Summer 2014 www.sourcemagazine.org.uk
THE
Big INTERVIEW
EXAMPLE ON EDUCATION, MAKING IT IN MUSIC & AMBITIONS IN FILM...
CAREERS CRAZY Working in retail, healthcare and blogging
EXAMS – WHAT NEXT? Surviving results day this August
PLUS...
INTERVIEWS WITH: Foxes, Peace, Alice Levine and Eilidh Child
SCOTLAND’S NUMBER ONE STUDENT MAGAZINE
PUBLISHER Denise Connelly denise@dcpublishing.co.uk
ASSISTANT EDITOR Lindsay Cochrane lindsay.cochrane@dcpublishing.co.uk
EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Laura Donaldson Mikhaila Friel Ally McCrae Kirsty McKenzie Laura Redpath Eilidh Stewart
DESIGN/PRODUCTION Gillian Smith gillian.smith@dcpublishing.co.uk
SALES Marian Mathieson marian.mathieson@dcpublishing.co.uk
ello, and welcome to the summer issue of Source! If you’re geared up and ready for a summer of music and mega memories with your mates, this issue of Source is the one for you. We’ve got interviews with some of our favourite artists, including Example and Foxes, a roundup of this summer’s best music events, advice on surviving holidays with friends, tips on budgeting – basically, everything you need for a summer to remember! We’ve got an ace competition too – how do you fancy going to Leeds Festival? We have a pair of tickets to give away on page 32 – you and a pal could be seeing the likes of Arctic Monkeys, Queens of the Stone Age and Paramore. Get entering now. All this summer fun doesn’t mean you can forget about education and work. Use your time ! DON'T MISS off from school, college or uni to do something • CELEB GRAD ALICE productive – like making a start on your future LEVINE (P8) career plans. This issue, we’ve got a special focus • SUMMER JOB TIPS (P45) on jobs in retail and the healthcare sectors, as • GAP YEAR well as tonnes of info on training providers. If INSPIRATION (P34) you’re waiting on exam results to decide your fate, don't panic – we’ve got some tips to help you get through results day on page 28 too. Elsewhere, we found out a bit more about the bright young things who launched their careers online, businessman Kevin Harvie told us why he’s taking a chance on sweet potato crisps and athlete Eilidh Child shares how she got into her dream job ahead of this summer’s Commonwealth Games. So what are you waiting for? Grab yourself a Twister ice lolly, slap on some sun cream, dig out your sunnies and kick back with the latest issue of Source in the sunshine. Well, a girl can dream...
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Have a super summer!
Lindsay Cochrane, Assistant Editor
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WEB
The Source website is bursting with new content to keep you entertained, informed and inspired – so grab your laptop, smartphone or tablet now and head to www.sourcemagazine.org.uk. Online now, you can read our interview with new band EofE – they’re going to be huge. Eilidh Stewart looked into the country’s fascination with tattoos, and a tattoo artist spilled the beans on his work – and some of the dodgy tats he’s had to cover up! Mikhaila Friel’s recommended some great reads for summer, and Laura Redpath’s got some top sporting suggestions to help you keep fit over the holidays – anyone for tennis? If you’d like to join our team of web writers, get in touch now! Email us with a bit about yourself and why you’d like to write for Source to workexperience@dcpublishing.co.uk.
©DC Publishing Ltd 2014. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or used in any way without prior written permission from the publisher. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of DC Publishing Ltd. The publisher takes no responsibility for claims made by advertisers within the publication. Every effort has been made to ensure that information is accurate; while dates and prices are correct at time of going to print, DC Publishing Ltd takes no responsibility for omissions and errors.
SUMMER 2014
THE HOT LIST
SUMMER 2014 TV
Gig
NEW GIRL
T IN THE PARK
Sport XX COMMONWEALTH GAMES
Various venues, 23 July-3 August www.glasgow2014.com It’s the biggest and best sporting event to land on our shores for decades – so get involved! The biggest names in sport will be flocking to Glasgow and the surrounding areas for 11 days of top class competition. Catch it on the BBC if you don’t have tickets.
Balado Airfield, Kinross, 11-13 July www.tinthepark.com Not just one gig, but a whole host of bands and artists from the world of pop, indie, rock, grime and beyond are coming together for Scotland’s most iconic festival. Biffy Clyro, Calvin Harris, Paolo Nutini, Arctic Monkeys and Ellie Goulding are just a handful of the acts taking to the stage. TROY PHOTO: © CHANNEL 4 TELEVISION
E4, June Zooey Deschanel and the gang are back for another series packed with madcap antics, awkward moments and (hopefully) the answer to the big question – what the heck is going on with Jess and Nick?!
