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If you are just starting your career, you are probably considering which route to take. Or perhaps you might be very much into your career and now beginning to ask yourself if you have made the right choices. Baring this in mind a job candidate can be loosely categorised into two types - a generalist or a specialist. A generalist often possesses a varied skill-set acquired by the pursuit of a broad range of disciplines. A specialist on the flip-side is more likely to be the go-to person in their field as they are seen as the expert. This post will dive into the benefits and drawbacks of each career approach.


Specialist
With the focus on depth over breadth, there are certainly numerous reasons for why individuals might opt more towards the specialist pathway. Perhaps they wish to invest time and effort in becoming the go-to person for their niche or have a desire to stand out with a competitive edge when applying for a job role or maybe they just love their subject area so much that they want to be a true expert in their field. This section would explore some up and downsides on pursuing the specialist approach. 

Benefits
Higher salary and paychecks
People opting to specialise have spent large amounts of time focusing on their niche/field. This makes it more advantageous for them to seek scarce job vacancies. It is said that a specialist is more likely probable to earn a higher salary even for entry-tier jobs simply due to their advanced technical abilities. Therefore for those with bigger financial goals could benefit from following this pathway especially if they are motivated financially.

Expertise and leadership
People more often listen to experts for advice on specific problems than generalists. Having strong subject knowledge can be more advantageous than just leaving it for the generalist's guess-work. Not only does being a specialist increases the opportunities to earn a higher salary, the specialist might also gain a greater sense of internal power. For instance, when a company looks to implement particular organisational reforms, the specialist could find themselves being called upon to negotiate in these situations.  

Bright opportunities 
It is said that the skills gained by a specialist can be more valuable as they are harder to teach. Many experts claim that there has been a shift in the recent shift of organisations who look to achieve more for the cost of less. This is especially true in this pandemic where many professions have become redundant. Furthermore, clients may also recognise the value of good service offered from a specialist expert. They might feel more persuaded by an individual who can offer high expertise at a reasonable price. 

“Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.” – Robert Louis Stevenson

— Trueblogposts (@trueblogposts) October 19, 2020

Drawbacks
Career Inflexibility
When the job market shifts, specialists could find themselves losing enthusiasm about their work. Being able to adapt to different professions under these circumstances can be very difficult and at that point, it may be nonsensical to continue hunting for the same type of role. A person is not fully confined to a specific job title but it can be expected for there to be fewer job opportunities available. Strategies like interleaving can help at times like this where an individual spends their spare time learning other subjects, skills, or methods.

Lack of breadth 
Although a specialist person is likely to be the go-to expert in their field of work, their opinion on other issues might not be as valid. A scenario could be that the specialist's input and opinion is appreciated but only if the topic at hand involves their direct area of expertise. It is always recommended for someone to have other things under their belt such as extracurricular activities or personal projects. This could greatly help to enhance an individual's employability and character. 

Search for the multitasker 
Specialists also have a risk of being replaced. If we refer back to history, there are plenty of instances where some form of human skills had been taken over by technology. Take printing technology as an example which has now been substituted by computers. A focused specialist could also find themselves falling short when applying for job positions at a company with a distinct company culture. The company might value employees with a resume including recent extracurricular activities as it shows they have a strong work life balance. 




Generalist
The contrasting opposite of a specialist. Adopting a stronger focus on breadth over depth, there are plenty of reasons why people might find themselves following approach. A generalist offers a broad range of skills and experience across a variety of disciplines within their field. They are wary of what it takes to get the job they love and so work hard towards earning transferable business skills using curiosity as their guide. This section will look at the up and downsides with taking this career approach. 

Benefits
Focus on the big picture 
Focusing on keeping a broad range of interests, experimenting and changing course now and then are essential for one to find their true passion. It is also true that being able to apply knowledge in different ways is something desirable to employers. There is a saying that the more contexts in which something is learnt, the more likely it is for the individual to be able to construct better abstract models. The learners become better at applying their knowledge to a situation they have never seen before by using their creativity. 

Gaining transferable skills
There is wisdom to the idea that the higher up the career ladder an individual goes, the more necessary it is to have general and managerial skills, especially in a fast-changing workplace. This is particularly important if an individual's hope to become the leader or manager in their organisation or company. Some companies also dream about having one employee who can take on several hats as it can saves on overhead costs so a generalist might see fit with this.

