Are you a graduate? Struggling to find a job? Research has shown that competition for graduate jobs has never been higher, with employers this year receiving on average 91 applications for every graduate vacancy. This is without the added implication of COVID-19 and last year’s graduates competing with the lockdown classes of 2020 and 2021.
Despite this, there’s room for optimism, as COVID-19 has accelerated digital transformation. This has been reflected by a surge of vacancies for technology jobs, with marketing agencies across the country hiring heavily to keep up the digital demand (data shown from Target Jobs below).
So, you’re probably wondering how you can stand out in a highly competitive and ever-changing jobs market? Stay tuned as we caught up with some of our graduates from our vlog and asked them a few more in-depth questions about how their digital career started, how they’re enjoying their role at c3, and any advice they would give to graduates wanting to kickstart their digital journey!
Here at c3, we’ve hired numerous graduates, from all different backgrounds and experience levels. Want to kickstart your digital marketing career? You can find our live vacancies here.
RYAN COLLERAN – JUNIOR VIDEO EDITOR
How did you get into digital marketing?
I got into digital marketing when I started at c3. My background is in media/videography, and I was hired as a video editor to assist in the video production that goes out on the company’s socials. I knew very little about marketing and PR before starting. It’s been a fascinating experience joining the agency and learning all about marketing, SEO, analytics, and everything else digital.
How do you find the working environment and your team?
The team I work with is amazing. From my very first day, everyone was friendly and approachable, and I didn’t feel like the new guy for long. The working environment is relaxed and comfortable. The office is a great set-up, and it’s an incredibly collaborative place to work. You can ask your colleagues for advice, input on your work, general questions to expand your knowledge, or just a quick chat to give your mind a break. Everyone has their skillset and knowledge base, so it’s a great place to work, learn, and socialise. Even when working from home, your colleagues are only a message or call away; and they’re more than happy to get in touch and assist if necessary.
What advice would you give to graduates wanting to start their digital marketing careers?
My advice is to have confidence. If you know that you’re particularly adept at certain things, don’t be afraid to shout about it. Put it in your CV with real-life examples, but also carry that confidence into your interviews. The interviewer is looking for someone they can rely on, so if you show that you believe in yourself and your abilities, then they’ll believe in you as well. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and show the world what you can do.
EIRINI THEODORIDOU – SENIOR DIGITAL PR EXEC
How did you get into digital marketing?
I was first introduced to digital marketing during my undergrad studies, and during my agency placement, I got hands-on experience with the digital process of creating campaigns. During my placement I learned about social media ads, blogs, newsletters, social media posts, marketing automation, and the funnel that goes behind marketing The pleasure of creating something is immense and this is what drove me to seek a career in this industry.
How did you hear about c3?
I knew that I wanted to live in Leeds, and while I was searching for digital agencies in the city, I came across connective3 on LinkedIn and I connected with David who then reached out to me for an interview opportunity. After my call with Libby, I knew that this was the place to be.
A few weeks later I had my graduation, and then two days after that, I started at c3!
What’s your main highlight so far?
I have so many amazing memories, but if I had to choose one, it would be the mentoring scheme in which I participate in, where I get to gain valuable insight from other departments of the company such as content and SEO, which helps me excel in my career.
JONAH CHARNOCK – SALES EXECUTIVE
How did you get into digital marketing?
I studied digital marketing for one of my modules in second year of university and it interested me going into the third year, so I started looking for opportunities in this industry for post-university.
What’s your main highlight so far?
I’ve had a fair few in the short time I’ve been here, from Barcelona to betting on Sports Europe. But, it has to be winning the volunteering scheme and having the chance to go to Puerto Rico to volunteer as part of the environmental conservation project in San Juan.
What advice would you give to graduates wanting to start their digital marketing careers?
Confidence in yourself will get you far. Put yourself out there and opportunities will arise! I feel like as a young graduate it is very important to be experimental, push yourself out of your comfort zone and be proactive. I can only say from my experience that I would definitely keep your options open, especially in digital marketing where there are so many opportunities that you may never have thought of, but could be suited to you!
KENNY METHAM – SOCIAL MEDIA STRATEGIST
How did you get into digital marketing?
During my university studies, I started a blog and Instagram page which became a personal project to give myself a hobby away from academia. I wanted to grow my platforms which led me into researching social media, SEO, and design. I realised that my studies had helped me develop a mindset that was good at balancing creativity and strategy, which lends itself to digital marketing really well. When I started getting sponsorships through social media and working with brands, I was actively learned about paid social and the world of influencer marketing which then developed into freelance social media consultancy and later, into a digital marketing career.
How do you find the working environment and your team?
For me, I graduated university during a global pandemic and went straight into freelance work, which wasn’t ideal for someone like myself who enjoys being around people and working collaboratively. I was so glad to come into an environment that wasn’t overly corporate, and I felt I had the freedom to explore different elements of digital marketing and see where I wanted my career to go, which saw me move from digital PR to organic social.
What advice would you give to graduates wanting to start their digital marketing careers?
In terms of advice – I’d say let your interests lead the way. If you want to join an agency where you’re given the freedom to learn about different elements of digital marketing, then connective3 is the place for you. Another tip would be to remember that creativity and strategy come hand in hand – if you have one you can develop the other. When you start your career you won’t be a finished product, you have time to develop your skills and find your passion!
