assessment centre) have seen sense and sent me online tests to do instead! Hurrah! No waste of money is needed and I will sit down today or tomorrow to give them my best shot.
BAD NEWS! (I imagined saying these in the voices of the KFC advert voice-over guy.) I had a couple of rejections from political jobs I applied for a few weeks back. One of them had 150 applicants!
INDIFFERENT NEWS! I signed up for a few mystery shopping agencies a few weeks ago, as that sounded like a good job to do as I have time on my hands. I got a few updates but nothing in my area so didn't really pursue it, but then out of the blue I got a phone call from one of the agencies who wanted me to conduct a visit on Monday, which I did and thoroughly enjoyed. Hopefully my work was good enough for them and I get more opportunities. I had to act as someone else, which took me back to my drama days as a teenager!
I'll be getting back into the swing of job hunting in the next few days and I'll let all you wonderful people know what happens with them. The holiday was great but I'm equally as happy to be back and channeling my energy into this campaign.
Not a day went by where I wasn't wishing to update this! I missed writing down my thoughts and what I have been up to. I expect no sympathy, all I ask is your forgiveness and I promise that I will never leave you again... Except maybe if this works and I get a job or I'm still going at 85 and my fingers have become numb with the typing.
In the meantime, thanks again to everyone who has helped me so far. A big thank you goes out to Milkround and Jobsite who have tweeted and retweeted about me, many thanks you guys - my appreciation is unending!
Anyway, excuse me - I have a job to find.
Jon
CV: http://goo.gl/NzGU1
LinkedIn: http://goo.gl/jsuyJ
Twitter: @getjonajob
On a side note, I'm going to give blood next week. If you're healthy and not utterly petrified of needles, definitely do it. It makes you feel fantastic, you save lives and you get a free cup of tea and a biscuit at the end. What's not to love?!
Do something amazing. Give blood. http://www.blood.co.uk
Thursday 11 August 2011
Do companies that hire graduates from "any discipline" walk the walk?
I must have spoken to hundreds of recruiters at careers fairs and read multiple graduate scheme adverts which state that they would employ a graduate from "any discipline".
The lure of the financial organisations, marketing companies and sales roles and the big OTE bonuses is often hard to resist when you are a younger and more naive History and Politics undergraduate. I remember applying for an internship for the summer after first year with one of the 'Big 4' financial services corporations, being hooked by the "any discipline" line. I got the phone interview but by that stage it became apparent that I really didn't know enough about the industry and therefore wasn't invited to the assessment centre.
As it turns out, I believe I dodged a bullet there. Since then I have heard of the horrific working hours of such roles and I know now that such intensity is not for me.
To me it seems that business is getting bigger and bigger nowadays but only within itself. What I mean is the endless consultants, training, development agencies, management layers and support workers are just out there to justify their existence. Hardly anyone in the UK seems to make or do anything anymore! It's all corporate strategy, financial planning or sales research. I just want to be out there, making a real difference and making people's lives better.
Oh no! I'm starting to sound like a young politician, or a communist. Let me backtrack a little.
I'm an ideas man. I am motivated by innovative methods, new concepts and interesting thoughts. I couldn't think of anything worse to do than Actuary or Tax Advice... No offense to those who do or want to do such things! While I am also quite good with numbers (with an A in A-Level Maths), working all day with risk, spreadsheets or corporate snobs just isn't for me.
However, the roles of marketing and media are areas that I do have more interest in. Earlier this year I reached an assessment centre for a graduate position with a large company looking at marketing strategy on behalf of other corporations with a view to brand development. I was interested in this role and despite not getting further than the assessment centre, my feedback stated that I did well but made a couple of small errors.
Having performed well, the other (secret) reason I didn't get the job was that the other people at the assessment centre were mainly business and marketing students or graduates. Did I really stand much of chance? Not unless they all got out of bed the wrong way and insulted the interviewers - which it appears didn't happen that time.
So here's my message to employers: if you are hiring for an graduate accountant engineer sales advisor assistant trainee executive or whatever ridiculous titles the are nowadays and want someone who knows quite a bit about that sort of thing, then target specifically the accounting & finance, business management, and economics graduates and leave us arty farty students with our aspirations alone. Let's face it, why would you hire a historian? Even if I could do the role competently - you have no interest in the 17th century. Save us the disappointment of being one of the people who applied with the faint hope of you sticking to your word, only to be left out.
