CAREERS NEWSLETTER 2018-19
ISSUE 4 – Friday 16 November 2018 Where did the last month and our 2 week half term go? Since the last issue, Adam and Charlotte (pictured above) have sent the draft edition of the 2017-18 Wheatleyan to our designer, Mustard, and we are sure it will be an excellent read when it appears next month. Adam is one of two students who have kindly reported in this newsletter about their recent work experience.
OFFER AN EXPERIENCE TO SURVIVE AND THRIVE Molly Fleming (@mollykathleenv) wrote an excellent article for Marketing Week about L’Oréal’s reaction to a new marketing era where companies that just sell products will not be successful. L’Oréal, as it aims to become the number one beauty tech company believes services are becoming key to reaching and engaging with consumers. Marketing Officer Stephane Bérubé cited augmented reality beauty service Modiface, which L’Oréal bought in March, as an example of how product business can bring diversity into services. It uses AR to develop custom beauty apps, offering, for example, a tool that allows consumers to try out different make-up and hair products online to see how they will look. This service has driven great engagement and came off the back of one of L’Oréal’s most successful years in 2014. Bérubé explained: ‘I was in Paris and we had had a good year of growth and the share was very high. We were expecting a big thank you and congratulations from our CEO, which he did, but he also said everything were doing was wrong and we needed to change everything. I went away and realised he was right. We needed to change before it was already too late. That included how we went to market, the media mix, everything.’ Bringing experts in-house was crucial to overhauling L’Oréal, which now has nearly 3,000 digital specialists worldwide compared to 300 in 2014. ‘There is no way you can transform a company with consultants and agencies, you need to have the expertise close to you,’ said Bérubé. ‘15 years ago people were saying consumers will never buy beauty online because you need to touch and smell the product. Today that is a completely stupid thing to think.’ Now the majority of growth comes from ecommerce. And Bérubé urged marketers to integrate tech into every aspect of their thinking, arguing: ‘There is now a tech aspect to being a marketer and if you’re a marketer who has no opinion on AI and think that digital people should take care of digital things that is a big mistake.’ Despite the importance of technology, he concluded that one thing that will never change is the love of brands, which he defines as ‘loyalty beyond reason’.
ROBOTS TO CREATE TWICE AS MANY JOBS The rise of robots, machines and algorithms in the workplace will create almost twice as many jobs by the middle of the next decade as they will replace, according to the World Economic Forum. According to the WEF, about 133m jobs across the world could be created over the next 10 years, while 75m could be lost. These figures will help dispel fears that the rise of the robot economy would be a negative influence on pay, living standards and inequality. The new technologies would have the capacity to disrupt and create new ways of working. Of course the Industrial Revolution, which saw the introduction of steam power and then electricity, similarly created new jobs amid losses. The chair of the WEF said governments, businesses, educators and individual workers would need to take advantage of a rapidly closing window to create a new future of work for all. The risks of inaction were high as some company bosses were saying half of all workplace tasks could be performed by machines by 2025, with accounting, data entry and payroll services among those jobs at risk. Employees then will certainly need to ensure their skillset is as flexible and adaptable as possible.
