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.

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!!

NETCETERA RENEWS MICROSOFT GOLD PARTNER STATUS

Microsoft Gold Partner designation recognises Netcetera's Managed Web Hosting expertise Isle of Man, THE BRITISH ISLES, 28 January 2010

Netcetera (www.netcetera.co.uk), one of Europe’s leading managed hosting and datacentre providers, today announced the renewal of their Gold Partner status with Microsoft in line with the companies Corporation's Partner Network. The Microsoft Partner Network, formerly the Microsoft Partner Program, is a community born from the continued commitment to serve the needs of partners and to help them and their customers reach their maximum potential.

The Gold Partner designation recognises Netcetera's expertise and total impact in the Microsoft technology marketplace showcasing competencies in Hosting Solutions and Networking Infrastructure Solutions whilst reflecting Netcetera’s breadth and depth of experience, outstanding customer satisfaction and a commitment to the highest standards.

"The renewal of our Microsoft Gold Partner status will continue to provide Netcetera the opportunity to provide enhanced services to our clients," said Tim Cass, Netcetera's CTO. "In addition, it enables us to access exclusive resources to help increase our customer's revenues and provide new market opportunities and solutions to grow and develop their business".


Netcetera has again been conferred with Microsoft Competencies in Networking Infrastructure Solutions and Hosting Solutions and recognised as a Small Business Specialist. Microsoft Competencies certify an in-depth technical and business knowledge and expertise in specific domains and defined areas of specialization. This provides Netcetera with a platform to showcase their unique skills on offer to potential partners or customers and in turn align their business with Microsoft's latest software and technology initiatives.

The Microsoft Partner Program was launched in October 2003 and represents Microsoft’s ongoing commitment to the success of partners worldwide. The program offers a single, integrated partnering framework that recognizes partner expertise, rewards the total impact that partners have in the technology marketplace, and delivers more value to help partners’ businesses be successful. 2010 saw the continuation of the changes introduced the previous year to the renewal process of Gold partner status which brought about significant changes which involved both Netcetera’s partners and customers. Engagement in the renewal process included providing customer references as well as customers being required to complete an in depth questionnaire – The Customer satisfaction survey (CSAT). The survey is a fast and effective survey solution which Microsoft have provided and its completion is a necessity for re-enrollment at Gold Certified level. Partners must receive 10 or more survey responses in a quarterly survey period. The benefits of CSAT are compiled analytics which designate a numerical score for various aspects of solution delivery. This creates an opportunity for ongoing conversations with customers and can help understand their business needs and provide an opportunity to exceed their expectations.

"We are extremely pleased to have maintained the trust of both our legacy accounts and look forward to earning it from our new ones. The Gold Partner designation has allowed us to clearly promote our expertise and relationship not only with Microsoft, but our customers and partners as well." said Peter Skelton, CEO of Netcetera. "The benefits provided through this partnership will allow us to continue to enhance and grow the hosting services that we provide for partners and Netcetera customers."

About Netcetera:
Netcetera was established in 1996 and is the largest web hosting company on the Isle of Man in addition to being one of Europe’s leading managed hosting and datacentre providers. Providing co-location, dedicated servers and managed hosting infrastructure, Netcetera provide services to businesses in over 60 countries worldwide.

Netcetera’s 16,000 square foot ISO27001 certified facility located in the Isle of Man, allows the company to offer any business enterprise level co-location and hosted solutions. Netcetera can provide companies with the IT requirements they need from single server co-location and disaster recovery to fully customised and dedicated servers. Netcetera offers relief to companies and allows them to maintain a focus on their core business instead of managing servers, networks and firewalls often at significant cost savings. As a web host Netcetera offers a steadfast, cost effective service delivered through leading technology channels with superior quality bandwidth and expert personnel. All processes are well defined to ISO9001 standards. For further information please visit www.netcetera.co.uk

Contact Information
Netcetera
Press Office
UK: 0871 3096 461
press@netcetera.co.ik

VLM Airlines withdraw Island Route

As i was driving along the promenade this morning on the way to the Energy FM building where I am currently doing some work experience, I thought back to how I meant to write about VLM Airlines and had not got round to it.
I often hear people on the Isle of Man saying -'The Island is great...as long as you can get off it every few weeks' .

