unemployedgirl

[unemployedgirl]

I’m back! My latest SCI-FI-LONDON review looks at Studio Ghibli’s When Marnie Was There.

[unemployedgirl]

Picturehouse Marketing Awards!

Wednesday was the Picturehouse Cinemas Comms day. A day where Picturehouse troopers from all over the country get together for a day of updates, communication and celebrations. This year it took place at the brand new baby of the family and newest addition to the West End’s cinema offering: Picturehouse Central.

The day’s events included the Picturehouse Marketing Awards. This year I won the Best Movio Marketing award. Movio is the software we use for our newsletter campaigns, and I guess, it has a nicer ring than simply ‘Best Newsletter Marketing’. This award acknowledges the entire package of the newsletter, particularly the copy, attention to detail and the production of the newsletter. As copy is my speciality this award certainly made my day!

[unemployedgirl]

New Year. New jobs on the horizon... soon

I'm still very much on the job hunt. I've been a very busy lady working various jobs within the company I am currently employed by, resulting in having had to take a small break from applications. But, I am now going to kick things off again. 

I recently got a rejection email for a job I applied for a good 4-months ago. Better late than never right? Right? I appreciate when a company lets you know the outcome, that you were unsuccessful so you don't pin your hopes on dreaming about that dream job that you applied for, but have had total radio-silence from on many occasions. However that is a rather crazy amount of time to get an email with disappointing news, and, may I add, I did not receive an interview. It was simply the first stage that I was refused from. And the idea in that itself is rather disappointing, but I'm used to this by now and am a trooper. I shall keep on at it, as always. After all, I had an interview a couple of weeks ago for a position that seemed rather intriguing, the overall feedback was 'excellent' and the only 'one-up' the person who was awarded the position had, was that their skills more closely matched to that of the position. I appreciated the fantastic feedback, which certainly gave me a new boost of confidence. I admit I have a vast variety of skills, but in terms of skills that I may not have as of yet, or had the opportunity to utilise or develop on, given the opportunity these can be progressed. But if that opportunity to develop on these 'required' skills are not offered, very much like in the world of graduates and the whole 'you require more experience' for a position, if no one offers you that vital opportunity, when can you learn? After all, some skills can only be developed on the job.

Sam =]

[unemployedgirl]

This was my view yesterday evening of the #CityAtNight on my way to see the #NationalTheatre & #DV8PhysicalTheatre production of #John.

[unemployedgirl]

I spent a substantial part of yesterday afternoon in the kitchen baking these little treats. 25 mini cupcakes for my sister’s 25th birthday.

I like to get creative, not only with words, but also with food (another of my loves). I love to eat and explore the variety of cuisines and delicacies available, especially a sweet treat. And, it's not that often that I get time to get my hands dirty in the kitchen in terms of baking. So my sister's birthday was the perfect excuse. For her 25th birthday I baked her 25 mini cupcakes. #25for25 is the perfect hashtag for the occasion!

[unemployedgirl]

A note to employers

After applying for some pretty spectacular job opportunities since my last post, this has resulted in one excited little lady. The prospect of what the future holds, and what my next challenge will be.

So here's a note to any employers out there who are interested in what I can bring to your business. Perhaps you're intrigued by my work, well why not let me win you over. You are welcome to set me a small writing, proofing or copy-editing challenge. Let me show you what I can offer, because I'm THAT determined and THAT passionate. I know you won't be disappointed!

In saying that, this reminds me of a writing challenge several years back, I was asked to complete. I had to answer the following question: 'Do Facebook, Twitter and YouTube encourage or discourage social intimacy'. My response can be seen on my portfolio here.

Sam =]

[unemployedgirl]

It's time to specialise...

Last year, in one of my previous posts, I mentioned that I had successfully managed to transform my position from a contracted position to that of a permanent one. This was the perfect ending to a great year!

