Guest Speaker – Andrew Smith
Andrew Smith graduated from Coventry university in 1992, and has subsequently worked in various different industries including: BBC Radio Cumbria; a journalist for Time Out; a director for a small film company and now the creative director and owner of a-vision and chairman of EVCOM.
A-vision is a media company that works for corporations, such as Holiday Inn and Disney, to create a range of advertising. Their work includes: TV commercials, viral videos, and augmented reality. An example of their work is, the augmented reality promotion for Vodaphone Mercedes. This was an unusual sponsorship deal, as mobile data does not have a clear link to motor racing. To connect them, the company used augmented reality to get audiences involved, using data to reveal a different and deeper aspect of what’s happening to the race car drivers. This is one of the most complicated pieces of augmented reality to-date.
EVCOM is huge in the industry, being seen as the official voice of the live and communication industry. The company has 550 member companies and 47 student organisations, which give them a large reach. To maintain this company, requires keeping up-to-date with new trends. For example, content is now seen as key, therefore, this is expected to be provided for their clients.
As Andrew is so high up in his chosen career, what I found most helpful was his career advice. He explained how people in the industry have to be either a specialist, or a generalist, with multiple skills across a wide range of areas. Other key skills individuals must have include: industry awareness, communication and team work skills, an ability to combine both new and old ways of working, be good at problem solving, be highly organised, have perseverance and motivation, be able to work under pressure and be confident.
When applying for jobs Andrew suggested being strategic about who you approach. It is more important to apply for fewer jobs that you are enthusiastic about, than just focusing on applying to so many. It is key to have a strong understanding of what the company wants, which means making sure cover letters are personal to the company you are applying to. Andrew stated that he liked to see when people mentioning specific advertising campaigns that they liked, and even suggesting improvement to demonstrate creativity.
This advice has been helpful for me, and when it comes to applying for placements, I feel this advice will help demonstrate that I am a strong candidate for the position.