@BablakeCareers
#WORKEXPERIENCE – ADAM DICKINSON (U6) Adam Dickinson, current editor of ‘The Wheatleyan’, wrote this fine account of his summer’s work experience: “I’d been trying to gain sports journalism work experience for several years, but had been unsuccessful cold calling. However, after three formal placements, several other smaller experiences and countless new contacts made this summer, I now feel in prime position to develop my sports journalism career in higher education and beyond. My first taste of the 9-5 working life came with Advent Communications, a Coventry-based PR firm that manages communications for a range of clients in the local area including Wasps and the Coventry School Foundation. Whilst there I wrote press releases for Wasps and a season preview for Coventry City, but also worked in areas previously untouched. I managed a week’s tweets for several companies and went to events every day, ranging from the Coventry City of Culture group to an apprenticeship scheme in Birmingham. At Advent, I not only expanded my industry-specific skills but also learnt nearly as much about the world of work. Following that, I was back on the trail in mid-August. This placement took me down to London, as I was spending the week with Premiership Rugby’s communications department. I had little idea what to expect but, having sacrificed a DofE expedition to make it there, I was thrilled to learn that this was the week of the 2018/19 season launch, and that I’d be attending the event at Twickenham Stadium. The first three days were taken up with preparation for the launch, as I wrote profiles for the players and coaches attending, while also making trips down to the stadium to help set up, with jobs in the changing rooms and out on the hallowed turf. On the day itself, I gained a two-fold experience as in the morning I was involved in helping at sponsors’ photoshoots, taking players such as Owen Farrell and Ben Youngs between rooms, while in the afternoon I was in with the journalists at the media launch. The second part was definitely the most valuable for me, as I spoke to some of the leading rugby journalists in the country and also had the opportunity to interview some of the star players, such as Northampton captain Tom Wood and Saracens’ head coach Mark McCall. The summer was capped off by another week’s experience, this time with Wasps’ media team. It was the week before the first game of the season, so preparation was underway for that and I watched their press day, filmed stars Brad Shields and Elliot Daly in training for their YouTube channel and then was able to go with the team to their first game at Worcester, where I uploaded the match report to their website and recorded the post-match press conference. I sat in the press box and got the chance to practise reporting ‘in game’. I was then invited back to help on two further match days, against Exeter and Leicester, where I performed similar tasks. Since coming back to school I’ve continued to undertake experience and placements; I’d met the Coventry Telegraph’s main rugby reporter while at Wasps, so have managed to write some articles for the paper, with my first piece published at the end of September taking up nearly a full page. Since then I’ve had several more columns, and I now have a regular weekly slot previewing Coventry Rugby’s next opponents. At the Premiership launch, I’d spoken to an executive from BT Sport, and having kept in touch with him since, was able to shadow the BT team at the Wasps vs Bath European Cup fixture last month. I learnt about the presentation, commentary and broadcast elements, including going onto the main production truck and practising the basics, changing between cameras and bringing up graphics on-screen. Last weekend I was at the Coventry City game with BBC Radio C&W, adding yet another string to my journalistic bow. It’s incredible to think about what I’ve been able to experience since taking my first steps into the industry, and I’m so excited to see where the future takes me.” Adam’s interest in sports journalism, especially rugby, was sparked when he entered and won a competition sponsored by Jaguar Land Rover and Wasps in the 4th Year. His match reporting experience then was a great opportunity to test out his interest and he has developed an excellent portfolio since. He recently contacted Emma Rosen, founder of 25 Before 25, who suggested he produce a digital portfolio with ‘Clippings’. As the publication date of ‘The Wheatleyan’ nears, he will have another significant item to add to this portfolio. Employers in all sectors want proof of a prospective employee’s interest and ability. Adam is currently ahead of his peers through seeking and taking up opportunities to get ahead of his rivals. Since writing this article, Adam has heard he will be in London covering the Rugby World Cup next year, as part of The Daily Telegraph team.
#REALISEYOURPOTENTIAL #STUDENTJOURNALISMSTANDINGOUT
VEDIKA BEDI (L6) – #WORKEXPERIENCE
Lower Sixth student Vedika Bedi enjoyed an excellent half term with BAM Construction Midlands Limited, saying: ‘BAM seems like a company that is very welcoming to young people. During my work experience, I worked with multiple departments onsite and explored the different job roles required to complete the project. My best experience was being able to go onsite and see a large scale construction site in practice - I have never seen anything like that before in real life. BAM gave me a better understanding of construction and civil engineering, as well as showing me how my A level subjects are applied in the real world. The experience also made me more confident, giving me skills to use anywhere in life.’ In turn, it was excellent to hear from BAM that Vedika was a ‘first class’ student on placement and very proactive applying her academic knowledge. Thank you to Phil Eves, BAM’s Employment and Skills Coordinator, for arranging the placement. See www.bam.couk for more information on how to follow in Vedika’s footsteps.
