NORTHERN PLANNER

If you're an aspiring planner, you're probably looking to do an internment.

You have a choice.

You could learn about politics and meaningless proprietary processes at places like Grey, Ogilvy and Leo Burnett.

You could learn about doing 'advertising' that shifts brand scores but not much else.

You could contribute to the 95% of marketing communications output that is largely banal, unnoticed and met with indifference.

Or

You could learn about real craft, ideas that change minds, affect culture and, more importantly, solve business problems with creativity – rather than 'brand problems'.

You could make a difference, work harder than you ever have before and end up doing the best work of your life.

You could have fun along the way, learn to surrender your ego and meet some great people who only come through the door to do great work.

Not politics.

Not to be cool.

But to make a dent in the universe (yes I'm quoting Steve Jobs).

You could start on the long road to developing the skills and track record that could lead you to working where the hell you liked – inside or outside of the agencies, or advertising.

You might also learn more than you wanted about Leeds United from Graeme Douglas and crime fighting from the red sock wearing, marathon running  Paul Colman.

There's a post here to look at. Keep your eyes peeled for the official invitation on the blog.

And it's paid. In an industry that flogs young people to death, that's very rare.

While you're there, tell the bastards to open a Northern office.