Offering career flexibility 
A broader understanding of different subjects paired alongside a wide range of transferable skills can help facilitate with greater career flexibility. This is quite relevant for those who are first starting out with their careers. A generalist is able to look at the big picture and think out-of-the-box. This makes them better able at navigating through uncertainty. Generalists could find themselves at an advantage in an unpredictable and unknown future. 
 

“Success seems to be connected with action. Successful people keep moving. They make mistakes, but they don’t quit.” – Conrad Hilton

— Trueblogposts (@trueblogposts) October 19, 2020

Drawbacks
Lack of job security
In times of economic uncertainty, a person might end up losing their jobs if they are not seen as a priority of the company. The more that kind of expertise is based on either pattern recognition or repetitive motions, the more likely the chances are for it to go automated. This can lead to job cuts and thus a greater need for talent that can offer higher technical expertise. It brings to attention the possibility that people with more technical capabilities are better likely to succeed in the corporate world. 

Need to work harder for approval 
A generalist could find themselves needing to work much harder in order to show their worth and gain recognition. They might not be as prized as a specialist to a company who is able to showcase their focused niche. One of the most common criticisms against generalists is that they lack in-depth understanding over breadth of knowledge. In situations where an employer is seeking credibility, the individual with a more generalised background can expect themselves get turned down.

Less technical understanding 
Being a generalist might imply that you do not have the particular expertise that the company is looking for. Perhaps the company would need to spend some time coaching the individual before they commence their role. This time could have been better spending for the new employee to get right in with tasks instead of being spent training. For this reason, if a potential employer is unable to easily a candidates specialisation across their resume then there is a high chance that the individual could miss out on the opportunity. This is simply due to the lack of relevance easily spotted. 

In-between
Perhaps supplementing one’s broad base of skills with a sprinkling of expert knowledge can be an individual's best. Especially when hoping to climb up the career ladder and reach leadership and managerial titles as generalist skills are widely sought after. The success of an individual in finding a new job title can vary according to many things such as how far they are into their career, the industry sector they are applying for, the location of the office, a candidate's personal background and so on. Hence it is probably best to weigh out one's options before figuring out which route to take.





These days it is all about personal style and self-expression. There is beauty in both the thoughtful simplicity of a minimalistic space and also the vibrance of a more eye-catching mix of tones and textures that can be found in a more maximal one. But it does not just stop there. These art forms can also manifest as part of the day-to-day choices we make and the way we live our daily lives. Here is a simple guide helping you decide on your style by considering the benefits and drawbacks of each approach. 



Minimalism
The notion behind this idea is that "less is more". By only placing the most essential things in a space, you can make those elements more stand out. This helps to increase the attention and focus of particular material goods or elements in one's life. Minimalism is not just about owning the bare essentials, it is about living with greater simplicity. It goes beyond just design but is also a part of mental philosophy and lifestyle that looks to distinguish what is important in one's life. 

Benefits 
Free from financial worry
One of the many reasons budgeting can be difficult these days is because we accumulate so many extra bills on services and spend so much buying products we might not need. We can cut down on these habits by implementing minimalist style budget systems. For example, using just one credit card could help towards earning points that convert into rewards. This would be quite impossible if you are frequently using more than one card for transactions. Keeping a savings account can be a useful as a reserve for your money.

More time for what matters
In a world of endless opportunities, it can be hard to say no to things. One of the big reasons for this is the fear of missing out. We might find ourselves acting with an impulse on opportunities thinking that it is better than what we could plan to do now and then find ourselves feeling more moments of boredom indulging on Netflix and social media. Why not take it back to basics, clear out any pre-plans and start to enjoy your own company? You prioritise on what is important and on things which add lasting value to your life. Following a simple approach to life can make time feel more rewarding and joyful. 

Experiences over material goods 
Living a minimalist lifestyle centres around the aspect of reducing. An individual typically spends more time on experiences than using material goods. Placing priority towards experiences like planning activities with loved ones, hitting the gym, reading a good book can help support personal development and strengthen relationships. This is a more meaningful way to spending time than spending it at shops making purchases on things of short-term value.