#REALISEYOURPOTENTIAL
#BABLAKEPUPILSEVERYWHERE (4) BEN COOPER #BABLAKEPUPILSEVERYWHERE When did you leave Bablake? I left Bablake after my GCSEs in 2010 for a rugby scholarship, pre the arrival of the Wasps Academy.* What did you study for A Level? I studied English (combined Language and Literature), History and P.E., dropping Biology after AS. What path did you take after A levels? It was a weird one really. I always wanted to play rugby, and signed a Senior Academy contract with Leeds (now Yorkshire) Carnegie straight after my A levels. Originally the plan was to study English Literature and French at the University of Leeds at the same time, but I didn’t want to take on debt for a degree I wasn’t fully committed to. So, I decided to focus on rugby. What did you do after your time in Leeds? After a year at Leeds Carnegie, followed by a year playing in Edinburgh, I decided to look for a job in the ‘real world’. My first ‘proper job’ was as a Sports Marketing Apprentice for CSW Sport, followed by a Marketing Assistant role in Birmingham. I became frustrated by the lack of progression in Marketing however and moved to London shortly after being offered a role with an IT Recruitment firm. I have been working in the tech world for three years now, with a two year stint playing rugby in France inbetween, and honestly never thought I’d enjoy anything as much as I did rugby, but I can honestly say I do. I’m still playing rugby at a semi-pro level alongside work which is great, especially given it’s for Nuneaton RFC where I first started playing. What does your current job involve and what do you see as the most exciting development that will happen in your profession in the next 5 years? I am currently a Senior Consultant at company called GSA Techsource. I am responsible for bringing on new clients and work with our existing clients to help grow their IT Teams. We work with some awesome clients throughout the UK, including many government departments where there are lots of interesting things going on with Brexit, and some really cool start-ups. Tech is constantly evolving and impacting our lives in new and exciting ways. I’m really interested in two particular aspects at the moment. The first is AI/ Machine Learning which is being talked about more and more. I’m curious to find out the potential this has to impact our lives domestically, but on the flipside the risks and dangers of AI and the regulations that will be introduced to counter any potential problems. The second area is IoT or Internet of Things, which is a technology not many of us will have heard of but will have experienced, e.g. controlling your heating at home from your mobile or tablet. There are some really exciting developments in this space too. What was the best piece of advice you ever received at Bablake? That’s a hard one… I remember Mrs Thomas pulling me to one side, and basically telling me to grow up! I think I was 14 or 15 at the time, and it was a bit of a turning point for me, I suppose. I think I’d been a bit of a clown in Year 8 and 9 and was more concerned about making the lads laugh than doing work. In reality I was throwing away an amazing opportunity and I think Mrs Thomas’ pep talk woke me up a bit. Finally, what would you tell your 16 year old self? Don’t waste what is an incredible opportunity! Despite what you may think, being disruptive and messing about in class isn’t cool. Trust me, you don’t want to wait until GCSE Results Day to realise this. I genuinely, and this isn’t a lie, said to Mrs Tumber, when I collected my GCSE envelope: ‘Sorry, these can’t be mine…” and asked her to check if she’d handed me the right envelope, because I didn’t believe her. They weren’t awful by any means, but well below what I expected. Cue an awkward and emotional call with my parents. Make the most of all co-curricular activities/ clubs, and don’t be held back by thinking your mates will give you a hard time about it. Work equally hard in every class not just the ones you think you’ll end up utilising once you leave. The two I needed most in hindsight were ICT and French – sorry Mr Atwal and Mrs Timothy – and I regret not working harder in those. Oh dear, I’ve just realised I sound like my Dad. I always resented my parents for saying these things to me when I was at Bablake, but they were right! *Ben is too modest to say he played rugby for Scotland U20s.
#CAREERSFORUM (5) - EMPLOYABILITY WORKSHOP #BABLAKEPUPILSEVERYWHERE Ben Cooper kindly led an excellent workshop on how to approach group interviews and assessment centres for some of our Upper Sixth students who had missed our Mock Interview Morning earlier in the year. His warm up activity was particularly excellent, asking students to introduce themselves. It gave the group an excellent insight into how they would need to ‘sell themselves’ or ‘pitch their strengths’ to a prospective employer, and it is fair to say everyone present did very well with that task. Ben’s advice about networking, including the use of LinkedIn for a number of sectors, as well as his encouragement for students to back themselves and be confident about the strength of their CVs, all had an excellent impact and everyone present enjoyed the session.
