The final countdown

This week, Ian and I are working on the Army account. The Army team are one of the most integrated accounts in Publicis, and this week we are working with the digital part of the team. You can see some of their great work by visiting http://www.publicis.co.uk/adcademy/, and click on case study.
Ian and I got to help with brainstorming for a new project’s creative work yesterday, which was great fun. Other than that we have been analysing how the different regional armyjobs websites have performed over the past few months since their launch, and going to lots of meetings to see how the Army team work.

We have also been helping to prepare some 2008 year in review materials for the Army. The weeks before Christmas are busy as many of the accounts have year end reviews with clients and/or internally. In addition, retail accounts will have a Christmas shopping media push which may require new creative.
And so the end of our 3 months training draws to a close. It’s been a fantastic learning experience and we have been able to meet a large number of the people who work in Publicis, Modem and Dialog. We are off to Paris this evening, for a long weekend before visiting the Publicis HQ on the Champs Elysee on Monday. We can’t wait!
In January, we start on our new accounts – the first of our three rotations for 2009. I will be spending 4 months in Garnier, Jenny will be working in Publicis Dialog on the Sabre account. Ian is heading to Renault as part of the Dialog team, and Patrick is going to be working on the Army.

Renault Shoot

During our week in production, we got to go to a Renault Megane shoot near Bedford. Whilst we were generally there to observe and learn, we also got taken around the Milbrook tracks at top speed by a driver. The Alpine circuit was particularly wild, and we found out that the Aston Martin crash from Casino Royale was filmed there. Fortunately, we made it back in one piece (although Jenny did get into the driving seat and try to drive at one point).

Training galore!

As a member of the IPA we have to fill in CPD (Continuous Professional Development) logs, and while this sounds pretty dull, filling it in yesterday got me thinking about how much training we’ve had over the past three months. The first two weeks of our training ranged from ‘how to order a courier’ to ‘how to write a good creative brief’. We have had a lot of exposure to senior management, who have given us their insights on everything from data planning to how to win new business.

We had six weeks of IPA1 training in October/November. Every Thursday evening we met lots of the other grads from other agencies, had talks from important advertising people such as legendary Jeremy Bullmore, and in the final week had to present for 5 mins per team on "What are the conventions holding the advertising industry back, and what are we going to do about it." We learned a lot, and I’m sure we will bump into many of the people we met again.

Two weeks ago, we had a one day course with two senior planners here at Publicis. The course was "Strategies to ignite conversations." This helped to de-mystify what strategy is, and how we can use it to get people talking about the brands that we work for. It was a great course, and it’s nice to learn from experts in the field.

We have also had training from the wonderful Tish on presentation skills, and how to persuade people. Add to this a good dose of powerpoint and excel, ASA training and Clearcast training, and we really have no excuse for not being ready for our first placement in Jan!

Facial Freedom..

Ian and I have been free from our facial chastity belts for just over 2 weeks now, and I have got to say...I feel like a new man!

That's right, Ian and I both successfully completed MOvember along with a few other brave Publicis employees. Throughout the month we collectively managed to raise over £800 for prostate cancer charities as well as alienating ourselves from the entire female race!

The month culminated with the momentous MOvember Gala Party at the Room in Waterloo. I have never been to such a ludicrous event. Every man was with mo, even the bouncers were. The finalists included such great efforts as Zoltan from the film Big complete with box and magic ball and a large man with a leather choker, pierced nipples and ass-less chaps not to mention his thick and lustrous handlebar moustache.

Our CEO, Neil Simpson, presented all participants with in-house awards for their dedication to the cause. Ian picked up the much coveted 'Magnum PI' accolade, whilst I collected the 'Long term potential' award. Simply meaning that I am most likely to be able to sport a really big bushy number in a few years as year on year growth projections look good! We both were secretly pleased to avoid the village people award.

Official photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/movemberphoto/sets/72157609016503902/show/

Photos of Ian and I to follow.

Money makes the world go round..

This week, we have been in finance. Despite the dread that has been creeping up on us from the first time we saw it on our schedule, the bark is worse than the bite. We all got into this industry to avoid finance (or I'd be working in a bank earning mega bucks, pining for a christmas bonus). My parents met at Uni both doing Maths and both got firsts. I can barely add up. Not sure how that can work, but I didn't learn genetics either.

Despite being mathematically challenged, the finances fortunately are not too complicated. However, now I appreciate how the whole system works and how important doing finances correctly are.

After all, we aren't in this to devise brilliant strategy or produce exciting creative, these are just means to an end. We are in this to make money and to sustain and grow the business. It's not finance, its funance!

A 60s night out

At our x-mas party on Thursday we had high expectations to live up to: Apparently the grads traditionally wear the most outrageous outfits, get drunk fastest and dance most expressively. With all modesty I think we succeeded in bringing this tradition to 2008. Judge for yourself:

Mister Twister and Presley Walsh


Finally: an excuse to touch Ian - everywhere























Paddy's alter ego seems to be rather successful with the ladies



Shagadelic baby - I finally got to meet the man of my dreams



I better keep an eye on my Austin with this woman around



Vanessa and Felicity - ready for action

Agency Quiz

Last Thursday was the Publicis Annual 2008 Quiz hosted by the UBS team. Believe it or not, the Grads Team "Sod it, when do we put our keys in the bowl" won after a gruelling 10 round contest. Youth and beauty won over experience as two years of grads (plus Camilla and Sam) defeated the Management Team by 3 points.
Here is our victory shot (minus Chris who was just off slipping some cash to the judges).

My favourite answer of the night....."What did bookies have 1000 - 1 on the Budget containing this year?" Answer from Ian: "Money for eyebrow dyeing?!"......Correct answer.