Album ED SHEERAN – X
Film
Out 23 June If you loved Ed’s 2011 release +, x (or ‘Multiply’) is going to be a real treat for you. First single Sing, produced and co-written by Pharrell Williams, has already won us over with its Justin Timberlake-esque vibe, and the rest of the record is just as infectious.
THE FAULT IN OUR STARS In cinemas 20 June The bestselling John Green novel, which tells the tale of two teenage cancer patients, is getting the Hollywood treatment this summer, starring the fabulous Shailene Woodley and newcomer Ansel Elgort. Spoiler – requires tissues.
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Summer 2014
FAULT IN OUR STARS IMAGE: TM AND © 2013 TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX FILM CORPORATION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED ; NEW GIRL IMAGE: © 2011 FX NETWORKS LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED; T IN THE PARK: © ANDY BUCHANAN PHOTOGRAPHY
The HOT list
SUMMER 2014
Competition
8
Interviews 6
LEADING BY EXAMPLE
Want to get into work but not sure your grades will get you there? Look into your training options.
CELEBRITY GRADUATE
EILIDH CHILD
The hurdler tells us about her dream job as an athlete ahead of the Commonwealth Games. 46
10 MINUTES WITH... PEACE
They’re all over the festival circuit this summer – drummer Dom talks to Source. 50
FOXES
The Grammy Award winner tells us about life in the limelight.
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28
A HEALTHY FUTURE
SPOTLIGHT ON... GEORGE URE 19
The Scots-born Wicked performer offers advice for wannabe theatre stars. 20 RETAIL: BUYING INTO A GREAT CAREER
We take a look at the variety of work in retail, and a River Island buyer offers some info on her role. 24 SWEET (POTATO) SUCCESS
TOP OF THE BLOGS
Gap travel...
34
TOP FIVE: WEIRD DEGREES
SURVIVING RESULTS DAY
Time out 30 SPENDING SMART FOR SUMMER
How to make your money go further for the holidays. 37
BOOZE CONTROL
Everyone drinks – but do you know what it’s doing to your body? 39 SURVIVING YOUR FIRST BIG HOLIDAY
Whether you’re off to Ibiza, Zante or Malia, make sure it’s stress-free. 42
Kevin Harvie, founder of Hectares, tells about his booming business.
The young Brits who found career glory online.
23
Puppetry? Viking studies? These are real things you can study in the UK.
Getting through the big day this August.
The healthcare sector has tonnes of job options. We check out a few.
27
30
Studying
12 THE LOWDOWN ON... TRAINING PROVIDERS
For summer, Radio 1’s Alice Levine relives her student days. 10
12
Careers
He’s one of our favourite pop stars – and he’s quite wise too. See what we mean in this issue’s big interview... 8
Contents
WIN TICKETS FOR LEEDS FESTIVAL!
PHOTO: ©BBC/RAY BURMISTON
32
FESTIVAL FEVER!
The best music events taking place in Scotland this summer. 48 SOUND BITES WITH ALLY MCCRAE
Radio 1’s Ally is back with his top musical recommendations.
THE TRIP OF A LIFETIME
Thenneh Conteh tells Source about volunteering in Ghana.
INTERVIEW
THE
Big INTERVIEW
LEADING BY
EXAMPLE He’s responsible for some of the biggest dance tracks out there, and it turns out that Example’s a thoroughly nice bloke too – with big ambitions. The star took some time out from touring to talk fans, film and the future with Source’s Lindsay Cochrane hen he first found fame, it was all a bit much for Fulham-born Example, aka Elliot Gleave. He was cheating on his girlfriend, indulging in drink and drugs and generally misbehaving. But after a stint in therapy, meeting Aussie beauty queen Erin McNaught and taking a bit of time to grow up, Example’s cleaned up his act. These days, it’s all about married life and family – but that doesn’t mean he’s forgotten how to create a banger of a record, as his upcoming release proves.
W
number one album, worldwide travel and his fifth record Live Life Living due out in June, life is pretty sweet for the reformed bad boy. But when you’ve achieved so much, what’s next? Example’s got a thing or two in mind... Your new album’s out in June. What can we expect from that? Live Life Living is probably the most positive, uplifting album that I’ve done. I’m in a much better place in
“AS A KID, I PROBABLY WATCHED TEN FILMS A WEEK FROM THE AGE OF 11 ONWARDS. I WAS ALWAYS INTERESTED IN MOVIES – I’M PROBABLY MORE PASSIONATE ABOUT FILM THAN MUSIC!” After MCing as a student at Royal Holloway, University of London, to make some extra cash, Elliot released some singles through his own label in 2004 before signing to The Streets’ Mike Skinner’s label The Beats. Since then, his music career’s gone from strength to strength. With bigger record deals, a
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my life, and I always sing about where I’m at in my life. When I was recording it, I wanted it to be the soundtrack to the weekend, going out, going to parties. If people are having a bad time at school or work or they don’t like their job, it’s an album they can stick on and get over that.
