Taking the First Steps Towards a Career in Communications
Last week, our Executive Director, Lucy Cairncross, was invited by the IABC UK & Ireland to deliver a Masterclass to students from the London College of Communication at UAL University of the Arts on the MA Communications course.
Taking the first steps in your career is always daunting, but given the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic on the work experience opportunities for students, these future communicators are in an even more challenging situation than some of their predecessors.
Lucy talked to the students about the importance of marketing themselves in the best way possible, building meaningful networks, and taking the time to prepare a covering letter that tells their story and demonstrates their research and understanding.
She also discussed how work experience remains an excellent way of building experience, developing communication skills, making connections and learning from others.
Fortunately, the days of working for free are behind us, as paid internships are becoming more popular, consequently increasing the diversity in communications.
Lucy encouraged the students to be open to opportunities in sectors or organisations they may have never heard of before. Many young communications professionals enter the world of work with big dreams of working for high-profile consumer brands, but there are many fascinating possibilities within the B2B sectors.
Some of the most interesting roles VMA GROUP have supported have been with organisations without a public face. They often face challenges across sustainability, social impact and the environment, which are the key drivers for young minds coming into the communications industry.
Lucy also highlighted the benefits of gaining experience within an agency and how it can aid in developing skills in managing multiple projects, stakeholders and timelines. C