Often us Gen Yers struggle to make the transition from university into full time work. Perhaps you can’t find a job that’s relevant, don’t know how to approach interviews, or simply just don’t know the right people.
So if you have any interest in marketing, advertising or public relations (or just business in general) make sure you’re at MAPExpo 2013! What is MAPExpo you undoubtedly ask yourself? The event is garnered for aspiring university students who are looking to make it in the ever-gruelling world of business. Check out the review video from MAPExpo 2012, to bring yourself up to speed a bit:
To be held next Monday, September 31st, a range of distinguished guest speakers will grace the Notre Dame University Broadway campus to share some insights and communicate with students about their respective professions.
Some of the guest speakers who will be at MAPExpo 2013 include Vodafone’s Head of Social Lucie Snape, PayPal Communications Manager Emily Birks, Red Balloon’s Head of Employee Experience Megan Bromley, Virgin Australia’s Corporate Communications Manager Emma King and also Saatchi & Saatchi CEO Michael Rebelo – and that’s just a sample. Impressive indeed!
The day itself will feature a series of TED-style talks by the guest speakers, while other speakers will conduct interactive master-classes which aims at getting students involved, applying concepts and networking.
Along with colleague Andrea Phillips, I will be emceeing the event and I quite literally cannot wait to network with business leaders from around Sydney and Australia. Where else do you literally get the chance to talk with people who are already changing the world in their respective industries?
Perhaps the most impressive aspect about MAPExpo in general is that it is almost completely run by students. They’ve been promoting it, writing blogs, designing posters, heck, even a song has been created for it (see below)!
MAPExpo was founded and is chaired by Notre Dame Public Relations Lecturer, Philip Cenere, and I was lucky enough to have a chat with him about the event.
Gordon: What inspired you to start MAPExpo?
Philip Cenere: The School of Business, in consultation with its advisory committee, recognised a need to introduce a ‘boot-camp’ style conference for graduating marketing, advertising and PR students and new practitioners. We wanted to hold a day where students could hear from leaders in their fields about the expectations employers have of new graduates, the various career pathways and opportunities available, and how graduates can hit the ground running and develop their careers.
G: Was it always your plan to have students actively involved in the planning and running of the event?
PC: Yes. We wanted to give our events management and public relations students an opportunity to implement and promote a real event as part of their studies.
G: Where do you see MAPExpo going in the future? Or do you see it being much the same?
PC: Each year students complete reflective reports on MAPexpo in which they make recommendations about how to grow and improve the event. Obviously, we’re limited by budget and other factors, however there’s an opportunity to do something different in future years.
G: Why do you think speakers are attracted to talking to students?
PC: I’ve found that many experienced practitioners are more than happy to give up their time and speak at universities. It’s an opportunity to ‘give back’ and help the next generation of marketing, advertising and PR practitioners coming through.
G: Finally, do you see Notre Dame doing more events like MAPExpo?
PC: Absolutely. I think Notre Dame already holds many different events and conferences each year. There’s a strong focus on community and industry engagement. Most students complete internships as part of their degrees and we bring in many guest speakers into the classrooms. There’s also a strong emphasis on helping to develop the ‘whole person.’ Our aim is to help produce well-rounded graduates who can contribute not just to their chosen fields but also the broader community.
I know I’m super excited to be involved with this great business networking event, so make sure you get down to Notre Dame on Monday for an event that is really like no other!
Tickets cost $35, with doors opening from 10am and finishing at 4pm – with lunch provided! To buy tickets, see the full speaker list or for more information, head to www.mapexpo.com.au.
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