“Reduce the complexity of life by eliminating the needless wants of life, and the labors of life reduce themselves.” – Edwin Way Teale

— Trueblogposts (@trueblogposts) October 19, 2020
 
Drawbacks 
Only for those who can afford 
Although minimalism revolves around valuing experiences rather than things, experiences can cost as much, or more than the things that we accumulate. Take theatre tickets or travelling as examples. All great experiences but you need the cash to do this. Sometimes experiences can cost just as much or even more than the things we accumulate. Therefore being aware of your finances is key to make better decisions.

Getting too caught up 
It can be easy to slip into an obsessive way of thinking where you turn manic-like on counting things, getting rid of things or just owning the basic essentials. It could lead to missing out on the purpose of minimalism altogether. Minimalism is not about counting everything or leaving it all behind and it is definitely not about obsession. It should be applied as a guiding principle to navigate oneself through excess so that they can focus on the important things in life instead.

Not a remedy for problems
There are all sorts of guru experts who claim to know how to solve all your issues and bring you a happy life. But life as you know it is not easy and there are always challenges and hurdles along the way. In this case, you could consider minimalism as a tool helping to free up the mind. It can be used as a guide to having gratitude for even the small things in life.



Maximalism 
At the opposite end of the scale to minimalism is maximalism. The philosophy behind this idea follows that "more is more". This idea moves away from keeping this of pure utility to a more lavish lifestyle of more opulent taste. Maximalism let's vibrance, shapes and texture set the scene. It works by grabbing your attention from the use of both complementary and clashing colours. It could be said that we might all lean further towards this side as life is not picture perfect.

Benefits
Hunting for deals
Following a maximal lifestyle gives you good reason to splurge out now and then. Not only do you get to try out new things, but you also become much more price-conscious about things. We all love promotional offers and keeping loyalty with brands can be a fast track for amazing exclusive discounts. Life is short so why not enjoy and make the most of it? If shopping is one's thing then so be it.

Experimenting with style 
A common misconception is that maximalism encourages hoarding items and overstuffing rooms. Although it is centred around the idea of excess, it is not all as it seems. For those who love to mix and match different styles, maximalism is the way to go. You are free to decorate with all sorts of colours, layers and period pieces to your heart’s content. It is also an opportunity to learn in embracing imperfections.

Telling a story 
Maximalism follows the accord of abundance and delight. Everyone loves a good story so showcasing your life experiences makes an interesting conversation starter. If you have ever been to the house of an individual who has travelled a lot, you might notice many souvenirs and small things placed on displays. Maximalism gives you a chance to tell a story and share across your personality to others. 

"People will stare. Make it worth their while." – Harry Winston

— Trueblogposts (@trueblogposts) October 19, 2020
 
Drawbacks 
Too much clutter and junk
You might soon realize how little you need to hold onto things. The truth is you need the things that you use on a daily or regular basis. If you are relaxed with your standards then you might end up losing control and verge towards hoarding behaviour. You should only buy what you need over instead of what you may want as you might not make the most use of it. It is important to remember that consumerism can lead to a vicious cycle of short term happiness.

Less control of your wallet
For those who love to shop all the time can most likely lose sight of keeping savings. Thinking frugally becomes tough and often a person might end up missing out on doing or achieving the things that could add value to them. Developing the habit to spend less can not only free up time but it can help boost one's health. It can help take away stress and free up room for the important things in life like building true relationships between people and achieving new milestones. 

Compulsive behaviour and materialism 
The reality is that many things begin to lose their lustre which leads to a danger of feeling easily underwhelmed. This is why everything should be in moderation. This is the key. If you get what you need you can appreciate it more so to overcome these habits you can: engaging your attention to areas like spending time with loved ones, focus on your skills or work towards self-improvement.

In-between 
While we are likely to lean greater towards a particular side of the scale, many people fall somewhere in- between. For a majority of individuals, it can be hard to live up to a pristine picture-perfect minimalistic environment especially in the presence of small children or pets. Most people end up giving up on living to an ideal and resort to something they feel more comfortable and familiar with.

In a world defined by digital communication, it is no coincidence that memes play a role in spreading information. Since the birth of the internet, creative users have whipped up images with the intent to bring small chuckles and to lighten up a person's day. The term ‘meme' draws actually back to Richard Dawkins 1976 book, 'The Selfish Gene', referring to the phenomena as a 'mimema' - a Greek term meaning 'that which is imitated'. According to Dawkins, mimema are small cultural units of transmission which pass from person to person through copying or imitation. Memes evolve in a similar way to genes by replicating and keeping the essential parts each time. This post will take a look at the role of memes in digital culture.



