Working in the media – popular but competitive

The Association of Graduate Recruiters say that 25% of students listed 'the media' when asked about future career choices. No surprise then that ‘competition for jobs is so intense’ according to an article in GradJobs magazine. With all that in mind, the article then takes a step by step approach for the different branches of media jobs with top tips at every stage to get a foot on the ladder. From television to print journalism, from radio to marketing, gaining experience wherever and whenever you can is seen as crucial. Whether it’s for a student newspaper or hospital radio, the article urges you to “make the most of it by volunteering for anything that crops up, and always try to take the initiative by coming up with ideas…and get noticed.” It’s also important to remember the technical roles available. From television the list includes sound recorders, script editors, floor managers, broadcast engineers and vision mixers.” More tips including pay and qualifications at http://www.gradjobs.co.uk/magazine/features/become-a-media-mogul

Different routes to a market research career

Market research as a career– did you choose it or find it? A new article from Research magazine interviews two research directors on their careers. Richard Noon sought his career after a degree in business and information technology and admits to ‘an interest in all things media’ and being ‘a geek when it comes to Rajar and NRS figures.’ Tim Barber, on the other hand, worked in advertising. While looking to break into television, a colleague’s friend offered him a job in her agency specialising in media and TV research. He soon discovered that “I had found my ideal job.” The contrast between the two routes to the industry shows how many backgrounds can help a career in market research. Tim considers that not having a research degree can be an issue but not in the longer term. Richard benefits from his IT experience. Read both interviews to compare to your research career path. http://www.research-live.com/features/how-i-ended-up-in-research/4006007.article

Gold standards for event management

The many events for the Diamond Jubilee and Olympics will mean a boost and revitalization for the corporate hospitality sector. This is according to an article in Marketing Week quoting the publisher of a new report as saying “After the Olympics, the potential void will be fed by new innovation and ideas, arguably fuelling a new generation of events.” For those already in the industry or looking for a role in event management, the article goes on to look at the latest in events as part of the marketing mix. Tips from professionals include involving the in-house venue team at the event as they know how to get the most out of their venue. Also make sure that all details of an event really reflect your brand. This may mean knowing what each audience understands about the brand and planning activities accordingly. For more on event planning read the article here. http://www.marketingweek.co.uk/trends/how-to-bring-events-up-to-gold-standard/4001597.article

Are your cookies up to EU standards?

If your online marketing role involves management of customer data, targeted advertising, or customer profiling, you will probably be using cookies. And if your retail, commercial or e-commerce website is using them, then from 26^th May you need to be ready for the new EU ‘Cookie Law’. For you and your marketing colleagues, a clear guide to the new law can be found on wired.co.uk. The article defines a cookie as ‘very simple text files that get downloaded onto your PC when you visit a website’ letting the site know that you’ve visited and ‘tailoring the experience that you have.’ The new law demands that companies must gain customers’ consent before ‘serving them a cookie’. Not without controversy, the law will be coming in despite a KPMG study showing that 95% of websites still aren’t yet compliant. Find out all you need to know about cookies by reading the full article http://www.wired.co.uk/news/archive/2012-05/02/cookies-made-simple

Marketing in China – do you own your own brand?

Brand reputation can mean everything so some companies are surprised and shocked to learn about how their brands are being used in China. An article, in the Telegraph, looks at the issue of how Chinese manufacturers and retailers are registering well-known brands for their own use. Examples given include “a man named Liu Mingxi has the right to produce garments…under the "Asda" label” and a clothing company that has the right to sell its ties under the Hermes brand. The issue arises because in China the brand belongs to the first person to register the name. This differs to the U.S and U.K ‘where the rights to a brand are determined on use and on whether there might be confusion if another company starts using the same name.’ Some companies are already in court; others are unaware of how their brand is being used. Read the full article here http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/9234766/Asda-in-China-Thatll-be-Mr-Liu-in-Shenzhen.html