It has been suggested that I blog about post-grad job-hunting in journalism. I wrote a blog very early on about my feelings on being a vocational degree-level applicant in the current economic sturm and drang, here is an update.
I was discussing the difficulty of the situation with Kirsty, a fellow post-grad who is also getting work experience with the same company as me. It’s reassuring to know you’re not the only one feeling the stress and frustration, but it also emphasises the reality of it. We talked about friends of ours who had been treated as scivvies at certain well-known commercial magazines and then the following day, Kirsty came across an advert from Elle magazine. I don’t mind mentioning the name since the advert is public and the opinions I draw from it are just that; opinion. I shan’t claim anything to be fact which is not, and I won’t mis-quote. If this is defamatory, it’s not libellous.
I will start by saying this. One of my lecturers at uni told us that fashion journalism is the rich kids’ arena. And this was a well-propagated idea even before recession, now it is particularly poignant…
MY OPINION IS IN BLUE
“ELLE, Fashion Intern – end of August start…
MAIN TASKS & RESPONSIBILITIES:
This role involves all aspects of working for one of the UK’s most prestigious and extremely busy fashion departments.” So, there’s the disclaimer: ALL aspects, don’t go getting excited, it’s to include the negatives rather than suggest positives.
“We are looking for highly enthusiastic, super motivated and responsible individuals to support the fashion department for 1 year.” That’s ONE YEAR. ONE YEAR.
“You must have a wide knowledge of designers and trends, an unquenchable passion for fashion and must be willing to do even the most menial tasks.” They know that people are getting scivvy-savvy, mention it in the ad and you’ve got nothing to hide.
“Your responsibilities will include assisting the fashion team on research,” Probably the best bit of work, I doubt it gets much better that that…
“calling in clothing samples, sample requests as well as dealing with clothing inventory and thousands of returns.” So, making phone-calls to suppliers and agencies. Practice your secretarial skills, kind of useful.
“You must be extremely efficient and well organised and must be able to think on your feet; ‘Call me in a selection of fascinators in berry colours, 50’s style underwear and 17 Balmain style jackets, we’re packing in 1 hour!’.” No idiots please, genuinely capable people (with a year to spare).
“You will be responsible for elements of shoot production,” NB: Elements of shoot production includes moving lights, directing fans, pouring coffee…
“price and credit requests,” Asking how much things cost.
“doing carnets” Carnet is a vaguely sophisticated way of saying ‘permit’. In other words; documentation of items.
This is the clincher:
“as well as trips to starbucks for the whole team when they are stressed and still in the office at 9.30pm.” They are so stressed and dedicated they stay late and your trips to Starbucks would make you, like, an absolute lifesaver! And totally useful and appreciated and brilliant and… OH MY GOD WHY DON’T THEY HAVE A COFFEE MACHINE OR JUST EMPLOY SOME CHEAP-IMMIGRANT TO MAKE THEM THEIR WHITE CHOCOLATE MOCHACCINO ON-SITE SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO TRAIPSE ABOUT AT STUPID ‘O-CLOCK WITH CARDBOARD TRAYS LAIDEN WITH BEVERAGES AND PAPER BAGS STUFFED WITH PEACH AND RASPBERRY MUFFINS?
“You will help to organise fashion week requests, which is an exciting but demanding responsibility.” Exciting in that you’re involved in something deemed by some as ‘exciting’. The work itself is the ‘demanding’ part, and I doubt the ‘responsibility’ aspect applies to the former. You will, most likely, be doing more of that secretarial stuff, only this time, the subject matter is a bit more interesting. The work, I would suppose, is not.
“Previous magazine experience (at least 6 months at a fashion magazine)” Oh right, just a previous six months of your life spent doing scivvy work for peanuts if anything.
“and knowledge of designers is essential.” So you know the difference between the labels whose secretaries you will be ‘liaising’ with.
“We are looking for someone to start at the end of August.” Probably best to get some work in first, you will need some pocket money to fund your YEAR fetching coffee!
“PERSON SPECIFICATIONS:
• Keen interest in all aspects of a fashion magazine” Well, we’ve covered that one.
“• Careful attention to detail” Note the difference between the cinnamon dolce latte and the cinnamon dolce latte with sugar-free syrup!
“• Extremely organised with excellent time management skills” Join the army: be the best!
“• The ideal candidate will be a team player but also have the ability to work independently and in a pro-active manner” Get along with everyone but don’t go asking for any help.
“• Responsible and work under pressure and deadline driven” It’s worth it, bear all this in mind, they’ve warned you now so you can’t expect any sympathy once you’re the lucky chosen one.
“• Willingness and flexibility to take on and deliver specific project work.” Very vague… interpret as you so desire.
And there, in one foul swoop, Kyla has eradicated any possibility of ever working for Elle magazine. Still, if I were in a position where I could consider working there, I’d probably be financially stable or successful enough to not give a berry-coloured fascinator-wearing rat’s arse.