You’re playing all the big festivals this summer including T in the Park and Kendal Calling. Are you looking forward to it? T in the Park is always amazing. The first year, I was in a little tent, and I’m on the main stage now. Festivals have always got an amazing atmosphere. Did you always want to work in music? I actually studied film; I wanted to be a film director or an actor. I was working in television as an editor when I was 21, and I was releasing music almost as a hobby. One of my songs got played on national radio and I had the opportunity to go on tour with The Streets back in 2005. It all stemmed from there. I very much apply myself to whatever I go into and music took off before film.
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INTERVIEW
Is film something you’d like to go back to? I’ve written a few film scripts, and I’d like to shoot them within the next ten years. As a kid, I probably watched ten films a week from the age of 11 onwards. I was always interested in movies, and then I started studying film at university and
When I started out, YouTube wasn’t big, it was all Myspace. Facebook and Twitter have taken over. Successful artists now have got a good grasp of social media. I used to have to go to gigs, hand out my CDs, deliver vinyl. Now, anyone can put music up on iTunes.
“WHEN I FIRST BECAME ‘RECOGNISED’, IT WAS A BIT WEIRD FOR ME. I DIDN’T REALLY KNOW HOW TO DEAL WITH PEOPLE COMING UP TO ME IN THE STREET”
actually made films. I’m probably more passionate about film than music! [laughs] How would you describe your uni experience? It was amazing, but I don’t think university is essential. The most successful people I know, particularly in the music industry, didn’t do higher education. I loved films, and I went to drink cider, talk to women and play football! You’ve been in the industry for almost a decade now. How have things changed? The way people buy music has completely changed.
How has being in the limelight changed your life? When I first became ‘recognised’, it was a bit weird for me. I didn’t really know how to deal with people coming up to me in the street. I enjoy meeting strangers now and having photos with them. If they’re a fan and they have your album, it’s the least you can do. Being famous now, I like it. The good thing about it is the freebies. I love the freebies! What else would you like to achieve in music? I’m quite happy where I am at the moment. I think being married has slowed me down and chilled me out a bit. I’m still ambitious, but I also want to enjoy a lot more time with my wife and relax where I can. But if I got to play arenas in Europe and do stadiums and tour America, that’d be the ultimate. If you could give any advice to your 16-year-old self, what would it be? I’ve made a lot of mistakes along the way, but I think you have to make mistakes because you learn from them. I think the only think I might say to my 16-year-old self is to learn a foreign language. Other than that – I never had a dream, I just made my dream as I went along. l
Live Life Living by Example is out on 23 June on Epic Records
CHECK IT OUT SUMMER 2014
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INTERVIEW
THE
Celebrity GRADUATE
Alice Levine RADIO 1 STAR AND LEEDS UNI GRAD
TV and radio presenter Alice Levine shares her student memories with Source.
And why Leeds? Leeds has a really warm feeling to it. It reminded me a lot of Nottingham, where I’m from, which felt really comforting. It has great nightlife, great bands, gigs – I got a really good vibe from it. Did you join any clubs or societies? I was that really awful person during freshers’ week that signed up for everything. Salsa, badminton, zumba – and then I dropped everything! The one I stuck at was student TV. We’d be interviewing bands, we did a little entertainment show every week – and that gave me the TV bug. What did you learn from Leeds Student Television? I’m not naturally that confident, but I think I got over a lot of my nerves and a lot of my insecurities. Working towards something that we were all really proud of was great, it shows you how hard you can work when you’re passionate about something.
IMAGE: ©BBC/RAY BURMISTON
Why did you choose English? I was one of those people that went back and forth across so many subjects. I almost did law, which I think was a narrow escape – I’m not sure I would have been very suitable for that! I ended up choosing the thing I enjoyed most at school.
