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MNHQ

Lost your career mojo? Join us at Workfest 2015

13 replies

ChrissieMumsnet · 27/03/2015 10:30

Announcing Workfest 2015, our definitive women and work event which takes place on 16 May at 30 Euston Square.

It’s designed to help everyone attending to take their career to the next level – so if you’re thinking about returning to work after a career break with kids, or are after some advice on flexible working, kickstarting your career, or launching your very own startup, Workfest 2015 is for you.

As well as the return of our hugely popular Career Clinic – where you can book a one-to-one career consultation with one of our hand-picked experts - inspirational women like Jo Swinson MP, Shami Chakrabarti, Annabel Karmel and Karen Blackett will be sharing the secrets of their success.

One Mumsnetter who attended last year’s Workfest called it “a day where dreams started to take shape, fears were tackled head on, and plans for the future were finally put to paper” - find out more about the day’s activities and check out the full line-up of speakers here.

EarlyBird tickets are on sale now at £50, which includes a delicious lunch and lovely refreshments - so be sure to pick up yours before 16 April. We’ve also got a limited number of subsidised tickets available at £30, so if you’re on income support and would like to attend Workfest, send an email to [email protected]. These will be offered first come, first served.

We hope to see many of you soon - if you’ve got any questions or thoughts, do share them on the thread!

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MNHQ

ChrissieMumsnet · 30/03/2015 14:08

@boxofissues

What level is the event pitched at? Unemployed getting their first job? Returning to work after being a SAHM? Getting a senior/director level job?

I'm interested but always feel a bit nervous attending these things alone and not knowing anyone during the breaks.

Hello boxofissues,

Workfest will cover everything from returning to work, advice on flexible working to starting your own business - so there's something for everyone regardless of the stage in your career. All the sessions are listed in the programme here.

Don't feel nervous - our events are very friendly and most delegates come away having made lots of new contacts. And we'll be on hand if you have any questions or fancy a chat too!

MNHQ

ChrissieMumsnet · 30/03/2015 14:13

@MaximumVolume

Do people bring small babies? Mine will be about 12 weeks & is ebf.

Thanks!

Please feel free to bring along your baby! Great to see the kids starting young Grin

MNHQ

ChrissieMumsnet · 30/03/2015 15:09

@AuraofDora

This is of great interest to me too, I would appreciate help with CV as I would like to change direction in career, not returning to work or really looking to start own business. Does anyone know if this the right place? Advice on CV, agencies and such to approach, interview skills - is this a big part of it or just a sideline?

Dont worry about the break we'll all be in the same boat I guess.

Hi there AuraofDora,

CV technique and interview skills will definitely be a big part of Workfest this year - there'll be a CV masterclass from expert Mildred Talabi, an interview workshop with career coach Diana Norris, CV advice from Mumsnet favourite Zena Everett as well as the return of our Career Clinic where you'll be able to receive one-to-one advice when you book a consultation (we'll email you in advance notifying when to register!)

Hope that helps! Smile

MNHQ

ChrissieMumsnet · 02/04/2015 10:13

@AuraofDora

Fab Chrissie sounds just the thing I am after!

Good to hear it - looking forward to seeing you there!

MNHQ

ChrissieMumsnet · 02/04/2015 10:17

@MaximumVolume

Thanks, Chrissie! I'm looking forward to it. DS2 has already been to a few meetings with me & he's only 6 weeks old!

You're welcome! We're bracing ourselves to meet this young entrepreneur Grin

MNHQ

ChrissieMumsnet · 02/04/2015 14:07

@partialderivative

Given that MN is a parent's discussion forum, why is it, by definition, a woman's event?

I am fortunate enough to not need help at this point in my career, but there may well be a time in the future when the advice offered could be very useful.

I'm asking genuinely, not at all trying to be goady

Hi partialderivative,

That's a good question - whilst Mumsnet is indeed a joint parent's discussion forum, it does seem that women face a unique set of issues at work - so we felt it made sense to create an event tailored specifically to these problems.

Of course, now that shared parental leave is due to come into play, we may well see the demographic shift at our events in future, and our program will be tailored to reflect that. As it stands at the moment, women generally take more maternity leave, so we've found there a greater demand for support sessions around getting back into the workplace. Even if you're not trying to return to work after maternity leave, it can be tricky trying to switch career paths or get the confidence to start up your own business - so Workfest aims to cover all these topics. The range of sessions and workshops are really inclusive and we'd like to think that anybody would feel welcome and take away some valuable information.

