New Term, 24 Hour Challenge

Despite being back in Bournemouth for 3 weeks, working on assignments and sitting exams (all the fun stuff), today was AMC Level 3′s first day back in Uni. For the final term alongside our dissertation we’re working on a Campaign Planning unit, which is a tad different from your typical University modules. The unit is a chance to set up our own ad agency, and put into practice all of our knowledge and experience to date.

Thursday brings our first assignment, a 24 hour challenge (actually, a 25 hour challenge but that doesn’t quite have the same ring to it). We will be given a client brief and will have a day to come up with a strategy, creative solution and a persuasive pitch.

Another interesting aspect is the chance to win and lose marks during workshops, and to win points via bonus tasks. Currently 1% is up for grabs for anyone who posts an insightful and thought-provoking review of an advert on AdReview, resulting in a comment from an industry professional. 1% may not sound like a lot, but this is a great way to gain recognition for dedication to the course, and engagement with activity outside the Unit.

I have just written a review of the UK ‘Open Happiness’ Machine by Coca-Cola so if any industry professionals out there fancy getting me an extra percentage point towards my mark feel free to comment and offer your opinion:

http://www.ad-review.co.uk/view/youtube/item/happiness_machine_lo/1357

Uni- A Third Year’s Perspective

Uni. It’s all about the grades right? The First at the end of the tunnel?

That was my perspective when I first started Uni in 2008, and I’m sure this rings a bell for a lot of students. But, looking back in retrospect at my University life as I approach my final term I thought I’d share some of the insights I’ve gained from my 3 years of study.

 

Slightly controversial but my advice is: don’t worry about grades. There’s a tendency for Uni students to learn tactically, learning just enough to get them the grade they want, but by doing this they are missing the point of higher education. Worry about learning, immersing yourself in the topic and expanding you’re knowledge. Approach things from a different angle, challenge existing knowledge and add to it and don’t be embarrassed to be a geek! Enjoy the experience, you probably won’t get another chance to dedicate three years or more to learning about a subject you love so make the most of it whilst you can! Plus, if you’re truly interested in learning about your subject the grades will come naturally.

 

Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions. You’re lecturers are all experts in your area of study and this may be one of the few opportunities you’ll have to pick the brains of some of the leading academics in your area of interest. If you show a real interest and arrive with insightful questions your lecturers will be happy to chat to you, and I always found that I learnt more this way than I ever did by sitting in a lecture theatre.

 

You’re paying a lot of money for higher education so make sure you leave it a wiser, more rounded and more interesting person than when you entered, as this your skills and experiences are far more valuable to you and to future employers than a number on a piece of paper.

 

Particularly within the advertising industry, agencies are looking for people who can offer them a new perspective, who can bring new ideas and fresh insight. Most importantly, they’re looking for something who gets things done, isn’t afraid to jump in at the deep end and get their hands dirty and, most importantly, is the type of person you’d be happy to work with everyday. If you’re hoping to go into advertising, learning to work in a team and get on with a range of people will be hugely beneficial, and your ‘likeability’ may well be the deciding factor in offering you that first agency job.

 

So in conclusion, I’d like to share some words of wisdom that the Director of Strategy at an integrated agency in London once offered me:

“Your CV will get you an interview, but your personality will get you the job”