Superstorm Sandy & The Presidential Election

Its election time in the United States and millions of voters are expected to cast their votes on who should be the next president, yet the effects of superstorm Sandy and the way the president has behaved in the after math of the event could have potential positive impacts in the running for his re-election. 

On Monday 29th October a terrific and unprecedented superstorm hit the east coast of the United States.  Still today many people are without electricity, many homes have simply vanished from existence, where once stood bustling communities now see burnt out wasteland. Whilst people see vast destruction of Atlantic City and New Jersey the worst affected areas, they are slowly beginning to pick up the pieces left by the storm and the re-build process is becoming a reality for many. 

The swift pre-cautions taken including shutting and protecting the network of underground subway, tunnels and roads meant much of the devastation has been reduced. Moreover daily media updates from the affected counties have meant a swift and coordinated approach which have helped the relieve efforts by the American Red Cross and other partners.

Barack Obama's immediate concern was one of 'togetherness', in an early statement he mentioned that 'We pull together. We leave nobody behind. Whenever an American is in need, we stand together'. Standing by this statement re-certifies the fact that the people of America can re-build and put their lives back after this unprecedented disaster. The statement also adds further evidence that whilst the election is still on-going he is still concerned for the American people affected. 

The presidents plaudits have not just come from his own people but from both sides of the fence with many democrats speaking out about his 'outstanding response', including Chris Christie, governor of New Jersey, one of the worst hit areas of the storm. Christie, who recently slammed Obama in a major speech at Romney's nominating convention, said he spoke with the president three times on Monday, the day the storm hit, and thanked the president for promptly declaring the state a federal disaster area so it could get federal help without the "normal FEMA mumbo jumbo."

Obama's tenancy as president might soon run out of gas but his swift and dedicated commitment to bring peoples life's back together, could keep keep him in political power for a further four years. In comparison what Mitt Romney could have done in such instance would have been limited but his whereabouts and comments maybe reserved for another day when he may too be in the eye of the storm.

Whether Obama has won over his critics that say he hasn't done enough and should not be re-elected remains to be seen and in truth we won't find out until later next week. Obama's controlling and caring approach has certainly been noticed, but whether the American people believe in his political views is another. However what is for sure is that whilst the election is still on-going there remains a major re-building process for either candidate when they re-enter or enter office in January.

On The Rise: Rise To

Budding recent graduates and undergraduates descend on London for launch of Rise To 

Are you a budding entrepreneur or a recent undergraduate who strives to maybe one day own your own business? A new concept launched called Rise To will certainly enlighten you to the secrets and tricks of the trade of achieving your reality. 

The event held at ETC Events, Dexter House, Royal Mint Court on 11th October was well attended by a number of partners, recent graduates and budding entrepreneurs. The series of workshops entitled Employ-ability, Speed Networking and Starting your Own Business, provided a format which was approachable to all and allowed individuals to learn, but also ask questions to existing businesses on how they can turn ideas into reality.

With the job market specifically tough for recent graduates. Employers are becoming more reluctant to invest in young talent due to experience. By creating links and routes to successful businesses such as Umi Marketing & Simply Business, Rise To aims to overcome these barriers by providing useful tips on getting that first step on the job ladder or first investment for new businesses.

If you are interested in becoming a partner of Rise To and believe you can add knowledge and experience then please do not hesitate to contact Rachel. Alternatively if you are looking to join the group and have budding ideas of your own but unsure of how to get them of the ground and would welcome some friendly advice and tips then please do not hesitate to contact Amina at Rise To. 

Getting Back On The Job Ladder

After spending the last year working in Sales & Account Management in the FMCG sector I now find myself looking for a new opportunity. 

I thought that after graduating from University and getting a job straight out of blocks it wouldn't be this difficult. Especially a job where I was given the opportunity to be trained up in various aspects of the industry and more over transferable skills in Negotiation and Presentation. 

Well I couldn't have been more wrong! Since leaving my contract position I have found it incredibly difficult to get my foot back in the door. Admittedly I have been offered and taken a number of temporary opportunities, to keep income coming in, but they are only so good for the short term.  

A search on my email inbox for the word 'applications' reveals a staggering 190 applications since July. Some have led to interviews, some second stage, some even third stage. Others have been a point blank refusal, with many more not even giving me a reply. So after so much time writing covering letters and emails its difficult to keep optimism and hope. 

So where does this leave me know?

I am still actively looking, I am not one of these people that will do the job and go home at the end of the day, I have resilient character, I don't get intimidated by others and would like to think that I can bring bags of enthusiasm to the role I eventually end up doing. 

The real disheartening thing though is that whilst I am technically 'unemployed' the government states that I didn't pay enough National Insurance last year and therefore not entitled to any 'job seekers allowance'. Now come on! Whilst I may have had a job for a year, I am pretty sure there are people out there who have never worked and I am certainly not one of those.