Hope that answers your question Smile

MNHQ

ChrissieMumsnet · 02/04/2015 15:36

@1hamwich4

Ooh ooh CalicoBlue, can I ask you, how does one go about finding a recruitment consultant who is likely to be able to deal with your specific skills?

I need ideas for what else I can do as I am mightily cheesed off with my career, but am woefully uninspired as to what I might be equipped for. I thought talking to a recruitment consultant might be a good idea.

Hi 1hamwich,

Just dropping by to suggest booking a consultation with one of our career experts at our Workfest Career Clinic. You can browse our professionals here. We'll email you a form in advance of the event to enable you to sign up in advance for a 10 minute 1 to 1 consultation with your expert of choice Smile

MNHQ

ChrissieMumsnet · 08/04/2015 16:38

@ArcheryAnnie

May I ask, please - is there generally room for anyone who wants to book a session at the career clinic? Because it's the thing I'm most interested in, and I don't want to spend £50 on a ticket if there is only a small chance of getting a slot.

(I know there's lots of other cool stuff going on, but that's the selling point for me.)

Hi ArcheryAnnie,

Much as we'd love to offer everyone a consultation in the Career Clinic, we do operate on a first-come first-served basis; but if you book your Earlybird ticket now, and respond as soon as we send you the booking email, you will definitely get a place Smile Last year everyone who wanted an appointment was able to get one. To maximise your best chances we'd advise booking soon (before the price rises on 16th April) and you'll then be emailed with the booking form with all the other early bird delegates.

MNHQ

ChrissieMumsnet · 17/04/2015 16:24

@ArcheryAnnie

Am registered, but I have to say, I really did NOT love your eventbrite page. That was an awful lot of non-necessary information you asked there, which I found really quite intrusive and not helpful.

Eg: twitter handle. Lots of people (or work or family reasons) keep their internet streams separate. Lots of people aren't on twitter. But the form requires a twitter handle.

And making you state your job title when you are going as an individual is absolute nonsense, too, especially if you are contemplating a change of career, or have been in a job which you feel isn't right for you and which you don't wish to be defined by, or have a portfolio career, or simply don't want to be put in a box.

I don't think I've seen a registration form quite that bad in a while - and I've seen some doozies in my time.

Hi ArcheryAnnie,

We're pleased to hear you'll be joining us at Workfest - and extend our apologies that the Eventbrite page wasn't up to par. In the past we've found it useful to gather details such as twitter handles to encourage people to network, or reasons for attending so we can adapt future events. We've taken your comments on board and altered the form, and hope that this helps other potential Workfest attendees. Thanks!

MNHQ

ChrissieMumsnet · 21/04/2015 09:53

@ArcheryAnnie

Now am on laptop and not phone, have had a look, and it's much better, thank you.

Thanks for the constructive feedback - we very much want to respect people's confidentiality. Looking forward to seeing you at Workfest Smile

MNHQ

ChrissieMumsnet · 23/04/2015 11:42

@MyNameIsPinkiePie

Any idea when the email will come to book the workshops? I've emailed the contact given twice and received no response. Frustrating!

Hi MyNameIsPinkiePie,

All booking forms for the Workfest career clinic have now been sent out to delegates. Please check your spam folder just to check it hasn't gone awry - and let us know if you haven't received it.

Thanks Smile

MNHQ

ChrissieMumsnet · 27/04/2015 17:13

@MyNameIsPinkiePie

Do you have a phone number to resolve this - I've used the email service again to see if anyone bothers answering. But it would be good to speak to an actual person instead of no response to emails and two days to hear back on here. And any chance I can reserve a careers advise spot under my username and confirm my real name once I can talk to someone? I don't think I would have booked if I knew this was going to happen.

Hi MyNameIsPinkiePie,

Apologies for the lack of response from our end - we've had a switch around with staff of late but we're back on track now with emails! The career clinic booking form was sent to you last Friday evening - please could you confirm if you have received it now. Rest assured you will definitely get a consultation with a careers expert.

Thanks again!

MNHQ

ChrissieMumsnet · 27/04/2015 17:22

@SnapeChat

I am a teacher aged 30 - I am looking to leave teaching by 35. Is this day useful for me? I am trying to work out my exit strategy.

Hi SnapeChat,

We'd like to think Workfest would be a really useful day for you! We've got dedicated sessions aimed at those looking to switch careers or launch their own start-up - so there'll be plenty of advice and information on how to make this transition into a career path more suited to you. Plus, there'll be experts on hand if you'd like to book a one-to-one consultation to discuss the matter further.

Hope that helps! Smile

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