I then went on to speak about my next goal, in that I am hoping that my current position would become a full-time opportunity. I know this is dependant on whether they can afford to make this so. I am the type of person who knows that it is often the case, that unless you ask and make your thoughts known, you may never know if it is actually a possibility. So I asked away; I made my superiors aware that I feel I need more hours, and the position itself requires more time in order to accomplish more to benefit the business.

By asking about the possibility of increased hours, I have started the ball rolling. However, this is something that will need to be considered once the new Marketing budget is released. So in the new year this may or may not become a reality.

With that said, I do find myself keeping my options open. I love my job and the creative freedom that I have, but I find the aspects of this position that I appreciate the most are the writing side of things; the copywriting, the copy-editing and the proofreading that comes with it.

I also continue to write for SCI-FI-LONDON when I can, and am going to ensure that make more time for my blogging. But it had certainly opened my eyes to that fact that I am quite open to finding a new challenge in my career, and with this, I would like this to be a position involving one or more of the following: Copywriting, Copy-editing and Proofreading.

Within each of these areas, I have varied and extensive experience, but I would be excited to specialise in these areas. I have such a passion and appreciation for the written word and the importance of it in any industry, in order to communicate a specific message to the intended audience. The beauty of words beautifully placed together, and how easily the message to the target audience and the reaction from that same target audience can change so easily depending on how the words are presented.

I have an online portfolio on the website Carbonmade. I also use Linkedin to present myself online professionally, using it as a tool to connect. I am also currently thinking of a way to take that online writing portfolio and beautifully present it in a print-based format. I want to ensure I am able to present my writing skills and experience in a manner that would grab the attention of a potential employer or client, who would be excited to hire me or work with me in the future.

Here's to the future...

Sam =]

[unemployedgirl]

Here's one I made earlier! A whole year and a half ago...

Christmas, New Years and the apparent end of the world (well, that one didn’t happen) has come and gone. And now is the time many have been waiting for - time to hit the sales, or let the sales hit you… seeming as the amount of people you’ll have to tackle to get the item you want can be pretty...

[unemployedgirl]

It’s back! HYPER JAPAN will return for its 7th annual event this Christmas, as the Christmas Market returns in November.

My latest post on the SCI-FI-LONDON website, announcing the Christmas Market of one of my favourite events. After all, it's an entire event dedicated to Japanese culture - what more could a girl ask for!

[unemployedgirl]

One Year On...

So it's been about a year since my last post, which means that I have now been in the position of Marketing Manager for a year. It truly is madness how time flies. I was initially on a contract, and thankfully at the end of the contract have been made permanent. Whilst my position is now safe, it remains part-time. My next goal is to get to full-time by the end of the year. With 16-hours a week in this role, I still do front of house shifts to make up the hours. But I do love this job, so *crossing my fingers* all works out.

As I am writing this I am travelling back from my first business trip; I went to York yesterday and am returning today. I admit I love the idea of travelling for work, but I need to learn how to pack for trips such as this (although I do think I'm doing pretty well at the moment), I have a feeling I should at some point (when finances allow me to) invest in a small roller case in opposed to carrying something on my shoulders. After all, at 4'10 my frame can't really carry much. On that note, at the end of this month I'll be backpacking at the end of the month! I'll be off to Thailand - seriously excited about this! I have a 40 litre backpack and need to build up the strength to carry this. I've even gone and joined a gym - something I never thought I would ever do. Committing to paying a monthly fee, for at least 12-months which is admittedly a stretch but I guess it will (theoretically speaking) push me to get my pennies-worth. I'm not a huge fan of contracts, committing to paying a fixed amount every month for a certain amount of time, especially when one's income isn't exactly a comfortable amount.

I'm still at home, living with the parents because my finances haven't allowed me to leave. I know I'm lucky to still be able to do so, especially in the attempt to advance in my career after leaving University and having to undertake Internship after Internship. But there comes a time in one's life when you need more space to yourself, a place to call my own. However, saying that, I've made the conscious decision to travel first, then move out afterwards. To experience the world, then build a home for myself once I'm done. After all, there's no point in paying rent if you're not going to be there for part or most of the time.

