Sunday, October 6, 2013

Imported meat- the seminar for Media students

"It is with who you know" Karen Poh, MELD Magazine.

Imported meat was held last Friday by a group of Journalism students as part of their assignment. I was cordially invited by Meld to attend.

Here there was free food in the form of cupcakes and lollies. But I wasn't here for that. Yes there was prizes but I wasn't there for that either.

I was there to find out more about working overseas and some of the amazing internships and companies for which RMIT graduates are working for. I was also there to find out how they secured their role. There were five speakers, two of which are overseas at the moment and the other three are all here.

These are the speakers:
1) Karen Poh- Meld Magazine. She was an International student
2) Oliva- RMIT graduate who lived and worked in London and is now doing her own documentary in Aus. She wanted to travel the world.
3)  Jonathan Lim- RMIT Graduate in Shanghai
4) Soffia IFFLA- RMIT graduate working in Disneyland US
5) Yolanda Blair- currently works as a currator in ACMI (Australian Centre for the Moving Image)

These were some of their concepts.

1) Passion- this concept was expressed all throughout the seminar. You have to be passionate about what you do. It is not about the money. Have a can do attitude in your job and you will go far. Work hard and you will get far.

2) Networks- students should start to build their networks from early on, especially in the first year. Karen from Meld Magazine talked about the fact that Meld offers opportunities for International and local students alike. Meld Magazine started off as being one of Karen's university assignments and from there it grew.
Karen and the other four speakers also talked about knowing your industry and networking is one way to find out about the industry.

3) Freelancing isn't about money, but its all about the love and the passion.  Be prepared for periods where you have no income.

4) Do your research before you visit a different country- that includes the costs of living there as well as finding out where you want to live.

5) Have an open mind. Be respectful of other cultures and values.

6) Strong communication is a must in every job no matter where you are in the world. Eg: America. Americans are really sociable people.
 
7) Learn more about yourself before you apply for jobs. What can I do? What am I suited to?

The hardships:
1) Missing home was the major one. The advice given is to be in regular contact with them and to visit home once in a while. When you go overseas try and make some friends. It may be hard at first but you can do it.
2) No money at first was the second one. For some they did not get a job until 8 months after they graduated. Try and get a part time job if you can. But if you know it is going to be difficult for you, especially students from Asian countries try and get some sort of regular income from your family. If you can't do that, try and work for one year before going overseas.

This seminar was really fun and I'd love to thank RMIT University for putting this on and Meld for inviting me. Hopefully students would have got something out of this.

Businesses what is your advice for graduating students? Please share your tips below.

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