Employers in Hot Pursuit of Plug N Play Graduates

Employers in Hot Pursuit of Plug N Play Graduates

With baby boomers cutting back their hours, marketing industries including PR, event management and journalism will struggle to fill the void, according to APM College of Business and Communication.

"The alumni of 2009 and 2010 have large boots to fill as baby boomers start to step aside. As a result employers will be looking for graduates that 'have it all' and can hit the ground running," says David McDonald, Head of College, APM College of Business and Communication.

"Employers are not looking for 'technicrats'. They want graduates with practical experience behind them, who can apply that experience the moment they walk in the door. A solid knowledge of the industry, a can-do attitude and the drive to deliver immediate results is a must in this fast-paced industry," he says.
"Star-graduates will always be in demand, but businesses are under pressure to identify those that can manage a number of different responsibilities. They want staff that adapt quickly, are flexible, multi-skilled and can wear the many 'hats' that come with their role," he says.
"Whether a school leaver, career changer or looking to upskill to work in business and communication, individuals need to find the right course. Courses should develop specific skills that can be used in different roles across the industry whether in advertising or event management. Study options should also be flexible - do you want to study fulltime, part time or online?" says McDonald.

APM's 2006 business marketing graduate, Sarah Lane from Hurstville, is one such graduate that needed to hit-the-ground running after securing a position with worldwide experience marketing agency, George P. Johnson.

Recently promoted to project director, Sarah says APM's course and internship program gave her the right industry knowledge and experience to get her foot in the door, and advance her career. Working with a major IT client, Sarah manages 200 events a year and is responsible for looking for new and creative ways to make her clients stand out from the crowd.

"Studying at APM provided me with the skills to multi-task and meet the different demands of my role; from undertaking research, keeping budgets in check as well as the ability to manage the curveballs that events seem to throw your way. APM also helped me to unlock my public speaking skills to enable me to talk to my clients and peers with confidence.
"Changes to senior roles where older staff have cut back hours have also provided junior staff within the organisation more challenges and responsibilities. Being able to meet these demands has certainly opened up opportunities to advance within the agency," she says.

The marketing agency is one of over hundreds of companies from across a variety of industries seeking APM graduates as part of the College's coveted internship program.
"The courses at APM are designed to fast-track the careers of our students by balancing practical experience with the theoretical knowledge," says McDonald.
"We continue to work closely with industry employers and bodies, from marketing to entertainment to music to sport, to ensure the courses provide up-to-date and relevant content, making them more attractive to prospective employers upon graduation," he concludes.

APM's Bachelor degrees in Business and Communication (with majors in Marketing, Event Management, Public Relations, Advertising and Journalism) have been developed in consultation with leading academics and industry bodies, such as the Australian Marketing Institute and Public Relations Institute of Australia. Also on offer is an Advanced Diploma of Marketing and Diploma of Marketing.
All Australian students can apply for FEE-HELP or VET FEE-HELP. For more information please call APM College of Business and Communication on 1300 880 610 or visit www.apm.edu.au