“I WAS THAT REALLY AWFUL PERSON DURING FRESHERS’ WEEK THAT SIGNED UP FOR EVERYTHING” Did you have any interesting flatmates? When I moved into my own flat, I lived with my really good friend Richard and my really good friend Lauren, who I was definitely chalk and cheese from. She brought me out of my shell a bit. She’s, self-confessed, totally bonkers and I was self-confessed really boring. We were a good mix! What did you want to do after graduation? I kind of knew that I wanted to apply for the BBC or some other big TV companies
but I didn’t really know how that worked. So I did some bits and pieces of work experience in TV and hoped it went that way. What’s been your best job since uni? I’ve got to say Radio 1 really, haven’t I? This is what everything’s been building up to. I’ve been doing it 18 months now, but I still feel like a real newbie. I love that you can come up with an idea at 9:30 and put it on air at 10:30. I love that you can be really creative and see it in action straight away. Has your time at university helped your career? I would say that my time at university was instrumental. Without the people that I’ve met and the extracurricular stuff that I did, I don’t think I’d be doing what I do now. l
Listen to Alice and Phil Taggart, Monday to Thursday from 10pm until midnight on BBC Radio 1
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CAREERS
Dream JOB
PE teaching and I was a qualified PE teacher. I did my probation year then taught for two years after that. Going into 2011, I was thinking, ‘I’d like to try and do this full-time.’ I was in a position where I could support myself financially, so I went for it. How much training do you do in a week? I train six times a week, from half past nine until about one o’clock every day. If I need any physio or treatment, I’ll do that in the afternoon and sometimes we’ll do classes, like yoga or pilates.
EILIDH CHILD
Scotland's Top Athlete This summer, the Commonwealth Games are coming to Glasgow, and no one is more excited than Perthshire-born 400m hurdler Eilidh Child. The 27-year-old former PE teacher stopped by to tell us all about life as a full-time athlete... How did you get into athletics in the first place? We were always quite a sporty family. When I was nine, my sister competed for the school at cross country, and she won it by miles. Someone came up to her after it and said, ‘Are you a member of a club? Would you like to join ours?’ I went along with her to keep her company and ended up really enjoying it. At what point did you think that this could be a serious career option? There was never really a point where I thought, ‘I could make a career out of this.’ I went to university, studied
WINNING: Eilidh with her gold and silver medals from the 2013 European Indoor Championships
What's been the highlight of your career so far? It’s probably been winning silver at the Commonwealth Games in 2010. That was my first ever career medal, the first time I’d won a medal at a major championship. It was such an amazing feeling to be able to do a lap of honour in the Scotland flag. You were part of TeamGB at London 2012. What was that like? It was a surreal experience! I was in the athletes’ village for five minutes and I met Prince William, Prince Harry and Kate Middleton. I was just thinking, ‘What’s going on? Where am I?!’ Are you looking forward to the Commonwealth Games in July? I’m really excited about it. I want to enjoy it – not just the racing part of it, but the build up to it, the atmosphere it’s bringing to Scotland. Everybody’s getting so excited about it. I don’t want to get too nervous or feel too much pressure about it. What would you still like to achieve in your athletics career? I have a medal from the European, a medal from the World and a medal from the Commonwealth, so it’d be nice to add an Olympic medal to the collection. I know there’s still so much I can do. When I get to the point where I feel like there’s nothing else I can do, I’ll be satisfied. l
CHECK IT OUT
Eilidh Child will be representing Scotland at this summer’s XX Commonwealth Games in Glasgow (www.glasgow2014.com), from 23 July to 3 August. Keep up to date with the latest from Eilidh on Twitter, @EilidhChild
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THE LOWDOWN ON...
TRAINING PROVIDERS Further and higher education isn’t for everyone, yet sometimes your school qualifications aren’t enough for the world of work. Luckily, Scotland is home to dozens of top class training providers who can give you the skills you need to flourish in a specific job. The Source team found out how it all works...
What’s a training provider? Alongside further education colleges, there are lots of private companies out there offering training courses, both at specialist training centres and on a distance learning basis, full-time and part-time. Training courses can lead to qualifications or accreditation for a specific job or industry, or more general employability skills, that’ll help you get ahead in the world of work. Who’s it for? Training is a good option if you’re lacking in qualifications or experience, you’re not quite ready to go to college or into an apprenticeship, you want to build on things you’ve already learned at school or college or you want the skills you need to do a certain job. There are training options for people from all walks of life, whether you’re leaving school with no qualifications, you aren’t too sure where your future career path lies or you’re in a job and hope to learn something new that’ll help you progress. Many courses don’t require specific qualifications, while others will look for good Standard Grades, Intermediates, Nationals or equivalent. How’s it different from college or uni? Courses offered by private companies tend to be more skills-based and prepare you to do a specific job, rather than zoning in on the academics and heavy textbooks. It’s really different from school because the onus is on you to do the work
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that’s expected of you to complete the course – no one’s going to hold your hand throughout, which is perfect preparation for having a job. Some courses will run for a year, others a few months and some in the evening or as day release – there’s a real mix to suit your circumstances, and can be fitted in round a job. What’s the benefit? Undertaking a specialist training course has lots of positives. First and foremost, it’s a real boost to your CV – having skills that relate to a job will really make you stand out from the crowd of other school leavers and show your dedication. It could prepare you for an apprenticeship or college course or take you straight into the job market. It’s also a good way of trying out a field of study short-term, increasing your confidence and knowledge in a specific area and learning exactly what it takes to do a job well.
