Determined graduates will still succeed; the recession has met it’s match
Teamwork. Strength in numbers. Right now, we need to stick together. Here at t2 Studios, the value of teamwork and collective ambition is paramount, as is the belief that emerging from the recession will ultimately make us stronger.
University can arm you with enormous potential, but the real education for graduates begins in the workplace. As a Designer, I have had the opportunity to grow and develop my skills, supported by my Creative Director. It’s important to keep learning and developing in order to stay fresh and bring bigger and better ideas to the team. For me, stagnation is the death of creativity. Leaving the shelter of university shouldn't mark the end of education, which feeds creativity, and ultimately, gives us better job security.
In these difficult times, more and more people are fearing for their jobs, anxiously looking over their shoulders. In the Advertising world, companies are hit hard as clients cut budgets, cancel projects and go quiet. It’s not enough to just keep busy, this isn’t the time for passengers, now is the time to innovate, to stand out, to lead.
For thousands of graduates the summer brings a terrifying baptism into the ‘real world’. According to The Times Online, by January 2009 Britain’s leading graduate employers had reduced their recruitment targets for 2009 by 17%. These graduates have more challenges than many of us who still remember wearing our mortar boards, robes and fixed smiles at graduation.
I went into my graduation ceremony with the knowledge that I had a job here at t2 Studios waiting for me. In fact, I had been working for several months by the time I officially graduated. Among my peers, several others had opportunities lined up but there was a general feeling of exhaustion. Our final year and in particular our final term was one hard slog which had taken its toll on some. One of my classmates said she wasn’t sure if it was for her anymore, she had fallen out of love with it all, despite getting a First. Several others, now armed with their precious scrolls, planned to have a well-earned rest for a few months.
I, on the other hand, was all pumped-up and rearing to go, hungry for life in the creative industry, eager to prove myself and start my career. Yes, the third year is notoriously bad for your social life and you’re often drinking (coffee) way into the night but surely its all in aid of more than a piece of paper?
About 10 months ago I gave a talk at my University, where I found a class of talented creatives anxiously awaiting the abyss. I was due to talk about an international competition I had won an award for as a student, but we soon moved on to discuss future plans. Many of them were unsure about steps to take and understandably nervous. They’ve seen the news. They’ve read the papers. Pessimism surrounds them; the odds are against them.
But it depends on how they react to this.
Fight or Flight?
Creative ideas will still get noticed. There are still jobs out there. People are still looking for new talent, hot prospects. Yes, there may be fewer opportunities, more competition. Graduates will just have to fight harder. And if they are up for the fight, they will emerge from this in a stronger position than ever before. Advertising as an industry is moving in new directions, people who are ‘comfortable’ and ‘stagnant’ should fear the new blood because the determined ones will make it and bring with them drive, motivation and belief. Their careers will inevitably soar.
Fight or Flight?
The answer is both. Graduates should be prepared for a fight but shouldn’t give up hope. They should see the end of uni as the beginning of their careers and be ready for it. A CV which stands out, a portfolio screaming ‘look at me’, enthusiasm, drive, passion and above all, optimism, is invaluable.
Here at t2 Studios we have a great history of bringing out the best in people. Exciting times are ahead of us. We see potential, we will train you and help you grow, and together we WILL succeed.
So… are you up for it?
If you think you could bring something new to the table and are up for the fight, we’d like to hear from you. Contact 01733 313166 for more information, or why not email us
For any questions or comments surrounding this article please contact Rhona www.google.com/profiles/rhonabreeze
Illustration by Rhona Breeze © 2009 rhonabreeze.com
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