My conclusion: in job descriptions "any discipline" means "any related discipline". Fact.
I realise that this has become a slight rant, so I would like to end on a positive note. That's to thank all of you sending in your support and helping me in any way you can on Twitter. It really is giving me a lot of encouragement and I appreciate it immensely, so thanks - you're all brilliant people! Good luck to all those who have got in contact in the same boat too!
Jon
CV: http://goo.gl/NzGU1
LinkedIn: http://goo.gl/jsuyJ
Twitter: @getjonajob
"Corporations cannot commit treason, or be outlawed or excommunicated, for they have no souls." Sir Edward Coke
The lure of the financial organisations, marketing companies and sales roles and the big OTE bonuses is often hard to resist when you are a younger and more naive History and Politics undergraduate. I remember applying for an internship for the summer after first year with one of the 'Big 4' financial services corporations, being hooked by the "any discipline" line. I got the phone interview but by that stage it became apparent that I really didn't know enough about the industry and therefore wasn't invited to the assessment centre.
As it turns out, I believe I dodged a bullet there. Since then I have heard of the horrific working hours of such roles and I know now that such intensity is not for me.
To me it seems that business is getting bigger and bigger nowadays but only within itself. What I mean is the endless consultants, training, development agencies, management layers and support workers are just out there to justify their existence. Hardly anyone in the UK seems to make or do anything anymore! It's all corporate strategy, financial planning or sales research. I just want to be out there, making a real difference and making people's lives better.
Oh no! I'm starting to sound like a young politician, or a communist. Let me backtrack a little.
I'm an ideas man. I am motivated by innovative methods, new concepts and interesting thoughts. I couldn't think of anything worse to do than Actuary or Tax Advice... No offense to those who do or want to do such things! While I am also quite good with numbers (with an A in A-Level Maths), working all day with risk, spreadsheets or corporate snobs just isn't for me.
However, the roles of marketing and media are areas that I do have more interest in. Earlier this year I reached an assessment centre for a graduate position with a large company looking at marketing strategy on behalf of other corporations with a view to brand development. I was interested in this role and despite not getting further than the assessment centre, my feedback stated that I did well but made a couple of small errors.
Having performed well, the other (secret) reason I didn't get the job was that the other people at the assessment centre were mainly business and marketing students or graduates. Did I really stand much of chance? Not unless they all got out of bed the wrong way and insulted the interviewers - which it appears didn't happen that time.
So here's my message to employers: if you are hiring for an graduate accountant engineer sales advisor assistant trainee executive or whatever ridiculous titles the are nowadays and want someone who knows quite a bit about that sort of thing, then target specifically the accounting & finance, business management, and economics graduates and leave us arty farty students with our aspirations alone. Let's face it, why would you hire a historian? Even if I could do the role competently - you have no interest in the 17th century. Save us the disappointment of being one of the people who applied with the faint hope of you sticking to your word, only to be left out.
My conclusion: in job descriptions "any discipline" means "any related discipline". Fact.
I realise that this has become a slight rant, so I would like to end on a positive note. That's to thank all of you sending in your support and helping me in any way you can on Twitter. It really is giving me a lot of encouragement and I appreciate it immensely, so thanks - you're all brilliant people! Good luck to all those who have got in contact in the same boat too!
Jon
CV: http://goo.gl/NzGU1
LinkedIn: http://goo.gl/jsuyJ
Twitter: @getjonajob
"Corporations cannot commit treason, or be outlawed or excommunicated, for they have no souls." Sir Edward Coke
Wednesday 10 August 2011
Bleeding a job seeker dry, to get stone rich.... The expense of getting employed.
I have a theory: to earn money, you must spend money.
Today I got a promising email regarding a graduate scheme that I applied for a few weeks ago. They say that my application has got me through to a verbal and numerical test - great! I am very confident at this stage as I am good at those sort of tests and have traditionally handled them well.