How memes have changed the world
“Meme” describes a basic unit of cultural idea or symbol which can be transmitted from one individual to another. In our everyday lives, we use memes as a form of communication. Take the catchphrases and clichés we use to translate non-literal, cultural ideas and the similes and metaphors we verbally use. These all are things that are memes or get turned into memes. For those who are less involved with them perhaps see them as nonsensical creations and a good way to kill time. Many global brands capitalise on using memes to spread awareness about their products and services. Since memes can come in various forms, it makes them a trendy and relevant solution for advertising, promoting or marketing a concept.

"Memes just show that people are engaged about something. A meme is just a little inside joke for a group of people that care about a certain thing." – Anthony Fantano

— Trueblogposts (@trueblogposts) October 19, 2020

The memes that go trending for days
Memes can be anything and everything. They may take the form of words, phrases, quotes, animals and real/fictional characters. As they are of no specific origin, it means that almost anyone can create one and proceed to share it on social sites and feeds in hope to become to go viral. For those who look for their memes to catch on, posting it on sites like Reddit, Tumblr, TikTok, Twitter and Facebook can increase the chances. It is also good to remember that the best memes have short, quippy, and relatable body text. According to wikiHow, there is an assortment of different types including but not limited to traditional types, dank types, edgy types and even wholesome types.

Making the memes matter
As we all know, content is the keystone in bridging the gap between brand and user. Information that is released on the internet can stay forever on the internet. This is very important for those who use memes as part of their content strategy to assess the relevance of the content they put out with their brand. It has to feel authentic in order to evoke action from the consumer. It never ends well brands who wish to jump on the latest trend for publicity. For those looking to use memes for political and social agenda should remember to back up their commentary with references and evidence. 
 

"Very often, when leaders repeat things over and over, they are preparing you for when that meme actually emerges in reality." – Timothy D. Snyder

— Trueblogposts (@trueblogposts) October 19, 2020

The dark side of memes
In today’s world of instant information gratification, we have easy hands-on opinions, rationalizations, and superficial descriptions. This vast access makes it easier for us to make quick judgement and assumptions but harder for a layman to grasp the factual knowledge of a topic. Some individuals use memes in the disguise of darker messages. This could be in the form of hate speech, fake news and propaganda or even as content evoking harm. According to Chelsea from NBC news, memes can attribute to ‘caustic humour, bigoted hostility and fetishistic flattening’ in people, bringing out the worst in them.

The copy-rights rules surrounding memes                                                                                          
There is much debate around copyright, sharing, authorship/anonymity and fair use and several creators have now started to or threaten to sue for copyright infringements with memes. In Europe particularly in Germany, the current copyright laws permit private copying of copyright work if there is sufficient remuneration provided to the owner such as attributions, levies and so on. This opens up to discourse on the effectiveness of this rule. What if the meme was not infringing any copyright laws or those who are taking legal action were not the original proprietary owner of the meme or related attributes? This adds complexity to the matter and a need to investigate things from a case-by-case basis which can be difficult and tiresome.


Reference list
Shifman L., “Memes In Digital Culture”, MIT Press, 2013
Stahl, C., “The Best Internet Memes Make Communication An Art Form. But There Is A Dark Side.”, NBC News, 2019
Wikihow team, “How To Make A Meme: 14 Steps (With Pictures)”, 2020                                             
Nair, R., “The Relevance Of Memes In The Millennial Age Of Social”, The Drum, 2018          
Guadamuz, A., “Do Memes Infringe Copyright? | Copyright Licensing Agency” Cla, 2019


Inviting a guest speaker for a seminar can be a significant encounter to students. They gain exposure to real-world challenge and triumphs in their subject area from a professional who can draw in unique experiences and perspectives. Speakers are also valuable in the corporate world as a method to increase engagement between prospective stakeholders and the general public eye. This post offers a general overview of key takeaways from speakers in SMEs and fortune-listed companies with insight to corporate lessons learnt, recruitment advice and recent emerging trends.




Huawei                      
Guest Speaker: David Dohyung Kim, Director for Global Brand Management 
 
We recognise Huawei as a leading global provider of digital technology and smart devices. The brand is constantly redefining the future of technology and ushering new waves of technological advancement through their commitment building a better- connected world. This talk invites David-Dohyung Kim, Global Brand Director for Huawei to the stage to discuss his career lessons learnt. 
 
