When work experience means exploitation 
Thursday, August 17, 2006, 08:56 PM
Only just recently, we got to hear about a company in Hoxton - in the communication industry - looking to take on a graduate for work experience. After milking the D&AD New Blood Show for contacts, they then offered a live brief as a mini 'test' to see who deserved a placement.

They were offering only a minimal wage (we think it was a nominal £100 per week plus travel expenses - though it can't be confirmed) in return for 3 month's work placement and the 'chance' of a full-time job at the end of it.

This is exploitation

Graduates are more than equipped to start junior positions straight away - if your selection process is good enough. If you're hiring, then you need to look for the right skills from day one. Any notion of graduates not being ready for work immediately ("they never seem to know all the software or business skills we need") is pure nonsense.

Furthermore, paying graduates at a rate under the minimum wage is illegal and immoral. No excuses by using 'work experience' either.

If you know of a similar story - let us know. These kind of companies are devaluing design & creative talent. We at Novari know about hiring - pay people for what they're worth.

What do you think?

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Life in the world of online publishing 
Thursday, August 17, 2006, 08:48 PM
We received an email a couple of weeks back from a young designer working in the online publishing industry. After working for a large agency in London, he/she decided on a more leasurely way of life out of London, working in publishing.

He/she emailed to say that it was great to be in contact again, but they were feeling unfulfilled in a world dominated by viral marketing and online advertising, describing it all as "very short term". Unfortunately, he/she felt that their colleagues didn't quite have the same view; they were all quite willing to cater to advertising clients and all the facade it represents.

Now he/she loathes advertising and the industry and re-evaluating what being a digital designer is all about. Only two years (or is it three?) he/she is feeling it's time to move on.

Just how many other people feel the same? Or how long did it take you before you were dissatisfied after graduation? 1 year? 2? Maybe more?

How can we create the 'idyll of University' described by this designer in the contemporary workplace? Is it possible to keep the mind active and the bank account flush?

Give your views here

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