But here's the catch. In order to complete the test, I have to physically go there myself. Oh yes, this company (which is by no means small) wants me to travel from Kent to Oxford just to complete a 1-hour test... and it is not even an assessment centre! That's two more stages down the line, after a phone interview.
Most of the verbal and numerical tests I have completed in previous applications have been online, or any writing tasks in the application have been at the assessment centre. But no, this company wants me to spend as much money on train fees as possible before they give me a hopeful chance at getting on the scheme.
If they conducted the phone interview first, and asked me to do the tests at the assessment centre (assuming I get there) then I would have less of a problem! I have no issue with doing the tests, nor the phone interview or the assessment centre - that's just how things are done these days. But I do have a slight issue with paying silly money just for a one hour test that could be done at a later time!
So there we go, I'm out of work and I'll have to travel to Oxford twice assuming I get to the assessment centre, and even then I still might not get a place. Is this a waste or are they seeing who really wants the job? I like the role and would enjoy the work, but I don't enjoy this application procedure!
Many more application procedures would make me very poor indeed! Here's hoping I get the role, or something else in the meantime.
Signing off today both encouraged but disheartened.
Jon
CV: http://goo.gl/NzGU1
LinkedIn: http://goo.gl/jsuyJ
Twitter: @getjonajob
“Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.” Herman Cain
Today I got a promising email regarding a graduate scheme that I applied for a few weeks ago. They say that my application has got me through to a verbal and numerical test - great! I am very confident at this stage as I am good at those sort of tests and have traditionally handled them well.
But here's the catch. In order to complete the test, I have to physically go there myself. Oh yes, this company (which is by no means small) wants me to travel from Kent to Oxford just to complete a 1-hour test... and it is not even an assessment centre! That's two more stages down the line, after a phone interview.
Most of the verbal and numerical tests I have completed in previous applications have been online, or any writing tasks in the application have been at the assessment centre. But no, this company wants me to spend as much money on train fees as possible before they give me a hopeful chance at getting on the scheme.
If they conducted the phone interview first, and asked me to do the tests at the assessment centre (assuming I get there) then I would have less of a problem! I have no issue with doing the tests, nor the phone interview or the assessment centre - that's just how things are done these days. But I do have a slight issue with paying silly money just for a one hour test that could be done at a later time!
So there we go, I'm out of work and I'll have to travel to Oxford twice assuming I get to the assessment centre, and even then I still might not get a place. Is this a waste or are they seeing who really wants the job? I like the role and would enjoy the work, but I don't enjoy this application procedure!
Many more application procedures would make me very poor indeed! Here's hoping I get the role, or something else in the meantime.
Signing off today both encouraged but disheartened.
Jon
CV: http://goo.gl/NzGU1
LinkedIn: http://goo.gl/jsuyJ
Twitter: @getjonajob
“Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.” Herman Cain
Tuesday 9 August 2011
Why rioters need History.
On a day in which the city of London and elsewhere have been the sites of devastation and the locations of crime and violence, it is clear that the country needs innovation, job creation and better education.
Following the events of last night on the news and Twitter, it became apparent to me that people need better knowledge of history - both in their own localities and about previous riots and revolutions. The rioters and the authorities need to know more about history.
What shocked me the most was the burning of a furniture shop in Croydon. Listening to the owner and the story of the business, being over 140 years old, I was devastated that the looters and arsonists were carrying out such actions. The shop survived both World Wars, the history of the business was incredible and all of that was destroyed in under an hour. What a heartbreaking tragedy.
I just have the feeling that if the people understood more about their local area then people might have a bit more respect for family businesses such as that one in Croydon, as that is their living and their lifestyle. There was no reason why the rioters attacked the store in particular, but if they had known about the story of the place they were torching, would they have continued or gone there in the first place?
Following the eminent historian Dan Snow on Twitter (@thehistoryguy), he was discussing the history of riots - being more prominent in the summer and effective when there is no presence felt. He is completely right and from what I gather apprehended a rioter himself!
If these rioters had better education and knowledge that anarchism and violence has historically not been effective, then they would not be out there attacking and burning property, homes and businesses. I believe that sharing knowledge and history is a long term solution to sorting out the disorder and actions of our young criminals and community projects that bring people together in a positive way are just one way in which these problems can be overcome.