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THE EMPLOYABILITY FUND
I
f you’re struggling to get into work and feel you haven’t got the necessary skills to flourish in the workplace, the Employability Fund could be for you. Launched last year by Skills Development Scotland, the fund helps young people who are unemployed or not in education to develop the skills they need to get a job. There’s a wide range of training providers out there offering Employability Fund courses. The idea behind it is that young people can develop the skills and qualities they need to move into an apprenticeship, college course or employment. Courses are tailored to the individual and tend to be focused round employability skills like teamwork or problem solving, work placements, practical work-based skills, confidencebuilding activities and help to build up your reading, writing, number or IT skills. The Employability Fund is very much focused on work experience, and many courses have a placement component for all or part of the programme. Some providers will let you work towards an SQA Certificate of Work Readiness too, which looks great on your CV and proves to employers that you’ve hit a number of targets and gained skills that transfer into lots of different industries – a great platform for work or further training or learning. Those aged 16 and 17 are eligible for a young person’s allowance of £55 a week, plus they’ll get travel expenses too, and you don’t need to pay to take part in the programme. l Find out more about the programme, and see a full list of providers, at www.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk
Skills Development Scotland www.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk
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What kind of thing can I train as? There are lots of different things you can do through training providers, such as... • Admin • Childcare • Construction • Customer service • Dental nursing • Employment skills • Hospitality • Health and beauty • Landscaping • Mechanics • Retail • Warehousing And much more! Do you get a qualification? It depends on the course, and what level you’re at, but training providers can offer SQA-accredited qualifications, City and Guilds qualifications and industry-accredited certificates too. Do I have to pay for it? There is help out there to support you in your learning, such as the Employability Fund (see left). You might be eligible for ILA (Independent Learning Account) funding through SDS. This is for people aged 16 and over who don’t have a degree and are not enrolled in secondary, further or higher education, training through the Employability Fund or doing a Modern Apprenticeship. If you meet these conditions, and you’re earning less than £22,000 a year, you could receive £200 towards a training course. You don’t need to pay it back either. Where can I find providers? Get online and start searching! You can find training providers through the SQA, Skills Development Scotland, your local authority, professional bodies working in your chosen field and the various Sector Skills Councils. By looking around and asking questions, you’ll soon find a training scheme or programme that’ll meet your needs and interests. l
My World of Work www.myworldofwork.com
ON THE
WEB
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CAREERS
DOCTOR
A doctor’s main working aim is to identify, treat and cure illnesses, and they can do this in lots of different ways. You could be a GP or a surgeon, specialise in a particular field such as obstetrics or oncology or train as an anaesthetist or pathologist. It’s wellpaid too – hospital consultants can earn as much as £100k a year. DO IT: To become a doctor, you’ll have to study medicine at university. This is a five-year degree with most institutions asking for five As at Higher plus Advanced Highers. After the degree, you’ll have to take part in a two-year traineeship before picking your specialty.
NURSE
A HEALTHY
FUTURE The UK’s healthcare sector employs hundreds of thousands of people – the NHS is the country’s single biggest employer, with over 1.7m people working in the various different departments within this life-saving service. If you have a caring side, and want to do something that really helps other people, a career in healthcare could be for you. We round up some of the most popular health-centred jobs...
Nurses care for patients in hospitals and the community, helping to diagnose certain medical problems and providing emotional and physical care and support. Like doctors, nurses can specialise in different areas such as mental health, paediatrics, wound care, emergency or trauma or things like cardiology or gastroenterology. DO IT: Entry to a nursing degree course takes two to four Highers, depending on the institution, including English and a science subject. When you complete your training, you have to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council.
HEALTHCARE ASSISTANT
Healthcare assistants or auxiliary nurses work directly with patients. They are responsible for basic care tasks and supervised by qualified nurses. Duties include making beds, helping patients to bathe or get dressed, helping patients around the hospital, assisting nursing staff in emergency situations, taking blood pressure readings, samples and more. DO IT: Training is on the job for healthcare assistants and you’ll usually work towards an SVQ Level 2 in Health and Social Care, but a good general education is required to get the job in the first place.
