Last week Mick Greer, a freelance copywriter, came to my college to give a lecture about life in the design industry. Guy Lawrence, one of our tutors, introduced Mick to the group as they had known each other for a number of years. After 20 years not being in touch they met 5 years ago and have been friends since.
Mick studied Graphic Design for 4 years but then decided to get into Advertising as he felt he wasn't that good at design. He leaned heavily towards copywriting and works now with an art director.
His CV includes working for The Chase, LOVE, Amaze and Mccann Erickson.
He started with some maths equations that basically showed that there are too many people and not enough jobs. This proved you have to be pretty special to get yourself a job. This led onto the subject of placements being of huge importance in getting a job. It is all about what you do and how motivated you are.
He told us that once we get a contact, to keep in touch at least once a week and build up relationships within the industry which is the best way of getting a job. When on placement do the jobs other people don't want to do and make yourselves invaluable. Mick also said not to just talk to one person. Talk to a dozen agencies to give yourselves the best chance of being hired in the future.
People often find they are without work for a year after qualifying. This means you need to act before you graduate to assure you are not without work. Agencies do not expect the finished article when you arrive and ther is still a lot of learning to be done after you graduate.
His advice overall was to be tenacious and you will get your reward.
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