It's good to be busy again

This week entails placement interviews, training, freshers fair prep and of course more Allié!

I'm excited to say that I've finally got myself a job that I can fit around my studies! I'll be working in my local Lush store. It's safe to say I know Lush products inside and out. After being a long-term fan of their excellent range and wonderful ethics; it feels amazing to say that I am now a part of their team.

I have a few placement interviews lined up. Hopefully they'll pull through because in the past I have been promised opportunities that haven't materialised. My plan is to visit as many places as possible to get the most enriched and varied experience.

Freshers fair will be taking place on 18th-19th. I'm so exciting to be heavily involved in the paper this year. I pulled an 'all-nighter' on Thursday night and managed to generate 3 pages of solid ideas for the features section. Although I am a student, it's actually been a challenge trying to tag into what my fellow students will want to read. I wouldn't exactly class myself as a typical student and most of my research lead to very 'lad-culture' orientated content.

Today I updated the Allié jobs page. This time I've asked for people to pitch ideas, rather than apply to be a part of the team. This is purely because we've had a lot of people join us and not actually submit anything. It has been highly frustrating, but I hope that this new way will ensure that the content we create will be of a higher standard.

I've been so busy recently that I've had to turn down events and visiting my family in Newcastle. It's disappointing, but I really feel like I'm progressing now. Fingers crossed I'll be able to find something that takes on graduates so I can stay in Manchester after uni!

Free product descriptions

I've got a confession to make! I'm an absolute sucker for product design. Packaging, product descriptions and general hype surrounding something, gives me an undeniable urge to purchase! Although it's slightly embarrassing, I'm positive I'm not the only one.

Product description in particular is an area I'm extremely keen on exploring. After working on beauty reviews and SEO for Allié Magazine, I'd like to apply my skills to a new avenue.

For a while now, I've found myself reading The Lush Times from page to page. I already know most of the products, but I appreciate the creativity that has gone into each page. I also love a good pun or two, which Lush is notorious for! Philosophy is another brand that springs to mind. Instead of overly romanticised facts about how certain ingredients can work miracles, their bottles are adorned with short stories and recipes.

I'd ideally like to start exploring a more creative side of writing whilst supporting independent brands. Although I am a competent writer, I'm aware that my lack of experience in this field creates somewhat of a risk for companies. My idea is to offer my services, free of charge, to small online companies looking to enhance SEO and entice new customers.

To contact me regarding this opportunity, please email JessicaScribbles.contact@Gmail.com with the email subject 'Free product descriptions'. 

From women's mags to wellies

For the past 2 weeks I've been working as the Cosmo On Campus campaign manager for Salford University. My job was to create a buzz around campus about the latest issue and hand out free copies.

I had 30 bundles stacked up in my living room! It was rather daunting but the pile certainly went down fast. Getting out there and visiting each building on campus was a surprisingly enjoyable task. I was surprised at how many people stopped to chat instead of just walking off with their free mag. This was a great experience as not only did I soak up a lot of market information, I also got to grips with the more official side by contacting student accommodations and officials to get permission to distribute and spread the word.

The following week, after I had finished the Cosmo campaign, a contact of mine offered me a new work placement opportunity! It's in the very early stages at the moment so I can't say too much about what I'll be getting up to, but I'll be working with The Wildlife Trust. The placement will give me an insight into PR and help me add to my growing writing portfolio.

I appreciate any opportunities that come my way and I'm determined to perform to the best of my ability. I'll be blogging updates, but for more up to date info you can always check out my social networking accounts.

Twitter: @IamnotJessica

Instagram: IamnotJessica

Out with the old, in with the new

Just a quick little update!

Moving out

Moving in

I'm in the process of moving at the moment! I moved out of my flat in Salford and I'm staying back home in Blackpool for a few weeks before moving to my new place near Eccles! I have new flat mates so expect some new adventures as I get used to living with my new fellow journos Jodie and Amy.

I've got a lot of spare time over the summer and I'm already going insane. There is only so much daytime TV I can take! I've been applying for some work exp everywhere I possibly can and will let you know when I hear back :)!

I've not been completely idle though! I blogged on Bon Vivant Clique about the idea of western beauty (Click here to read). I'm looking to get some opinions flowing from you all so get reading! There will also be some follow up posts because it's such a broad subject and it's something I feel needs to be discussed.

I've also been brushing up on my Indesign skills. I'm still following the magazine dream even though I've been exploring other avenues such as radio and online, I think feature writing for magazines will always be at the forefront of my aspirations!

So that's about it for now!

What have you all been up to? Holidays, awaiting results, festivals, or just trying to enjoy this sad excuse of a British summer?