Of course this is not a short term solution and then police and authorities must do all they can to solve the problems right now. I am still looking to set something up in my local area (and was shocked that places near me saw small pockets of copycat crime), and I think that people need to do more to sort out jobs for themselves.
Keep moving London, don't let these idiots break your fantastic spirit!
Jon
Following the events of last night on the news and Twitter, it became apparent to me that people need better knowledge of history - both in their own localities and about previous riots and revolutions. The rioters and the authorities need to know more about history.
What shocked me the most was the burning of a furniture shop in Croydon. Listening to the owner and the story of the business, being over 140 years old, I was devastated that the looters and arsonists were carrying out such actions. The shop survived both World Wars, the history of the business was incredible and all of that was destroyed in under an hour. What a heartbreaking tragedy.
I just have the feeling that if the people understood more about their local area then people might have a bit more respect for family businesses such as that one in Croydon, as that is their living and their lifestyle. There was no reason why the rioters attacked the store in particular, but if they had known about the story of the place they were torching, would they have continued or gone there in the first place?
Following the eminent historian Dan Snow on Twitter (@thehistoryguy), he was discussing the history of riots - being more prominent in the summer and effective when there is no presence felt. He is completely right and from what I gather apprehended a rioter himself!
If these rioters had better education and knowledge that anarchism and violence has historically not been effective, then they would not be out there attacking and burning property, homes and businesses. I believe that sharing knowledge and history is a long term solution to sorting out the disorder and actions of our young criminals and community projects that bring people together in a positive way are just one way in which these problems can be overcome.
Of course this is not a short term solution and then police and authorities must do all they can to solve the problems right now. I am still looking to set something up in my local area (and was shocked that places near me saw small pockets of copycat crime), and I think that people need to do more to sort out jobs for themselves.
Keep moving London, don't let these idiots break your fantastic spirit!
Jon
Monday 8 August 2011
All talk, but no job yet - creating my own position.
Like all great inventors: Edison, Dyson, the guy behind JML... I am seeking to solve a problem by creating the solution myself. In this case, I am looking at encouraging a local organisation to help me set up a community project based around the online archive Historypin, or starting up my own business.
Now, I have made some progress on getting a Historypin project up and running with my local council's archive being positive and enthusiastic when I emailed them regarding my ideas.
BUT... And it is a big but... Right now there is no way to fund this kind of thing easily. The council itself cannot fund it as they are cutting staff, which is therefore understandable. However if I want to do this then I need some form of capital to keep me going. Don't get me wrong, I'm not out there to make millions on this - I just really want to do it as I am fascinated by the project and local history.
We are currently looking at different ways of funding it and the new Big Society Bank is a possible source, but all this takes time and it may be months before we see the project take off in a major way with financial support allowing me to focus on it full time.
So, aside from this, I have an idea for a new business - great! Now where are my business qualifications or credentials...? Oh wait. I seem to have left them behind when I neglected studying Economics or Business Studies at GCSE and chose Latin and Media Studies instead.... Something I never thought I would actually regret!
This is a problem!
I am a graduate of history and politics with fantastic ideas and bags of enthusiasm yet not a clue about how to set up a business. I feel like a perfect candidate for The Apprentice.
The government, it turns out, are relatively helpful! They have this website - Business Link, which helps businesses set up and manage their affairs. Seems pretty handy but I still lack the business savvy mind that would make this a success.
Furthermore, the business could potentially become a huge online service provider which needs not only vast financial but technical support too. These possibly could be sorted out but I am looking into sorting myself a mentor with experience in setting up something like this to see if it is plausible and financially viable.
In the meantime, it seems I have a mind capable of generating new and exciting ideas (for example this blog or the Warwick FlashMob Society - check this out on YouTube... ) but can only do so much alone when it comes to implementing them. So if there is a job out there for such an ideas man - get in touch!
Signing off on a lovely Monday, enjoy the beginning to your week!
Jon
P.S. You're awesome.
CV: http://goo.gl/NzGU1
Twitter: @getjonajob
Now, I have made some progress on getting a Historypin project up and running with my local council's archive being positive and enthusiastic when I emailed them regarding my ideas.
