Helen's post #2

Targetcast

I was really looking forward to visit American companies.

I enjoyed our visit at Targetcast. It was the first time I had the occasion to be confronted to a full service media agency. Indeed, there are no such big agencies delivering communications strategies and tactics to consumers in Geneva, or I may not know about such firms.

What intrigued me the most and what I admired was their ability to succeeded in building such a big company while starting from nothing, as the CEO explained to us. Targetcast is trying to give the best of strategy to its consumers, and giving them something that is beneficial for them. It looks like they achieved in persuading a lot of firms to use their services.

I felt like the working culture was very pleasant. People seemed to interact a lot with each other.  We could feel that during the presentation, and especially when we did the office tour.  Different departments were sectioned off, so that people were able to exchange ideas regarding their own working field. It was in my opinion a good procedure in order to be the more effective. When we arrived, we were confronted to people working together, but also interacting with each other. What I liked the most was the “creative section”, where employees where able to stick some of their creations on the wall, or even Art toys on their tables. In the middle of this section was standing a big Fatboy seat, which made the area even more peaceful and fun. I also loved the fact that people were dressed casually, which ads to the nice work atmosphere.

In general, I could see myself working in a company like Targetcast. I liked the fact that it was a big advertising agency and the message it was trying to seek: delivering costumers the best media strategy and planning they could have. I was also attracted to the way that the firm deals with big clients. It would be the kind of work I am searching for. I also appreciated the relaxed global mood in the office. The only thing that could discourage me is their work with numbers.

One of my “aha” moment was when the presentation showed us all the services that were available on TV. I am not used to watching it, except with video on demand. I never really asked myself if we could use the TV for additional services. One thing Targetcast made me learn is that we can even order food on TV!

TTIY project:

I went twice to American Apparel this week. The funny thing about it, is that I went there not because of my project, but to buy clothes. I am now really realizing I am the perfect target for them.

My sister connected me this week with one of her friends who worked in an American Apparel shop in New York. She was an employee there for only 2 weeks, because she did not wanted to stay. That is even if she was in need of money. Her manager was often telling her she was too fat, and she had to be in constant competition with other employees in order to make increase her salary (the more costumers say they were “helped” by you, the more you money you earn – reason why they always ask you the question while paying “did someone helped you today?”). 

This interaction confirmed my basic thoughts: working at American Apparel is psychologically and physically harsh. I hope getting now testimonies from employees who worked in American Apparel in America.