The ad for this opportunity with the BBC's youth creativity service couldn't be less creative or inspiring
If I were looking to get into the media as an event organiser, how could I go about it? Well, the BBC appears to be looking for short-term contractors to work on BBC Blast on Tour. Apparently Blast is 'the BBC's youth creativity service, inspiring young people from 13 to 19', although the advertisement that highlighted this opportunity couldn't have been further from 'creativity' and 'inspiring' if it tried.
Nor was the job listed on bbc.co.uk/jobs.
This is more public sector than 'excitement centre' - as the Blast (beta) site demonstrates in spades. Bearing in mind the BBC's digital innovations, such as the iPlayer, it's surprising how traditional its recruitment/employer marketing side is - it's all reference numbers and text-heavy.
As a vibrant and creative events organiser, would a photo of a camera crew and a bullet-pointed job listing turn me on to apply for a job on a three-month contract? Definitely not. How about the chance to work on some interesting creative learning events with digital workshops and performance areas? Definitely.
Once again it's the actual opportunity that is extremely attractive but only if you can get past the bland employer marketing to discover it. All of this can raise doubts. You find yourself asking: Is it right for me? Will I be able to enhance my skills and gain great experience with the - what seems to be - safe BBC? Does this reinforce the feeling that the BBC is too corporate an employer for creative types?
The upshot? To get into television (and get on as an event organiser), this would be a role too good to miss. It's just a pity it wasn't promoted as such.
Mark Rice is co-founder and creative partner of the communications agency andsome; email mark.rice@haymarket.com