I must end my first post in a while so I can quickly proofread, make edits and then submit this taking advantage of the 15-minutes free Wifi they provide on the train (because we arrive very shortly). I love trains; I certainly prefer trains over planes - there's something quite charming about a train journey...

Sam =]

[unemployedgirl]

I got it!

So I have some great news! I got the Marketing Manager position!

I started just over a week ago, so far fo good. I am really enjoying my time as Marketing Manager and Picturehouse is a supportive company and great to work for. I know it'll be hard work, but it'll be worth it. The position is currently on a part-time basis, but it's the first step in the right direction. My first PAID career-related position. And, if come the end of the year I have worked my little arse off and proven that this position is vital then who knows, they may increase it to full time - allowing them to justify this extra expense.

As it's been a month since my last post I thought I would finally share the good news. Sorry I haven't done so sooner. It's been a mad couple of weeks, with the half-term and all.

Things are finally starting to look up.

Sam =]

[unemployedgirl]

Times ahead

So, this week I had an interview for a part-time Marketing Manager position at the Picturehouse I currently work at. It's so perfect - it's what I do. I am both passionate about the brand and understand both the brand and the target audience. It's a part-time position, but certainly a step in the right direction. I shall find out this weekend - so fingers crossed!

In the meantime while I continue my writing for SCI-FI-LONDON - writing the Anime reviews. I also finding that opportunities are arising from this - I attended a press screening last week for a 3D Anime called 009 RE:CYBORG which is will be released later in April. Earlier in the year I went along to the London Anime Con and I will also have the opportunity to go the the MCM Expo later this year, all with the help of these handy things called press passes. This year is certainly looking a lot brighter and exciting!

Sam =]

[unemployedgirl]

My latest anime review for SCI-FI-LONDON.

[unemployedgirl]

My latest review for SCI-FI-LONDON looking at Bleach's latest and fourth movie adaptation - Bleach: Hell Verse.

[unemployedgirl]

Five-years on...

It's almost been five years since I graduated and I am not quite where I would have expected to be five years after completing a degree, not quite sure whether that is a good or bad thing. Let me tell you why. Five years ago I wanted to be a graphic designer, I still do the odd touch of design work - I applied and applied for jobs and got so close, but never obtained my first career-related job after university. I did undertake an internship during London Fashion Week and Weekend for Anna Lou of London as their Fashion Week Assistant & Graphic Designer, but nothing came of it. In all honesty I was a little relieved, because I didn't particular enjoy working there. So once I finished I instead got that 'in-between' job to pay my bills whilst I was still eagerly hunting. 

After I graduated I began blogging; I wanted to document my career journey, and that I did, slowly, with this blog. I wrote when I could, and still do. I began to attend a few events and write about them and that made me think that I should start another blog (one I called 'Subtle Shopper', one more along the lines of a life-style blog. So I did. It was through these blogs that I got several of my Copywriting internships.

Writing is something I have always loved, I used to write stories when I was a kid, but never pursued writing in a professional manner because, in all honesty, I didn't think I was that good in comparison to other writers. I never considered it a career path for myself. My blogs where just a means of output, something I did for fun (not always as often as I liked, because my 'in-between' jobs often take most of my time). But then one day I saw a a job in Marketing and Copywriting and thought I had nothing to lose, an internship to be more precise, one at a travel company (Black Tomato) which I personally thought was pretty spectacular and I am fascinated about what the world has to offer. Luck was on my side when I heard from them. They loved my writing style and set me a brief so I could demonstrate how I could adapt my writing style and write a piece titled 'Indochina'. Again I heard from them and they said they loved it and wanted to invite me for a chat. It was at that 'chat' that offered me an internship, 3-months working as their Marketing Assistant & Copywriter. That is where it all changed. From Graphic Design, I soon realised I could possibly pursue a career involving my love for the written word. Hooray!

