Recent events have shown that the press are ever eager to clamber onto their moral high horse to judge, kick and slowly torture those in positions of power. Just ask John Terry, Jonathan Ross or an MP with a moat. And so when it emerged that Guardian editor, Alan Rusbridger, had employed his daughter – who was sneakily using her mother’s maiden name – his blatant nepotism was slammed as completely unforgiveable.
This, however, is not an isolated incident. In popular fields such as journalism where demand hugely outstrips positions available – particularly amid the worst recession in living memory – there is always going to be nepotism. Peaches Geldof is a columnist and sister Pixie a fashion model because of dad Bob. And we are subjected to the thoughts, feelings and narcissism of Giles Coren and sister Victoria in a whole host of newspapers thanks to the popularity of their late father, Alan. And so, is it any surprise that it happens outside of the celebrity world where it can be much more easily swept under the carpet?
Similarly, in a further blow to those trying to get going in a competitive industry, work experience placements were recently auctioned off for charity as part of a Tory party fundraiser. Yes, that’s right: certain internships are now so sought after that some students (and their parents) are more than willing to pay for the CV-enhancing experience. A handful of different one-week placements went under the hammer including a spell at publishing house Condé Naste (home of Vogue and GQ) for a jaw-dropping £3,700, a place at Ecosse Films for £3,000, and a stint at a contemporary art dealers for a mere £1,300. They’re a bit like red letter days with a difference; a money can’t buy experience that money can buy.
The moral dilemma here is two-fold: firstly, is it right to ask students to not only work for free (or, in many cases, for their train fare and a sandwich at lunch) but to pay to work? And, more importantly, what about those who can’t afford to do so?
Conde Nast are already highly selective in regard to who they invite to their London offices for work experience and their six-month long waiting list illustrates the number of applicants they must get every week. It seems unlikely that the world famous publishing house would sacrifice the quality of their interns for a few thousands pounds outside of a one-off act of charity; but what about a stunning academic record, heaps of student journalism AND a hefty cheque? Perhaps such a combination would be too good to pass up on.
Fraser Wilson
Tags: jobs, vogue, work experience
Rubbish picture.