What are your thoughts on innovation?
Huawei's vision is to become a global iconic tech brand with an important corporate value to keep customer-centric. The brand is committed towards innovation to enrich and bring comfort to customers. Often conceived as 'delivering something better and new', it is simply the process of taking old ideas, merging these ideas to create a new product and then releasing it to market.
 
Do you find fulfilment in working for Huawei?
To understand Huawei, we have to look at the specific values that define the culture of Huawei and work to understand the foundation of Huawei’s value-driven culture. Like with most corporate positions, data crunching may feel tedious at times. You can try to find job fulfilment in moments where you build connections with others, from the work you do, reflect on the positive impacts you have made.
 
What would you expect the reality to be when working as a team? 
Collaboration drives work performance. Employees who work in teams are more productive, get things done faster and communicate more effectively. However, having disagreements between workers are inevitable. People may have alternative views on how to execute a particular task. To overcome the barriers of teamwork, building a relationship of communication and trust between one another is ideal. You are all working towards the same end goal.
 
What lead you to quit your previous job?
There is not just one “smoking gun” reason that makes an employee quit, as it is typically a combination of things that weigh on their minds and impact their decision to quit over time. In his personal story, Kim looked for an alternative path after realising that the company core marketing strategy were conflicting between his personal beliefs and interests. The loss of motivation over time reinforced this which drove towards him to his final decision of leaving and seeking a new career opportunity. 
 
Red Hot Pennies
Guest Speaker: David Schulhof, Chief Executive Officer
 
A digital marketing company founded by an alumni at my university. Red Hot Penny is a team of digital marketing specialists who help to identify and acquire new customers. Whether this is an e-commerce retailer or online brand, they work to provide proactive, clear, expert advice reflecting the client's values and ambition helping to forge strong contracts and partnerships.
 
What are your best lessons with recruitment?
There is an old expression - being a jack of all trades but a master in none. A person should focus on improving what they are good at than trying hard to be master of all: Programming, SEM, Analytics. It is much preferred to be a master in one and be fairly able in others to a recruiter. You would appear more favourable if you are strong in a particular skill/field than being good at all.
 
What attracts your attention in an applicant?
The hiring process begins when a company identifies the need to fill a position and ends when a candidate accepts a job offer. In the past, Red Hot Penny hired an individual who took the initiative to submit a very creative CV - A Super Mario styled game that was made on Game Maker. This creativity caught the recruiter's eye. It made them reconsider adding an additional team member. Sometimes thinking outside the box and taking the risk is worth it. This is especially true in the process of job search. 
 
What advice would you give your younger self?
Make sure you have a personal life so that you can reward yourself for the businesses successes. Don't mix business and your home life and give yourself time to recharge and switch off. This is critical to your wellbeing.

"Sometimes life hits you in the head with a brick. Don't lose faith." -- Steve Jobs

— Trueblogposts (@trueblogposts) June 25, 2020

INTIMACY Designs
Guest Speaker: Opeyemi Ogunsanwo, Founder and Creative Director 
 
A luxury fashion brand born in the UK who emphasise creative designs and distinctiveness. Their mission is to empower males and females on who they want to or wish to be. The consumer-centric brand embodies the motifs for confidence, strength and being fashion-forward. A cool entrepreneurial startup.
 
Is a great CV important for recruitment?
You do not need your CV to make a statement as for who you are as your personality can shine through from the initiative and actions you take. For example self-sourcing through LinkedIn, looking at job adverts then calling up with confidence ("I see you have a job advert listed... I think I'm right for your role")... It could offer a chance to show the recruiter how a candidate is really like beyond their constructed CV.
 
Useful advice for a job interview in the fashion and luxury industry?
You need to be positive. The most important thing is to have the right attitude. You must go to the interview with the sole intention of being offered a position. Too many candidates during an interview give too much consideration to whether they want the job and whether they are suitable. Do not go into the interview with the mindset that you do not really want the job. You never know, you might decide after the interview you really want the role or decide that it is not for you. Not trying your best for an interview get you nowhere.
 
An important message to express to the audience?
Time is the most valuable and precious thing in life. You have maybe heard this many times but its worth recollecting. You realise this much more as you get older, so it is best to make the most of it before it goes. If you have a brave business idea, test it out. You will never know where an opportunity may lead you if you never try in the first place.
 
