I got back from London last week and although it seems like it has been a long week alot has happened. Firstly, with regards to my time in London, I would definitely recommend going to see The Lion King. The choreography and costumes were just fantastic and although I didn't sing along(honestly) I still managed to remember all the song lyrics 'Hakuna Matata, what a wondeful phrase....'
On Thursday I was lucky enough to be invited to attend a Strictly come dancing Salsa master class with Darren and Lilia from the show. I have never done anything like this so was rather apprehensive but hey, it was all in the name of charity, and actually turned out to be really good fun!
On Thursday evening and Friday I attended a higher education event for local sixth formers. I was a representative on the Manx Graduates stand. I spent alot of time talking to students and explaining the benefits of the Manx Graduates portal. I found it quite strange to be back in the same hall I was in as an eager 6th former laden with University prospectuses almost 5 years ago. Where does the time go!?!? It is definitely worth taking the time to register on the Manx Graduates site and I hope that Manx students returning to the island as well as local employers continue to benefit from the facility.
PDMS is sponsoring the Social media Club's 'Super Third Thursday' tomorrow with a lunchtime seminar event at the Hilton - 'Enabling Internal Communities' . I'm looking forward to seeing some old and new faces and this is my first experience of the Island's SMC!
Wednesday 23 June 2010
Thursday 10 June 2010
London's Calling!
Im flying off to London tomorrow afternoon and I can't wait!
Although I am only spending the weekend there (wish it was much longer) I am so looking forward to seeing some close friends.
I have tickets to see the Lion King Musical on Sunday afternoon at the Lyceum Theatre. I loved the film as a child so I can't wait!!
Hakuna Matata, K x
Although I am only spending the weekend there (wish it was much longer) I am so looking forward to seeing some close friends.
I have tickets to see the Lion King Musical on Sunday afternoon at the Lyceum Theatre. I loved the film as a child so I can't wait!!
Hakuna Matata, K x
My Experience as a Graduate of the Class of 2009
In January of my final year at university, I was somewhat surprised when a career adviser assured me I should send out no less than fifty job applications. However, with my final exams and my dissertation looming, finding the time to fill out the lengthy job application templates became ever more challenging. Although the option to continue my studies by enrolling on a Postgraduate programme was appealing, I felt enthusiastic about getting into the workplace and starting out on the career ladder. In two words though, there was one slight problem: The Recession.
The career advice turned out to be somewhat optimistic. I was leaving the protective academic environment of University for work in a period when graduate recruitment had been cut significantly and competition for roles was fierce.
Though this might be better viewed as a ‘challenge’ rather than a ‘problem’, it was definitely an additional hurdle to overcome that few of us had expected when we started studying. It appeared that life after study was going to be far from the ‘Land of Milk and Honey’ that I had been expecting.
Towards the end of September I returned to my family home on the Island and immediately registered with a number of the local recruitment agencies. At this stage there seemed to be a number of temporary positions available in the finance sector but very limited graduate level opportunities. I quickly realised that it was better for me to be ‘temping’ and out in the workforce rather than sitting at home becoming somewhat disillusioned. I took up temporary work in the local banking sector on the premise that I would keep applying for jobs relevant to my interests and qualifications. Although there were days of frustration, on reflection I am glad that I spent the time working in an industry about which I had no previous experience. I was fortunate to work in different departments within the company which meant that I learnt much more about the sector than I had originally anticipated, and this general insight may prove to be a useful foundation on which to begin an MBA programme.
As part of my initial flurry of applications during my time at University I was already registered on the Manx Graduates (www. manxgraduates.im) website. When I heard the software company PDMS were recruiting for a marketing graduate, I registered my interest via the Manx Graduates job portal and was then asked to submit a discussion paper on the subject of ‘B2B Marketing and Social Media’, to complete the first round.
Thankfully, I made it to the second round. For this, I was invited for an Interview at PDMS’s new headquarters in the Isle of Man Business Park. This involved an in depth interview with the Managers responsible for HR and Marketing, on topics ranging from my previous work experience, my degree and my goals for the next couple of years. I was fortunate that nerves were far less of an issue having dealt with interviews in a number of recruitment agencies and for various employment roles.
The final stage saw me present on the title ‘Why I want to progress a career in Marketing and What I can bring to PDMS?’ to a group of senior managers including two of PDMS’s directors. During this presentation I outlined how both my natural and university developed skills compliment a role in marketing. Combining study for an MBA with work, I would be afforded the opportunity to apply the general business education while I learn it. Skills such as time management and scheduling will also be important factors.
After a couple of weeks of waiting I was given the news that I had been successful in the final stage of interviews and that I was being offered the job. I was delighted. I accepted the offer and enthusiastically looked forward to my first permanent job as a graduate.
The UK Graduate Careers Survey 2009 revealed that the emphasis for graduate job-hunters in 2009 was on job security and securing one of a dwindling number of places on a company graduate development scheme. With this in mind, I was very fortunate that the development of the Island’s Graduate MBA Scheme has given me the perfect opportunity to work for a leading software development company (PDMS), whilst also providing the training to further enhance the skills I gained during my Undergraduate studies.
A couple of months on and I am now settled in my new role as Marketing Executive at PDMS. I am extremely fortunate to be working in such an innovative and forward thinking company with a fantastic team of colleagues.
I will commence my MBA studies at the Business School in September. As well as the academic challenge of the course, I believe I will benefit from relationships forged with my fellow graduates, gaining a valuable insight into management challenges in other sectors of business.