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DENTIST
Dentists are all about mouths and teeth, but there’s more to this job than a sixmonthly scale and polish. Dentists perform extractions, specialist treatments like root canals and minor surgery, to name just a few day-to-day tasks, to help patients maintain good oral health. Dentists are often self-employed within a dental practice, but also work in hospitals and dental schools, earning £30k in their training year. Say ‘ah’! DO IT: Dentists need a degree in dentistry from an approved dental school, with most asking for AAAAB in your first sitting. Your completed degree will come with registration with the General Dentistry Council, a legal requirement for dentists.
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CAREERS
PHARMACIST
Pharmacists prepare and dispense medication in retail pharmacies and hospitals, working to legal and ethical guidelines, as well as working in research in laboratories. Pharmacists also provide the public with advice and information regarding their health and medication, and can carry out health checks. DO IT: Pharmacists need a General Pharmaceutical Council-approved master’s degree in pharmacy, followed by a year of training in a community pharmacy before sitting a registration exam.
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
Occupational therapists work with elderly and disabled people to help them overcome the challenges their impairment might present them with on a day-to-day basis. They do this by carrying out assessments and recommending different aids, activities, adaptations and offering general advice. Advanced OTs earn as much as £40k a year. DO IT: You’ll need a degree in occupational therapy from university, giving you state accreditation which entitles you to practise as an OT with the NHS.
DIETITIAN
Dietitians use scientific knowledge to give patients specific diet advice, helping to prevent or treat certain illnesses and keep patients healthy. These workers are usually clinic or hospital-based, but sometimes visit patients at home and can work in labs conducting research too. Dietitians start on around £21,000 a year. DO IT: You’ll either need a first degree in dietetics, for which you’ll need at least four Highers including two science subjects, or you can do a degree in any sort of biology-related subject, followed by a postgraduate degree in dietetics. Once you finish your course, you’ll be registered with the Health Professionals Council.
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DEBORAH DAWSON: JOB DIAGNOSTIC RADIOGRAPHER ON THE
Deborah is a diagnostic radiographer based at the New Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. She’s been qualified for four years. How would you sum up your job? Radiographers use sophisticated technology to produce high-quality diagnostic images to assist in the diagnosis of medical conditions, injury or disease. What made you want to be a radiographer? I gained my first insight into radiology during work experience at secondary school. I visited a department in one of the local
THE NHS EMPLOYS MORE THAN 1.7M PEOPLE hospitals and it was by far the most interesting and exciting field of healthcare I had encountered. The ability to see what was going on beneath the surface, to see the human skeleton, was one of the coolest things I had ever seen. What sort of training did you do? I completed a BSc in radiography. In addition to learning the technical skills needed to fulfil this role, we studied topics including anatomy, physiology, physics, statistics and sociology – quite a diverse range of subjects. The degree involved quite a number of clinical placements and I found that it was during these times, when I was out on the job, I learned the most.
NHS Scotland www.jobs.scot.nhs.uk
What's your advice for people who are considering a career in radiography? I would advise anyone interested in radiography to go and have a visit in their local x-ray department or have a look at the Society of Radiographers website (www.sor.org). What's the best thing about your job? I enjoy the flexibility and diversity of my job. My favourite place to work is in the A&E department. I love how dynamic and fast-paced it is. l For more information on careers with NHS Lothian, visit www.nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk or www.jobs.scot.nhs.uk
Skills for Health www.skillsforhealth.org.uk
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CAREERS
Spotlight on...
GEORGE URE He finished drama school on the Friday and started his first job in the West End on the Monday – and George Ure’s still grateful for all the opportunities his career’s thrown at him along the way. The 26-year-old Airdrie-born actor took some time out from his most recent job, playing Boq in the UK tour of Wicked, to talk making it in theatre with Source...
How did you get into theatre? I went to North Lanarkshire Children’s Theatre in Coatbridge when I was eight or nine, and that was it – that’s what kick started it for me. What training have you had? I was in the North Lanarkshire groups until I was about 14. I did a brief spell at the Scottish Youth Theatre then moved onto UK Theatre School in Glasgow; I was in the musical theatre master class there. Then I trained full-time at Glasgow Academy Musical Theatre Arts for the year before I got my scholarship in London at the Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts.
PHOTO: ©MATTHEW CROCKETT
How important is that training? I do think training is super important. It’s not just the skills, it’s the discipline and the professionalism and all those other aspects that go with it. You went straight from drama school into the West End, where you were in Wicked for three years. How did that feel?