The Walt Disney Company
Guest Speaker: James Gardiner, Commercial Partnerships and Marketing 
 
Walt Disney Co. is a diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise. Operating for Media Networks, Parks, Experiences and Products, Studio Entertainment and Direct-to-Consumer and International (DTCI). The company's objective is to be one of the world's leading producers and providers of entertainment and information in their diversified portfolio of content, services and consumer products.
 
Does the magical feeling of Disney follow true to the workplace?
Disney's workplaces have a ‘great atmosphere’ and an ‘amazing working environment’, filled with highly skilled people. If you are passionate about the company, you will fit right in. Additionally, with employees citing supportive teams, an open, flat, and relaxed structure, and tonnes of opportunity to get involved with projects and campaigns, working for Disney can be a great way to learn and grow. The speaker mentions that everyone does love what they do. The company works hard to create a fun imaginative experience for all its associates.
 
How does it feel working for a particular role for a long period?
Working for the same company for a long time does come with its privileges. You become very knowledgeable about the tasks, workflows, and systems at your job. Everyone knows they can count on you. However, it is always best to reassess your situation often. Doing so will help you determine what works best for you and what actions you should take to improve your personal goals. Just like any other organisation, some aspects can feel mundane at Disney too. If you want to continue to work with your long-time employer, consider internal opportunities for job shadowing or participating in a job rotation. Doing this can be a win-win for you and your company as it can help add variety one's experience.
 
What are your best approaches to preserving brand reputation?
In 2018, The Walt Disney Company ranked on Forbes as the "World's Best Regarded Companies," which considers' trustworthiness, social conduct, the performance of their products or services, and how they perform as an employer. The speaker mentions how the company would never encourage brands which may promote negative healthy lifestyles to their younger audiences  e.g. promoting original Coca-Cola instead of Sugar-free Coca Cola.  

“When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.” – Lao Tzu

— Trueblogposts (@trueblogposts) February 9, 2020
 
Top Shop 
Guest Speaker: Graduate Talent 
 
Topshop is a global fashion and beauty company branched from Arcadia Group which connects women with the new and the next in style and culture. The brand that originates from London, the city renowned for fashion experimentation and cultural defining street style movements. Topshop is a high-street brand for expressing individuality. 
 
How do you start a career in fashion? 
The fashion industry might be competitive but it is constantly growing and changing. There is always a need for transferable skills and creativity. You do not need to necessarily be a designer to work in Fashion as there are many other non-specific roles and opportunities. There are numerous IT, data analytics jobs and even CSR jobs available which do not require fashion-specific know-how or any fashion-related prerequisites. 
 
What have you learnt from first-hand experience working in the fashion industry?
Retail and eCommerce is definitely a growing business sector. Most brands are reverting from retail outlets to online stores and distributors. Fashion businesses can capitalise on this. The also speaker expresses how it can be arduous planning the new launch of products to market but it is all a worthwhile process after you see the end results. 
 
What are future challenges for fashion markets?
The most important thing for a global fashion brand is to stay current. Fashion needs to be current and adapt to its time, trends, consumers and needs. The speaker highlights e-commerce as a major challenge. Many traditional retail outlets are being shut down and transitioned to e-platforms. E-commerce is the way forward for fashion as there is more competition than ever before. 
 
KPMG  
Guest Speaker: Graduate Talent
 
KPMG is a multinational accounting and auditing firm, providing three main business services - audit, advisory and tax services. The name KPMG represents the four principle founding members of the company and their respective member firms - Piet Klynveld, William Barclay Peat, James Marwick and Reinhard Goerdeler. 
 
What is the purpose of technology?
Consumer expectations and demands of their infrastructure providers are rapidly changing. Some players (those in more monopolistic positions) will see customer satisfaction deplete if they fall short to respond on demands for improved technology. Others look to increase access to resources in under-served customer markets. The major priority of technology, in general, is to help the improve economic prosperity of nations and to enhance the quality of life of people.
 
What can a young student take away from an opportunity at KPMG?
With passion and purpose, KPMG works hard to integrate innovative approaches and deep expertise to deliver real results. Working here taught the speaker about commercial awareness, resilience and adaptability helping to build from the skills gained at university e.g. analytical skills, interpersonal skills and communication skills.
 
