By Lisa Smalley
A degree may be proof of your academic ability, but vocational experience is a completely different matter. Unfortunately for most creatives, this is the balance they must achieve when trying to enter into their chosen career. Of course there are graduate placements, but these are extremely competitive in the creative industry, and often the best course of action is to take on an internship to get that all-important experience to support your C.V.
Show me the goods
Trying to gain experience in my chosen career in copywriting has been like trying to squeeze into my pre-Christmas jeans: a feat that even the most talented of professionals would find impossible. Most companies want to see published work, and this is the area where I have struggled most. So when the opportunity to intern with a creative agency was offered on the Creative Writing at Leicester University Facebook page, I leapt on it with both feet and sickening enthusiasm.
Show me the money!
My internship was unpaid, and I weighed this option against the experience I would be gaining in an active agency. Experience, as it turned out, was my main priority. Working in the office with other creatives, including photographers and graphic designers, was an inspiring experience. I have never been so motivated in my writing - being in an environment charged with that much creative energy rubbed off on me and I learnt a lot from my colleagues there.
What did you gain?
I have come away with regular paid work, which has padded my portfolio nicely. The only downside is that trying to publish under my own name has proved challenging. Many companies want 'white ticket' writing, where their own names will appear as the author. The agency tried to help with this, publishing a couple of my blogs on their own website, and even endorsing my skills and providing a recommendation on Linkedin. They gave me training in digital marketing and offered access to courses for social media marketing.
This has been a step in the right direction and one that I can build on. Based on this, here are my best bits of advice for anyone considering an internship:
- Be clear on your timeline. How much time can you realistically afford to dedicate to the company?
- Be clear with your expectations. For the work you provide, what experience will the company give in return and is it worth your time? Will it translate onto your CV?
- Think about your portfolio. Look at jobs in your field of interest and note down what kind of experience they're asking for. Can you achieve some of these points in the internship?
I wish you the best of luck, and I look forward to seeing more creatives out there in the future.
About the author
Lisa Smalley is an MA English student, and an aspiring copywriter.
By Lisa Smalley
The children have been fed and changed for bed so I take the chance to get in a bit of reading. Five minutes in and something is different - for one thing, it's not as noisy. I look up and there's my four-year-old standing watching me:
'What you doin'?'
'Mummy's just catching up on some reading, boo.'
'What you readin'?'
'Erm, some poetry ... rhymes.'
'Oh, can you read it to me?'
'I don't think you'd like it, boo Why don't you finish your game? Look, your sister's waiting for you.'
'Ohhhhh!' *insert tantrum here*
When I started my BA in English, I was a parent of a three and a four year old. The eldest started school just before I started university, and the youngest attended the University nursery. At night I would slog through the mountains of work until the wee hours, and then drag myself and my little people out of bed in the morning, feeding, changing and problem solving the way to our respective locations. It can all be extremely challenging, so here are some tips to help with the parent/student balance:
1. Plan for the unexpected.
It's simplistic I know, but when those deadlines loom and a child is ill or has a homework project, the stress and anxiety of trying to balance everything can be overwhelming. Think about your priorities should the unexpected happen and book everything into your calendar. Consider having reminders and alarms on your phone to switch tasks and keep you on track.
2. Utilise all available resources.
Scheduling in time for your study with no distractions can be a life-saver for your heavy workload. If that means waking up in the wee hours, calling on family support or investing in a babysitter, it's well worth it to maximise uninterrupted time for your work.
3. Think about when and where you are most productive.
During my BA I practically lived in the library on campus, it was one of my favourite places: silent study areas, information at my fingertips and a comfy sofa or two to 'rest my eyes' when it all became a bit too much. When and where do you do your best work? Whether it is in your bedroom with your books spread out, or at 10pm at the dining table with a nice cup of tea, use these places to produce your work, and don't feel bad about spreading out and taking them over.
4. Book in some 'me' time.
Missing those cat videos on Facebook? Want to watch the latest film, or just have a soak in a relaxing bubble bath? Do it. 'Me' time isn't a luxury. It's a necessity. You are investing in yourself after all, and taking care of your own well-being is just as important as reading the lists of secondary information for your next seminar.
5. Forgive yourself the little things.
However hard we try, we will miss the occasional school assembly or forget to sign a permission slip or two. If you've not managed to finish the novel in time for the seminar, be honest about it and don't feel bad. Being a student and a parent is a massive undertaking, and you're only one person. For me, the journey was hard, but when I walked across the stage to graduate with the sound of my children's whoops filling the auditorium it was so worth it. When you're posing for your graduation pictures in your cap and gown, clutching your hard-earned degree in one hand and the sticky mitt of your child in the other, you'll be happy you made the commitment. Best of luck.
About the author
Lisa Smalley is an MA English student, and an aspiring copywriter.
