Three things I wish I knew as a new graduate

Waiting tables, processing PPI claims and four internships later, there’s a whole host of things I wish I knew as a fresh-faced graduate! Hopefully you’ll find these three ‘gems’ as helpful as I did:

1) Get networking!

“It’s not what you know, it’s who you know” they said. Sounds like another “duhh” – but if you’re seriously keen on a career in ad land, and don’t have any connections you’re probably aware how disheartening it can be when you’ve put the hours in to unsuccessful grad scheme applications.

Don’t think of networking as stalking every hiring manager on LinkedIn though. Keep building relationships with people who share your interests and the benefits down the line will be far more interesting.

2) Considering a Masters?

I’m in no way against the idea of taking on another degree, but if it’s just to avoid the cruel economic pitfalls then I might warn against it. Keep going. Even if you feel stuck in a dull admin role or processing PPI claims ‘til the cows come home. Even if you’re knee deep in internships, all these character-building experiences count towards your goal. I met one of my best friends on my double shift at my day job.

I learnt to network very differently after he kindly forwarded my CV to someone he knew in advertising.

3) Get pro-active!

Gwen Parry-Jones, a station director at EDF Energy once said:

Anything is possible if you are flexible and take the opportunities that come to you!

Yes, you need to get on with the work you’ve been set but if you have a new idea or can see a way of improving processes, do suggest it. Take on challenges with both hands, even if they’re out of your comfort zone.

You may have also heard that looking for a job is a full time job. Hopefully you’ve got something keeping you busy during your job hunt slash double retail shift. Life’s going to get pretty monotone if you don’t.

• Keep reading over old case studies and make a mental note of your favourite campaigns to remind you why you were inspired to choose this industry. It’ll also help you when you’re caught off guard with sporadic interviews
• Get familiar with the industry greats and keep up to date with good reads such as The Social Animal,  Thinking Fast and Slow  and The Unpublished David Ogilvy

There’s loads of advice and good reads online – AdMission is the IPA’s new website for people who want to get into advertising, media and marketing communications. It offers really sound advice from recent grads who’ve hacked it in the industry.
They also often post about events, interesting talks and how Students and interns can book tickets at discounted rates for said talks. So there it is, three potentially obvious things I wish I knew when I was setting out. All the best!

Chané Scallan worked previously as online community manager for Human Digital one of M&C Saatchi’s group companies.

She moved to London after attending AAA in Johannesburg; as an institution owned by the ad industry in South Africa and accredited with the IAA New York, it has access to a wealth of experts within the ad industry.