Why are psychometric tests used?
Employers opt for psychometric tests as they enable them to gain a deeper insight into a candidate's personality traits, competencies, style of working, and motivations. These are things that might not come across clearly (and truthfully) in an interview. The test attempts to work as an objective method to assess the candidates through measures relevant to the company. 

Here you have insights from a series of talks hosted at my university. If you enjoy this post and found it useful you can check out my other posts soon to be updated!
 
Reference list
Riebe, L., Girardi, A. and Whitsed, C., 2016. A Systematic Literature Review of Teamwork Pedagogy in Higher Education. Small-Group Research, 47(6), pp.619-664.
Zorek, J., Katz, N. and Popovich, N., 2011. Guest Speakers in a Professional Development Seminar Series. American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education, 75(2), p.28.


Small and Medium-sized enterprises form the backbone to any modern-day economy. They help create jobs for individuals, reduce unemployment levels, improve livelihood experiences and are ultimately a key engine boosting GDP growth. Recognised as seedbeds for innovation, SMEs help to usher new ideas to market. It is made increasingly apparent on the value of small businesses in our daily lives. One can say they are the unsung heroes of the quarantine lockdown. We can show our support in these difficult times by taking a helping role. 





Here's a break down of ideas:

1. Define your action-plan 
A smart way to keep track of those SMEs you may wish to support is by creating a budget list. Firstly, grab a pen and paper or a note taking device and section it into the 3 key steps: 

1. Who - those particular of interest? 
2. How - methods to do so?
3. Budget - the sum of figures?

Need help with ideas? Why not progress below...

2. Buy gift cards
As people stay locked inside, a larger number of business owners struggle to cover their rent for basic expenses. By purchasing a gift card, it can help to generate some cash flow to the local businesses. 

3. Sign up for the newsletter 
Signing up and keeping an eye on recent developments for business you trust and sharing the news (via. over the phone, sharing on social media) will help garner attention. You can always opt out of pesky email subscriptions. Feeling generous? Why not contribute to GoFundMe pages or other schemes for the businesses you trust. 

4. Sending your support with livestreams
It might have come to your attention that a large host of the world's most revered museums now offer virtual tours on spaces such as the Google Arts & Culture app and on their individual websites. To adapt to these current times, many artists now offer interactive concerts, live-streamed shows and performances.

4. Keep moving 
As foot-traffic on streets fall, ideas to keep fit and healthy should  be on your mind. Many fitness instructors are offering digital workout services online. If this sounds uninteresting, you can recreate your own in-house gym under a budget by sourcing from cool SMEs.

5. Switching to sustainable
In many cases, SMEs have turned more transparent with the origins of their products. The ingredients, materials and production processes can be traced back for ethical reassurance. This is often true for smaller sized brands who generate their output in smaller quantities. However, the sustainable benefits might be at the compromise of a marginal premium price.

6. Turn into your own barista
Local brick-and-mortar café may stand inaccessible in current time but that should not stop your caffeinated lifestyle (or not). There are plenty of special SME brands online to help add an element of zest to your tea... Now tell me, do you fancy a cuppa over call?

7. Practising self-care
Your quarantine space can be transformed into a wonderful sanctuary with oil diffusers, toasty slippers, snuggled up with a good book. Why not create your own care packages or find some self-care subscriptions online?

8. Starting a hobby 
The transition to remote office workplaces and closure of schools means more time is spent indoors. This time can used wisely to cultivate new skills and discover new unfound talents. Why not consider online courses, DIY craft projects or improving your cooking?

9. Entering into survival mode
From freeze-dried food to hygiene gear, consider keeping a stash of essential peculiars (or discover new ones online). Be conscious though on being kind to others more in need when heading off  purchasing. You might land on unusual, exciting finds to brighten-up your quarantine experience.  

10. Sharing your favourites on socials
Garnering attention will help to boost support and attention in heart of the SMEs. Social media serving as a promotional marketing platform makes it an easy place to express gratitude to others. By exchanges, you might land on a new favourite store. 



Articles for inspiration 
A list of ethical online retailers in 2020
11 best e-commerce mobile apps
The brands giving back in response to covid-19
How brand discover is changing for today's consumer 
Fashion and beauty brands showed they cared during the covid-19 crisis
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Mow Debnath is the content creator for True Blog Posts. She resides in London, United Kingdom and is working towards completing her degree in Business Management.
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