W+Kside Extend Entry Date

W+Kside extend the entry date for the 'idea in an envelope' project.

The closing date for entries is 26th August 2005, if you have been successful you will be contacted w/c 29th August 2005 and 2nd round interviews will take place in the middle w/c 5th September 2005. 

You must be available to work for the full twelve weeks commencing 12th September 2005 – 2nd December 2005.

Comments

[Rob Mortimer]

*cries*

I just took an afternoon off work to get mine done with a few days to spare!!

*opens drawing board*

[Office Worker]

>It doesn't matter if you're a dustman, ballerina or a brain surgeon.

>From the outside, the advertising industry looks like a bit of a closed shop. We don't think it should be that way. We don't think it should be that way. We think there are plenty of people with the talent and enthusiam to make it in advertising that lie outside of these channels. And we think that these people should be given a chance.

It's so nice that you guys want to give those of us from non-advertising backgrounds a chance.
You'd really be helping us out if you'd open the door a bit wider to give those of us who have a day job a chance too. We can't take 3 months off work at 1 week's notice. (Usually it's a month's notice to leave your job)
Otherwise, I guess it'll just be the usual mix of don't-have-to-work-for-a-living-can-do-placements-for-peanuts lot that'll be applying, and you wouldn't be reaching anyone new.
Money always seems to be one of the biggest obstacles in getting into advertising.
It really shouldn't be.

[Rob Mortimer]

True, but at least W+K are paying the lucky 4!

[Office Worker]

Yes, but that's good practice.
People shouldn't think working for free is ok.
Unless of course you want to staff your agency with ants.

[Rob Mortimer]

Could be interesting, lots of adverts about picnics I would imagine. ;)

Working for free isnt ok, but its finding the right balance between attracting talent and wasting money. Besides, with the number of people who want to get into this industry, why should any agency pay over the odds for a candidate of equal quality as one they can get for free/cheap?

I suppose while this idea is still limited, its better than I have seen from any other agency :)

[Office Worker]

Spending money on future talent is not wasting money, it's investment.

>Besides, with the number of people who want to get into this industry, why should any agency pay over the odds for a candidate of equal quality as one they can get for free/cheap?

-then why bother with schemes to encourage those from outside the field?

I'm hoping that this is just an oversight due to the extended deadline. It's a very nice idea, and can set a nice precedent-it's worth making it as open as possible to allow the scheme to achieve maximum effect.

[Rob Mortimer]

I agree entirely, but its just a case of supply and demand.

Most agencies dont even try to look outside the set 'boundaries'; at least W+K are trying to broaden the playing field. A little is better than nothing.

[neil christie]

Been away for a few days, so just checked the blog for the first time in a week. It's a fair point about the notice period. If this scheme works out we'll do it on a regular basis and we'll try to make sure we can give people a bit more time to make arrangements. It's an experiment!

[Pete Raistrick]

Wicked concept regrding the comp. will not get into the 'free pitching' thing. I am a lecturer at Croydon College on Pre-Degree Graphic Design. Would like to have the comp. to include a student section and for a placement - even one day 'work shadow' opportunity to be included as a prize. No-one likes dealing with students yet we all whine that they are not properly skilled up and would love creative industries create opportunity. Am going to set your brief this week...thought it was really good! Pete

[joeytomatoes]

I would be happy just to have a walk thru, just to experience.