Towards the end of 2019, I was asked to come into a second year lecture and speak about my experiences with LinkedIn and finding the right placement for you. To begin my talk, I introduced myself and the course that I study.
I went on to explain that during my first year at University and even at the beginning of my second year, I had little to no media experience (other than my three years at JLGB before I started my course). I also admitted that although I had a LinkedIn account, it was pretty much empty and I had nothing that could showcae me as a 'media professional'. During the second year module 'Working in the Media', I had a sudden boost of confidence which motivated me to apply for more placements and opportunities throughout the year. I was also rejected from a lot of roles due to 'not having enough experience' but I didn't let it get me down, it made me apply for more!
The placement that I was successful with (Simbrix LTD) was the one work experience that changed my life. When I went for the interview, Assim Ishaque, the manager of the toy company told me that my CV looked 'good' but I didn't have any experience. In addition to this he added that because I come across as a confident person, and show that I am clearly passionate about media, he offered me a position to work in the office; allowing me to 'dip my toe in the water' of work, as long as I was to do the same for somebody else in the future.
I also had the opportunity to interview a variety of students; third year students (whilst I was still in second year), and a variety of history, media and english in the first/second term of third year. I was also selected to go on the NTU Global organised trip to Karlsruhe, Germany to create videos promoting the creative comparisons between Karlsruhe and Nottingham, and Timisoara, (Romania) and Nottingham. I also became a CERT student mentor and briefly explained my role. Finally, I spoke about how there are job opportunities and part time work roles available via UniTemps which is a website accessible by students!
My final points included that this module was all about the students, and they couldn't get anything wrong, as what they are writing is about themselves. I also gave them ONE tip with using Instagram, that connecting with any form of students (University student primarily), any media or marketing professionals, and anybody in a media/marketing company, such as BBC, ITV, Studio Lambert for example, to build up those connections and have new people to speak to about future opportunities.
I actually asked another member of staff to record my LinkedIn speech for me otherwise I wouldn't have had the evidence of doing the speech. The video was split up into 6 segments and posted on the NTU Media Course Instagram page, a page to promote student's work from the media department, showcase individuals who have gone 'above and beyond' and post about opportunities available both inside and outside of the University.
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