I undertook the Internship at Black Tomato, and whist I never got a paid job out of it (because they had no opportunities at the time) what I did get was confidence in my writing. That was black in 2010. I continued my writing and applying but not much happened after that. Sadly the internship was full-time, I worked evenings and weekends at my other job. But unfortunately financially for those months I was, how should I put it. Screwed. I had to heavily rely on my credit card during my time at Black Tomato, so after leaving I was desperate to get an additional job to dig me out of the hole I had dug for myself. Whist I was still living in my family home (and still do), I still have to help out financially, I pay rent and have my own bills to pay, because my parents are unable to support me financially. I am far too old for that anyway. I am lucky enough that they allow me to remain under their roof until I get settled. So it was after the internship that I began working at Topshop's Flagship store in Oxford Circus, meaning again I was working two jobs. I was working at Topshop full time, and my other original in-between job around my shifts at Topshop. Then after a while I left Topshop and began Waitressing. I then eventually left in the Summer of 2011. My Grandmother was visiting from Australia, so I wanted to spend time with her. And, working 'all the time' wouldn't have allowed for that. Plus, I needed a break, because over that year I had pretty much been working two jobs at one time.

After my Grandmother went back to Australia, I found myself again looking for my next step career-wise. It wasn't until April of the following year that I found myself again considering the prospect of having to undertake another internship. I came across one for a company called Love Through Design, which felt right. They contacted me pretty much immediately, showing an interest in my writing. I went for a meeting in their North Acton office and was offered an internship with them there and then. This time however, I knew financially I would be better off because they were much more flexible than my previous internship and their expenses covered any transport costs that came as a result of my work for them, and lunch expenses were also covered (My Black Tomato internship only covered travel costs). They allowed me to work around my paid job, doing it on a part-time basis, working as their PR & Marketing Strategist / Copywriter. I also found myself attending events and exhibitions and writing articles and reviews, all of which I absolutely loved doing. I also found myself writing for their sister company known as 'Clooci'. Again I developed my writing and development my sense of self-worth as a writer. They were really impressed with my writing style. However, as a start-up company they were unable to offer my a paid position after I left.

It was after that, that I again wondered what would be my next move. I knew I couldn't leave any blanks on my writing. I continued to apply for jobs. It was soon after that I saw an opportunity to write for SCI-FI-LONDON, reviewing the latest anime releases. Something which I am still doing. I am their anime girl, or shall I say slightly more formally, I am their Anime Reviewer. Something which again is a voluntary position, but the perks are great and I love it. After all, anime is one of my major loves.

And, now? Well have very recently sorted out a new online portfolio of my writing at a portfolio site called Carbonmade. I am now more determined than I have ever been, because, it's almost five years since I graduated. A slightly scary thought indeed. But if I had got a job straight after graduating from Brunel University, I probably wouldn't be pursuing my writing career. I am a firm believer that things often happen for a reason, and not I have established that writing and editing is for me, I am finally ready to get my life started.

I have always worked since university in various 'in-between' jobs and have had the chance to do various things I never would have thought I would do (all whilst trying to kick-start my career):

Barista

Worked behind a bar

Kids' Party Planner / Party & Event Host

Worked at an independent cinema

Waitress

Retail

Promotions & Events

But now, like I said I am ready to kick-start my life and get my first 'Paid' role. Then I can eventually move out of home, travel and do all the things people can do when they're more financially able. I want to wake up every morning with purpose, knowing I am doing a job I love. I am so eager that if a job offer is too good to miss then I may even be open to relocating. A scary thought, but I know change can be good. I have even considered going to Australia - I was born in Australia, so I also have the rights to work there. Endless possibilities, because I can actually hop on a plane tomorrow... if I had enough money for a flight and to support myself over there. So for financial reasons it's not an immediate option, but it's certainly one for the future. And certainly an adventure that could be my next big step... 

Unless I get scooped up in a pretty awesome job soon. Only time will tell I guess as I remain open-minded as to where life will lead.

Sam =]

[unemployedgirl]

My latest anime review for SCI-FI-LONDON!

[unemployedgirl]

My latest piece for SCI-FI-LONDON.