I could not agree more with this. However, since the collapse of EuroManx and the subsequent takeover of BA Connect by Fly Be the island's passengers have had to deal with less then reliable services as well as putting up with other issues and complaints with regards to Fly Be, or as a local travel agent recently referred to the airline 'Fly maybe'.

More often than not there are delays on flights both to and from the island on Fly Be's principle routes to the island, Manchester and London Gatwick. If you want to change your ticket you will pay at least £80.00 and if you arrive early you will not be allowed to change on to an earlier flight. - A change from the good old days of Manx Airlines and EuroManx.

A couple of months ago i booked with VLM airlines on their route from the Isle of Man to London City airport which i feel is by far the most convenient airport for accessing the city. The DLR is on your doorstep and there is no messing about with the Gatwick Express. I unfortunately had to change my plans and called VLM to reschedule my flight. I was told they do not fly that route on a Sunday (which was the day i needed to fly) so immediately thought 'Great I'll have to buy a whole new ticket'. However VLM actually apologised to me and offered me either a full refund or to book me on to another flight for no extra charge!! The best was yet to come... 'You can use the ticket up to a year from now' .

Today whilst in the news room at Energy FM a press release came in about 'Another airline withdrawing from the Island' It was VLM. Turns out that after ceasing their London City - IOM routes during the summer months due to the lack of business passengers they realised that it was not worth them resuming the service from September. Whilst Air Arran will still be covering this route it is a great shame and loss to the Manx travellers - both business and pleasure that VLM have pulled out...Will anyone actually realise this or will it be another case of hindsight?

Isle of Man- Swine Flu And Your Business Seminar

Living on an island which is perceived by many as being somewhat identical to Alcatraz has it's ups and downs. One of the obvious benefits of the Isle of Man is it's well known status Internationally primarily in the Business World as being a 'Tax haven' . The Economic Recession? There is much talk on the island that we have not been hit in the same way as the U.K however how true this is i am not sure of.

The outbreak of the Influenza / H1N1 virus more commonly known to the public as 'Swine Flu' has now been categorised by the World Health Organisation as being at the level of a pandemic. With over 100,000 suspected cases in the U.K it is no surprise that panic has set in. This public panic is not helped by the frenzy which has been created by the media.

Yesterday morning i attended a seminar delivered by the Director of Public Health on the Isle of Man who outlined steps and precautions that businesses should be taking to ensure that they are adequately prepared (as far as possible) for when - notice it is When? the pandemic reaches the island and not if?... Currently there are 12 confirmed cases on the island and there has yet to be patient to patient spreading of the disease.

However once this occurs 1.4 - 1.8 out of ten infected people can then go on to infect 14-18 others. Adults are not infectious unless they are showing syptoms. Once these levels occur on the Island it is almost certain that there will be border closures and therefore the importation levels of goods will be dramatically reduced as a result. It has been confirmed that at least one ferry a day will arrive into the Island's ferry terminal primarily bringing food and drug supplies to the island. This to many may be a worrying thought. However, the Isle of Man's population will be able to receive a diagnosis from a trained health professional unlike in the UK - untrained staff are manning the call centres there. The autumn - winter period is likely to see 30-40% of the Manx population affected by the pandemic. However, i reiterated that it was made clear that the media generation of paroxysmal public panic is of no benefit to anyone. There is no need to use Tamiflu as a preventative measure , it is only of benefit to those who have actually contracted the virus. Buying bogus Tamiflu on the internet is not going to help you. Consumers doing this have already aided tamiflu to overtake viagra as the number one selling product on the internet. The main message from the seminar was do not panic, there is no need. Instead, ensure you are prepared as far as possible for the outbreak this is done by implementing the relevant policies, registering bank staff and of course designating a flu buddy (to collect your Tamiflu from a flu centre.