Diversity in the Media

The media industry has been notorious in the past for their inability to reflect the nations make-up, both on screen and within their work force.  And in today’s climate, with the frequency of unpaid work experience and internships, are they any closer to addressing this issue?
The Guardian, in association with the BBC, Chanel 4, Sky and ITV has an established website (Diversity in Media ) exploring topical issues of diversity within the media.  It covers most areas of diversity and is a really good resource for anyone interested in perusing a career within the media.   The articles are frequently updated and changed and there is a chance to voice your own opinions within the feedback sections.
The old adage of  ‘it’s who you know, not what you know’ still does apply within this industry so get out there, attend events, enter competitions, look at the work schemes and put yourself in the spotlight.  Starting by understanding what is current within an industry is the best way to begin this process.

Election issues around disability

With the election just about upon us and many people still undecided on which way to vote, Disability Now  is running a series of news stories on political issues around disability.

 Including articles on how to improve full inclusion in education,  what effects different parties will have on work capability and how the autism strategy is missing various links the range of stories Disability Now are presenting could help you decide which way to vote.

Don’t forget to have your say about issues that will affect you!

Employers failing to Integrate talent management and diversity

In a report released this week by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CPID) it was shown that organisations are failing to embed diversity into talent management strategies.  Past research has proven that companies that are able to thread diversity through all talent management activities really reap the benefits of accessing and developing talent from the widest possible pool.  Different points of view and perspectives make for better, more flexible work practices which ultimately, can mean more profit.  However, many companies are failing to access this diverse talent pool.

Claire McCartney, CIPD resourcing adviser and co-author of the report, says:

“By opening up talent opportunities organisations will benefit from a stream of differing views and practical answers to problems, helping them to reflect increasingly diverse customer needs and remain ahead of the competition.”

The full report can be found at the CIPD website.

Experience makes for great teachers!

 If you’re considering retraining to be a teacher and are thinking that your age could be a barrier to getting a job out the other end, think again.   According to a recent article in the Guardian, applications from mature students wishing to retrain are up 35% for the 2009-2010 year.  And this looks set to continue with this demographic accounting for 70% of the enquiries to the Teachers Development Agency (TDA).

Overall it will amount to “a substantial change” for the profession as a whole, said Graham Holley, chief executive of the TDA. ”It’s already making a big difference to us, and it will make a big difference in the classroom in due course.”  

He goes on to say that there is generally a change to the societal attitude towards teaching, with these new ’2nd career’ teachers bringing in a passion and understanding to their subjects and a desire to give back to society.

So if you are considering teaching and would like further information, a great place to start is the TDA website (www.tda.gov.uk).  Good luck!

Diversity Milkround

Many of you may have heard of the Milk round – a term commonly used to describe the phenomenon of companies touring universities each year, in order to advertise their opportunities and recruit students.  Here at career services we’ve seen a reduction of the more traditional ‘touring’ but a definite increase in the amount of companies offering their internships/graduate opportunities online.  And now there is a website specially dedicated to diversifying the milk round phenomenon.   As with many websites like this, the majority of the vacancies are in banking or law but if that is where your interest lies, it would be worth checking out Diversity Milkround.  Many of the closing dates are set for January so could give you something to do over the Christmas holidays.  Check it out at

http://www.diversitymilkround.com/