BUT... And it is a big but... Right now there is no way to fund this kind of thing easily. The council itself cannot fund it as they are cutting staff, which is therefore understandable. However if I want to do this then I need some form of capital to keep me going. Don't get me wrong, I'm not out there to make millions on this - I just really want to do it as I am fascinated by the project and local history.
We are currently looking at different ways of funding it and the new Big Society Bank is a possible source, but all this takes time and it may be months before we see the project take off in a major way with financial support allowing me to focus on it full time.
So, aside from this, I have an idea for a new business - great! Now where are my business qualifications or credentials...? Oh wait. I seem to have left them behind when I neglected studying Economics or Business Studies at GCSE and chose Latin and Media Studies instead.... Something I never thought I would actually regret!
This is a problem!
I am a graduate of history and politics with fantastic ideas and bags of enthusiasm yet not a clue about how to set up a business. I feel like a perfect candidate for The Apprentice.
The government, it turns out, are relatively helpful! They have this website - Business Link, which helps businesses set up and manage their affairs. Seems pretty handy but I still lack the business savvy mind that would make this a success.
Furthermore, the business could potentially become a huge online service provider which needs not only vast financial but technical support too. These possibly could be sorted out but I am looking into sorting myself a mentor with experience in setting up something like this to see if it is plausible and financially viable.
In the meantime, it seems I have a mind capable of generating new and exciting ideas (for example this blog or the Warwick FlashMob Society - check this out on YouTube... ) but can only do so much alone when it comes to implementing them. So if there is a job out there for such an ideas man - get in touch!
Signing off on a lovely Monday, enjoy the beginning to your week!
Jon
P.S. You're awesome.
CV: http://goo.gl/NzGU1
Twitter: @getjonajob
Friday 5 August 2011
Trying to "stand out" in the 2-D world of the Internet
First off, I must say that when I wrote that blog heading I felt my old Media Studies teacher flinch - she hated the phrase "stand out"...
I have applied for a lot of jobs online. It is a skill that takes time and persuasion to master, and as with all applications - some work out better than others.
Without getting into the discussion of Assessment Centres and the intensity of that stage of the application, getting the covering letter or assessment questions well written is something that I don't think I am bad at. Nonetheless there are frequent occasions when I wrote what I thought was an interesting and valid application and I don't pass the first stage due to "the high volume of candidates applying for the role".
Are there job sniping gurus out there who make up CVs and stories about "taking the initiative" just to get to interviews and get a free cup of tea?! Here I am genuinely wanting this role and I feel disappointed that an organisation refuses to employ a young and enthusiastic graduate with big and bold ideas and a thirst to succeed.
This is the problem with the Internet. It is now all too easy to apply for roles at the click of a button and the poor people in the HR departments are swamped with hundreds of people. Maybe I come across better in a one-to-one interview stage and I don't get my passion across clearly in my cover letters. Or maybe there are people out there with better experience with me and I need to lower my horizons. Either way, there are jobs that I have applied for and got my hopes up high just to get knocked out in the first round.
I applied for a very high intensity sales role a while back. Not what I thought would be my scene but I was clutching at straws. I got a phone interview and the guy from the recruitment agency seemed impressed and put me through to the assessment centre. However when I got there, I was put off by the role anyway (I really don't see myself in sales!) and the assessment centre itself was filled with business-graduates and marketing students up against which I realistically stood no chance anyway.
So here I am, again using written word to sell myself to employers. I recognised that this may not have been as good an idea as it originally was, but then I have got to interviews and assessment centres on my written applications before. I just need to find someone who sees my potential, is willing to take on someone with a creative and big-thinking ideas mind who is competent in many different fields and picks up new skills with ease.
The whole world seems to be employing online right now, so I thought I really would "take the initiative" and go bananas, putting myself out there to find some meaningful employment and a purpose.
Thanks for following my journey so far and for the support from those of you who have given it on Twitter. It means a lot!
As the guys at We Are What We Do (developers of Historypin) say: "A smile uses half the muscles of a frown, and it makes you and everyone else feel twice as better."
Jon
I have applied for a lot of jobs online. It is a skill that takes time and persuasion to master, and as with all applications - some work out better than others.