With the MBA, the Department of Economic Development will be meeting the full costs of tuition, exam fees and the additional costs of the mentoring process. This is a superb opportunity and I would encourage my fellow Manx students who have graduated within the last 3 years to find out more about the MBA Graduate Scheme.
I was already extremely privileged to graduate from University with no student debt unlike many of my peers in the UK and that was only possible due to the generous support that the Isle of Man Government provides to the island’s students. This new scheme offers great potential for further skilling the islands population and drawing back Manx Graduates.
The career advice turned out to be somewhat optimistic. I was leaving the protective academic environment of University for work in a period when graduate recruitment had been cut significantly and competition for roles was fierce.
Though this might be better viewed as a ‘challenge’ rather than a ‘problem’, it was definitely an additional hurdle to overcome that few of us had expected when we started studying. It appeared that life after study was going to be far from the ‘Land of Milk and Honey’ that I had been expecting.
Towards the end of September I returned to my family home on the Island and immediately registered with a number of the local recruitment agencies. At this stage there seemed to be a number of temporary positions available in the finance sector but very limited graduate level opportunities. I quickly realised that it was better for me to be ‘temping’ and out in the workforce rather than sitting at home becoming somewhat disillusioned. I took up temporary work in the local banking sector on the premise that I would keep applying for jobs relevant to my interests and qualifications. Although there were days of frustration, on reflection I am glad that I spent the time working in an industry about which I had no previous experience. I was fortunate to work in different departments within the company which meant that I learnt much more about the sector than I had originally anticipated, and this general insight may prove to be a useful foundation on which to begin an MBA programme.
As part of my initial flurry of applications during my time at University I was already registered on the Manx Graduates (www. manxgraduates.im) website. When I heard the software company PDMS were recruiting for a marketing graduate, I registered my interest via the Manx Graduates job portal and was then asked to submit a discussion paper on the subject of ‘B2B Marketing and Social Media’, to complete the first round.
Thankfully, I made it to the second round. For this, I was invited for an Interview at PDMS’s new headquarters in the Isle of Man Business Park. This involved an in depth interview with the Managers responsible for HR and Marketing, on topics ranging from my previous work experience, my degree and my goals for the next couple of years. I was fortunate that nerves were far less of an issue having dealt with interviews in a number of recruitment agencies and for various employment roles.
The final stage saw me present on the title ‘Why I want to progress a career in Marketing and What I can bring to PDMS?’ to a group of senior managers including two of PDMS’s directors. During this presentation I outlined how both my natural and university developed skills compliment a role in marketing. Combining study for an MBA with work, I would be afforded the opportunity to apply the general business education while I learn it. Skills such as time management and scheduling will also be important factors.
After a couple of weeks of waiting I was given the news that I had been successful in the final stage of interviews and that I was being offered the job. I was delighted. I accepted the offer and enthusiastically looked forward to my first permanent job as a graduate.
The UK Graduate Careers Survey 2009 revealed that the emphasis for graduate job-hunters in 2009 was on job security and securing one of a dwindling number of places on a company graduate development scheme. With this in mind, I was very fortunate that the development of the Island’s Graduate MBA Scheme has given me the perfect opportunity to work for a leading software development company (PDMS), whilst also providing the training to further enhance the skills I gained during my Undergraduate studies.
A couple of months on and I am now settled in my new role as Marketing Executive at PDMS. I am extremely fortunate to be working in such an innovative and forward thinking company with a fantastic team of colleagues.
I will commence my MBA studies at the Business School in September. As well as the academic challenge of the course, I believe I will benefit from relationships forged with my fellow graduates, gaining a valuable insight into management challenges in other sectors of business.
With the MBA, the Department of Economic Development will be meeting the full costs of tuition, exam fees and the additional costs of the mentoring process. This is a superb opportunity and I would encourage my fellow Manx students who have graduated within the last 3 years to find out more about the MBA Graduate Scheme.
I was already extremely privileged to graduate from University with no student debt unlike many of my peers in the UK and that was only possible due to the generous support that the Isle of Man Government provides to the island’s students. This new scheme offers great potential for further skilling the islands population and drawing back Manx Graduates.
Monday 22 March 2010
Something Different in the Isle of Man
This weekend for the first time since I care to remember I completely bypassed The Courthouse et al. I had been reminded of some outdoor 'activities' I was keen to try out..Enter Go Karting at Jurby and Pony Trekking in Little London. I had the perfect person in mind to join me, a classic 'There is absolutely nothing to do on this island' victim.
Thankfully it was a lovely day and the sun was shining, we drove up to Jurby to the karting track http://www.duketrackdays.com/Karts.aspx There was no one else there so I was spared some embarrassment as I suited up in full black waterproof overalls and helmet..If I recall I was lapped 3 times but despite this it was good fun and definitely a different way to enjoy being outdoors. I have cousins visiting over Easter weekend and have already planned to revisit Jurby as I think it will be more exciting with more than 2 of us racing.
On the return to Douglas we looked out for Milntown House an estate created in the early 16th century with the hope of stopping off for a coffee or afternoon tea. Unfortunately due to rather hazy directions we couldn't manage to find it.
That evening I sampled some produce from Paddy's Market in Port St Mary - worth a visit if your in the area!!
Sunday afternoon came around and it was time for outdoor activity number 2. Pony trekking in Little London http://homepages.manx.net/ballahimmin/
There was a group of about 7 of us who set out on the trek, the scenery was beautiful and it was so nice to be out in the fresh air doing something different. Definitely would recommend the experience, just be prepared for some sore muscles in the morning!!
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