CURTAIN UP: George on stage as Boq in Wicked
“ANY EXPERIENCE IS VALUABLE EXPERIENCE. WHETHER IT’S IN AMATEUR DRAMATICS OR STAGE SCHOOL OR JUST IN YOUR GARDEN WITH YOUR MATES” It was very overwhelming, especially to go into a show like Wicked which is instantly a massive hit. It’s probably the biggest learning curve I’ll ever get. You just had to adapt and learn how to be a part of such a big deal, as well as having a great time and doing eight shows a week. What’s the best thing about acting? The highs – the highs are that much higher because there are so many lows. The number of auditions I go to where I either don’t get past the first round or I get to the final round and I don’t get the job – that kind of thing happens daily for us. Performing in Glasgow with the tour was emotional – the King’s is the theatre that inspired me to get going.
What’s your dream role? In a musical, Frankie Valli in Jersey Boys is one that I absolutely would love to do. The joy of being in the business is that you get to do lots of different things. What is your advice for young Scots who want to make it in theatre? Any experience is valuable experience. Whether it’s in amateur dramatics or stage school or high school or just in your garden with your mates – performance is performance. All it takes is hard work and determination. You’ve got to have ability, but if you’ve got drive and ambition, you can achieve whatever you set out to. l
CHECK IT OUT
For more information on the Wicked UK tour, and to book tickets for the Edinburgh and Aberdeen dates, head to www.wickedtour.co.uk. Follow George on Twitter at @george_ure
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CAREERS
3M BRITS WORK IN THE RETAIL SECTOR
SUSAN HIGGINS JOB BUYER AT RIVER ISLAND ON THE
Susan, 29, is originally from Glasgow but now lives the globetrotting lifestyle of a fashion buyer for River Island in their London HQ. The Glasgow Caledonian graduate told us about her job...
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What does a buyer do? The main point of the job is to get the garments into our stores. It’s my job to select the design and negotiate those orders so that we have stock in the shops. How did you get into buying? I studied fashion business at Caledonian University, then I moved down to London where I got a job with Arcadia’s graduate scheme. I started as a buyer’s admin assistant, and worked my way up, before getting a job at River Island.
How much would you say your degree has helped you? I think I learned different things at uni. We did a lot about construction of a garment and design, which has definitely helped me now. Most of what I’ve learned has been on the job training, but I wouldn’t have got the job that I’m in if it wasn’t for my degree. To get into buying now, it’s a lot harder than it was when I did it. But you do need a degree, that’s first and foremost. It’s about common sense stuff as well as actual knowledge.
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CAREERS
RETAIL: BUYING INTO A TOP CAREER Want to be part of a fast-moving, customer-focused, target-driven workplace? One of the many roles available in the retail sector could be for you... hopping is a big part of our lives. Whether we’re buying the latest fashions, electrical goods or basics like food, we can’t escape the need to buy, buy, buy – which is why retail sales UK-wide totalled £321bn last year alone. Nine per cent of UK companies are in the retail business, which means one thing – there’s huge scope for employment in this sector. A whopping 3m Brits work in the retail sector in some capacity, making it the country’s biggest private sector employer. There are openings for people from all backgrounds, with plenty of opportunities for promotion, training and exciting experiences. Think about your shopping experience and the people you encounter – sales assistants, store managers, security guards, shelf stackers. There might be a stockroom assistant out the back, a shift manager, assistant manager, staff working full and part-time. Some of these workers will have
S
How does the buying process work? I’ll work very closely with my designer and between us we come up with the trends that we think are going to be strong for the season. With my merchandiser, who’s kind of the other side of it, the three of us will sit and work out how much money we have to spend, then between the three of us, we’ll come up with our range plan. That will involve, initially, sourcing fabric and products. I’ll go to festivals and different locations like LA, Paris, Barcelona and Amsterdam. Once we’ve sourced inspiration and come up with designs, we’ll go to the factories in places like Turkey,
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Bangladesh and Pakistan. We’ll pick the fabrics, pick the design, pick the trim and then I’ll sit and negotiate, work out what price I want it to retail for and then what price I need to buy it for. What’s the best part of your job? I love the travelling aspect of it, and also doing something different every day. I love talking to new people and meeting new people. What’s your advice for people who want to get into buying?
come straight from school; others might be students funding their studies or looking to work their way up. There are apprentices on the shop floor, people with college qualifications in areas like business or customer service and a number of workers will have degrees in a range of different subjects, like English, marketing or even engineering. But it’s not just about sales and customer service on the shop floor – every retail organisation has lots of behind-the-scenes employees who deal with products, pricing, staffing, shop layout, shipping and beyond. From visual merchandisers to product designers, warehouse managers to logistics experts, HR managers to finance staff, there’s a huge network of people who contribute to our shopping experience. Susan is one of the thousands of people working for a major retailer in the UK – read on to see what her job involves...