Without getting into the discussion of Assessment Centres and the intensity of that stage of the application, getting the covering letter or assessment questions well written is something that I don't think I am bad at. Nonetheless there are frequent occasions when I wrote what I thought was an interesting and valid application and I don't pass the first stage due to "the high volume of candidates applying for the role".
Are there job sniping gurus out there who make up CVs and stories about "taking the initiative" just to get to interviews and get a free cup of tea?! Here I am genuinely wanting this role and I feel disappointed that an organisation refuses to employ a young and enthusiastic graduate with big and bold ideas and a thirst to succeed.
This is the problem with the Internet. It is now all too easy to apply for roles at the click of a button and the poor people in the HR departments are swamped with hundreds of people. Maybe I come across better in a one-to-one interview stage and I don't get my passion across clearly in my cover letters. Or maybe there are people out there with better experience with me and I need to lower my horizons. Either way, there are jobs that I have applied for and got my hopes up high just to get knocked out in the first round.
I applied for a very high intensity sales role a while back. Not what I thought would be my scene but I was clutching at straws. I got a phone interview and the guy from the recruitment agency seemed impressed and put me through to the assessment centre. However when I got there, I was put off by the role anyway (I really don't see myself in sales!) and the assessment centre itself was filled with business-graduates and marketing students up against which I realistically stood no chance anyway.
So here I am, again using written word to sell myself to employers. I recognised that this may not have been as good an idea as it originally was, but then I have got to interviews and assessment centres on my written applications before. I just need to find someone who sees my potential, is willing to take on someone with a creative and big-thinking ideas mind who is competent in many different fields and picks up new skills with ease.
The whole world seems to be employing online right now, so I thought I really would "take the initiative" and go bananas, putting myself out there to find some meaningful employment and a purpose.
Thanks for following my journey so far and for the support from those of you who have given it on Twitter. It means a lot!
As the guys at We Are What We Do (developers of Historypin) say: "A smile uses half the muscles of a frown, and it makes you and everyone else feel twice as better."
Jon
Thursday 4 August 2011
What do you do with a BA in History and Politics...?
"3 years of college, and plenty of knowledge, have earned me this useless degree...!"
I suppose resorting to paraphrasing Avenue Q lyrics makes things seem a tad drastic. However, I do have skills and I don't actually think my degree was a waste! It has led me to where I am, focused me on what I'm interested in and given me confidence in going out and getting the experience I wanted, and being excptionally organised and responsible.
"So what exactly do you want to do with your life, Jon?" I hear you bellow/ask/think/mercifully whimper (delete as appropriate).
Well since you so graciously asked, I have a few different approaches I am currently looking into:
1. Something along the lines of online archiving or digitising material. I spent six weeks last summer working on the exciting new online archive www.historypin.com (open this link in a new tab, check it out after reading this! ... Thanks for staying with me!) I went on to write my dissertation on the change that Historypin is making to the historical world. I am skilled at using Photoshop and have a real interest in this area.
2. Political researcher or assistant. After also working last summer for my newly elected local MP, Tracey Crouch, I am eager and enthusiastic to make a difference to constituents of another MP or MEP in a similar capacity, or to work with an organisation to lobby government so that reforms are secured for those in need. I believe that every person who enters into politics does so with good intentions, and I want to make a visible and lasting difference in whatever role there is for me in the realm of politics.
3. I am also pursuing setting up my own business. The idea is tied up tight right now, but something might just come of it! The problem is that I have limited understanding of how to run or set up a business - any help would be very gratefully received!
4. Of course I am open to any opportunities that come along that I haven't considered. Plus I am looking for temporary work just for now in the Maidstone/Medway areas in Kent.
So, there you have it. Make of that what you wish..! If you or anyone can help, then please leave comments. If not, then I hope you subscribe or at least follow me on Twitter (@getjonajob) - go on, what's the worst that could happen?!
To end, I think it is fitting to quote Princeton - the protagonist of Avenue Q - once more:
"Somehow I can't shake the feeling I might make a difference to the human race!"
Have a great day!