WORK EXPERIENCE OPPORTUNITIES (1) PwC
WORK EXPERIENCE OPPORTUNITIES (2) ARUP One of Bablake’s Engineering Education Scheme partners ARUP has announced its 2019 placements. They are for one week, extremely popular, and, as a result, the company always receives a high volume of applications. Any student (from Year 10 to 13/ 4ths and above) who would like to be considered for work experience at ARUP, should apply online using the link below :https://careers.arup.com/earlycareers/vacancy/midlands-campus-work-experience-opportunity---solihull1449/1475/description/. All online applications need to be made by 28th November. NB Please don’t leave this to the last minute – last year they had over 200 applicants for only 35 places. Students will be advised at the beginning of 2019, if they have been successful or, alternatively, if ARUP is unable to offer them a place. Please note that the company cannot accept any applications after this date, as the programme will be full and running from January/February onwards.
@bablakecareers
KPMG - SCHOOL LEAVER OPPORTUNITIES POST 18 KPMG360º Apprenticeship Programmes KPMG360° Apprenticeship programmes offer apprentices the opportunity to work with a variety of clients across different industries, whilst being supported to achieve a professional qualification and earning a salary. The range of programmes have been designed to support students with the transition from school to the workplace, offering a practical way to build an exciting career. Apprentices will gain broad work experience, be supported to build professional skills, grow their confidence, and build exceptional futures too. About KPMG KPMG in the UK, is part of a global network of firms offering Audit, Tax & Pensions, Consulting, Deal Advisory and Technology services. We work shoulder-to-shoulder with clients, from small start-ups to multinational organisations, helping them to solve some of the most complex business challenges. If you know ambitious students interested in an Apprenticeship Programme with KPMG, please direct them to find out more and apply via: www.kpmgcareers.co.uk/apprenticeships/apprenticeship-programmes See www.kpmgcareers.co.uk/apprenticeships/how-to-apply for more information on how to apply.
CAREERS FORUM NEWS
We will be reporting in full detail on our recent Careers Fora in ISSUE 5, including an #18Before18 look at the Value of Languages that former pupils Emily Robinson and Rachel Taylor kindly compiled from their exciting experiences working in Europe.
TALKING POINTS
MOOC OF THE FORTNIGHT (4)
CONGRATULATIONS!
Becky Evans ‘The DRIFT QUEEN’
From ‘The Red Bulletin’
www.redbull.com
‘Digital Skills – Retail’ is one of an excellent series of free MOOCS created by Accenture. In 3 weeks, you will learn how digital technology is transforming the world of retail: e.g. data transforming customer experiences and the increasing impact of connected devices and automation. www.futurelearn.com/careeradvice/grow-your-digital-skills
LIVE BROADCASTS FROM EMPLOYERS OFFERING APPRENTICESHIPS See: amazingapprenticeships.com/livebroadcasts for information.
CAREERS FORUMS 2018-19
DEADLINES CLOSING VERY SOON: Headstart & Inspire
We have had to reschedule sessions on Marketing and Fashion Design. Also ‘Degree or No Degree’ will happen early in the Spring Term. (7) Thurs 22 Nov: Focus group on the ‘GIG ECONOMY’ via University of Derby. (8) Thurs 29 Nov: Session for Y11 students on apprenticeships by Surfinia Foote (Apprenticeships Ambassador). [Reviews of our Languages sessions and the Deloitte BrightStart presentation will be in Issue 5.] .
THOUGHT OF THE FORTNIGHT Changing Jobs
CONTACT BABLAKE CAREERS Mr Mark Woodward
Contrary to popular belief, it is a good thing to change jobs regularly. “The brilliant thing about moving around is that you become very adaptable, you see different styles of leadership, and also different ways of being a boss.” FARRAH STORR, Editor-in-Chief COSMOPOLITAN UK
Email: mgw@bablake.coventry.sch.uk Twitter: @bablakecareers FB: www.facebook.com/bablakecareers Website: www.2morrow-2day.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin/markwoodward Blog: http://bablakecareers.tumblr.com/ Spotify: http://www.spotify.com/18before18 Instagram: @bablakecareers Careers Circulars: http://issuu.com/bablake/stacks