The Gradvertising Industry

Today we have an exclusive interview from a young man living the grad scheme dream. Tom Wrigley is a third of the way through the graduate scheme at Weapon7, an integrated agency in the Omnicom group, and is experiencing a whole host of departments and roles in his training. On the side, Tom writes a blog - Gradvertising - which gives students and grads an insight into the day-to-day goings-on at an agency.

·         Describe your current job in 140 characters or less

o   As a Weapon7 Graduate Trainee I spend 12 months on a rotational scheme across 7 different departments, inc. Planning, Account Handling and Creative.

·         Best experience on the job so far…

o   Meeting Michael Schumacher on my first day, going to a GQ fashion photoshoot, and the fact that a point-of-sale visual I helped to project manage is now displayed in every UK smart car retailer.

·         And the harshest reality to date?

o   Finding out that lunch in The Ivy isn’t an everyday occurrence.

·         What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learnt?

o   From my placements in Project Management and Creative Technology, I’ve experienced the daily life (and frustrations) of both departments, and so have begun to understand the importance of respecting time constraints and deadlines whilst not stifling creativity. Equally, the transition from University to working in a professional environment is not one that should be underestimated!

·         Thousands of grads compete for the same jobs each year. How can you get yourself noticed?

o   I’ve created a website dedicated to helping grads and undergrads break into the industry, and this is one of the key issues I have identified. I would suggest that grads take a look at the site, as it offers advice on this topic from a variety of graduates based in different agencies, as well as professionals who receive applications on a daily basis. The website can be found here http://gradvertising7.wordpress.com/

·         If you didn’t work in advertising, what would you be doing?

o   I’d like to think I would have spent a couple of years travelling and would have continued to live abroad. In reality, I would have probably spent my time switching between Jeremy Kyle and watching old episodes of Friends on my parents’ sofa.

·         Any words of wisdom for the class of 2012?

o   Apply to as many agencies and grad schemes as possible, ensure that your applications are bespoke and relevant to each agency, be yourself, and demonstrate your enthusiasm and passion for the marketing communications industry. I’d also suggest checking the Gradvertising blog for weekly updates.