Jon
CV: http://goo.gl/NzGU1
Twitter: @getjonajob
"Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever." Mahatma Gandhi
I suppose resorting to paraphrasing Avenue Q lyrics makes things seem a tad drastic. However, I do have skills and I don't actually think my degree was a waste! It has led me to where I am, focused me on what I'm interested in and given me confidence in going out and getting the experience I wanted, and being excptionally organised and responsible.
"So what exactly do you want to do with your life, Jon?" I hear you bellow/ask/think/mercifully whimper (delete as appropriate).
Well since you so graciously asked, I have a few different approaches I am currently looking into:
1. Something along the lines of online archiving or digitising material. I spent six weeks last summer working on the exciting new online archive www.historypin.com (open this link in a new tab, check it out after reading this! ... Thanks for staying with me!) I went on to write my dissertation on the change that Historypin is making to the historical world. I am skilled at using Photoshop and have a real interest in this area.
2. Political researcher or assistant. After also working last summer for my newly elected local MP, Tracey Crouch, I am eager and enthusiastic to make a difference to constituents of another MP or MEP in a similar capacity, or to work with an organisation to lobby government so that reforms are secured for those in need. I believe that every person who enters into politics does so with good intentions, and I want to make a visible and lasting difference in whatever role there is for me in the realm of politics.
3. I am also pursuing setting up my own business. The idea is tied up tight right now, but something might just come of it! The problem is that I have limited understanding of how to run or set up a business - any help would be very gratefully received!
4. Of course I am open to any opportunities that come along that I haven't considered. Plus I am looking for temporary work just for now in the Maidstone/Medway areas in Kent.
So, there you have it. Make of that what you wish..! If you or anyone can help, then please leave comments. If not, then I hope you subscribe or at least follow me on Twitter (@getjonajob) - go on, what's the worst that could happen?!
To end, I think it is fitting to quote Princeton - the protagonist of Avenue Q - once more:
"Somehow I can't shake the feeling I might make a difference to the human race!"
Have a great day!
Jon
CV: http://goo.gl/NzGU1
Twitter: @getjonajob
"Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever." Mahatma Gandhi
Wednesday 3 August 2011
Once Upon A Time....
Ladies! Gentlemen! Boys and Girls! Gather round and join me on my noble quest to find meaningful employment!
Let me first introduce myself. My name is Jonathan Sheppard, but you should call me Jon. I hold the world record for the highest number of trees saved in one hour, became the youngest astronaut ever at the age 7, invented Jaffa Cakes and tend to exaggerate my achievements when making introductions - although I do love the odd Jaffa, or pack of.
In all seriousness: I am 21, fresh-faced out of the University of Warwick after studying History and Politics, some great work experience behind me and seeking exciting and new opportunities in the vast and mysterious world of work.
I currently live in a small village just outside of Maidstone in Kent, and am applying for jobs every day. I like to be creative, whether it is creating logos on Photoshop, performing close-up magic, taking drama lessons when I was younger, playing the Keyboard to a mediocre standard or co-founding the Warwick FlashMob Society at university.
Please help me find some work! You can find my CV in the link below, follow this blog (I promise to keep you entertained) or find me on Twitter (@getjonajob).
Many thanks, watch this space - you're the best!
Jon
CV: http://goo.gl/NzGU1
Twitter: @getjonajob
Let me first introduce myself. My name is Jonathan Sheppard, but you should call me Jon. I hold the world record for the highest number of trees saved in one hour, became the youngest astronaut ever at the age 7, invented Jaffa Cakes and tend to exaggerate my achievements when making introductions - although I do love the odd Jaffa, or pack of.
In all seriousness: I am 21, fresh-faced out of the University of Warwick after studying History and Politics, some great work experience behind me and seeking exciting and new opportunities in the vast and mysterious world of work.
I currently live in a small village just outside of Maidstone in Kent, and am applying for jobs every day. I like to be creative, whether it is creating logos on Photoshop, performing close-up magic, taking drama lessons when I was younger, playing the Keyboard to a mediocre standard or co-founding the Warwick FlashMob Society at university.
Please help me find some work! You can find my CV in the link below, follow this blog (I promise to keep you entertained) or find me on Twitter (@getjonajob).
Many thanks, watch this space - you're the best!
Jon
CV: http://goo.gl/NzGU1
Twitter: @getjonajob
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