Make sure that you’re doing it for your love of fashion. Having a degree in fashion is so important, but you need something that’ll set you apart from everyone else that has a fashion degree now. Make sure that you’re doing extracurricular stuff like styling or blogging – get your passion across. l For more information on careers with River Island, from the shop floor to head office, head to www.riverisland.com/inside-riverisland/careers
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CAREERS
THEY DID IT!
Thought shop life was all about slaving away behind a till? Think again! Check out these clever Brits, who started small and went on to be actual squillionaires (or close enough anyway) at the top of the retail game...
Sir Philip Green
The Cath Kidston empire started off life as – in her words – a ‘glorified junk shop’ before growing into a business worth £250m. In 1994, after recovering from breast cancer, the trained interior designer set up her first shop selling hand-embroidered tea towels and renovated furniture with a start up budget of £15,000. An over-order on duvet covers led her to make her own cushion covers and washbags – spawning the pretty printed items we all know and love. These days, Cath’s got 136 shops all over the world.
William Morrison You might not have heard of William Morrison, but he started out as an egg and butter merchant in a Bradford marketplace in 1899 which has morphed into the fourth biggest supermarket in the UK – yep, that's right, Morrisons. In 1952, his son Ken took over the market business and opened his first shop – and today, they have around 570 stores UK-wide. Sir Ken Morrison is 82 now and worth a cool £1bn.
Sir Richard Branson He has an airline, his own island, he's sending folk into space... And for Sir Richard, it started with a record label and then a record shop on Oxford Street which spawned a global chain. Because of the rise of digital downloads, Virgin Megastores aren't around in the UK any more, but they still exist elsewhere - including a monster branch on Times Square in New York. For retail success, follow his career mantra – screw it, just do it.
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BIG BUSINESS: Sir Philip Green (above) with Kate Moss, and (right) Virgin founder Sir Richard Branson
Philip Green – billionaire, yacht owner, bezzie mates with Kate Moss and Britain’s retail king. Not bad for a man who left school at 15. Straight from education, Sir Philip was a shoe importer before setting up his own business with a £20,000 loan, importing jeans from the Far East to sell to London retailers – and his retail business has grown and grown. Nowadays, he owns Arcadia, the UK’s largest privately owned retail group and home to the likes of Topshop, Burton and BHS.
Jo Malone Skincare and fragrance specialist Jo Malone was inspired to go into business by her mother, who inherited a skincare business from her boss. Jo learned about beauty and worked with her mum, then in her teens, she started making and selling her own t-shirts. She told the Financial Times: "I love creating something and making someone want to buy it. I am a merchant at heart." In her 20s, she became a facialist and started creating her own lotions, potions and perfumes from her flat before opening her first store in 1994. l
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RICHARD BRANSON PHOTO BY PAUL KANE/GETTY IMAGES / PHILIP GREEN PHOTO BY ANDREW H. WALKER/GETTY IMAGES
Cath Kidston
CAREERS
Source Top Five...
WEIRD degrees
Never mind medicine and law. Scrap English, and forget French. We’re getting tired of the same old uni degrees – why study maths when you could study The Beatles? Mikhaila Friel rounds up the five weirdest degree courses on offer at British universities...
1
Ethical Hacking
Abertay University (www.abertay.ac.uk) OK, so the course title sounds dangerous, but don’t be alarmed. It may seem like they’re training the next generation of criminal masterminds at Abertay University, but it’s quite the opposite. This course aims to provide students with the key knowledge and skills required to counteract hacking attacks. So if you’ve got a knack for computers, why not give this course a go?
3
Viking Studies
2 Mountain Development
University of the Highlands and Islands (www.uhi.ac.uk) Calling all nature-lovers! This postgraduate course, available at the University of the Highlands and Islands, focuses on the complex issues faced by people living in mountainous areas, and provides you with the knowledge on how to deal with them. Might sound strange, but it's actually pretty useful.
Puppetry
Royal Central School of Speech and Drama (www.cssd.ac.uk) London’s Central School of Speech and Drama’s puppetry course is the first of its kind in the UK. We never thought our childhood dreams of joining Miss Piggy and the rest of The Muppets could come true – but it can! This three-year degree is unusual, but if you love to perform and call the stage your home, then this course could be for you.
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4
University of Nottingham (www.nottingham.ac.uk) Who knew that our post-school education could involve Vikings? Well, at the University of Nottingham, it can. Horned helmets, medieval fighting gear, big burly blokes – bit weird. But after you get over how bizarre it is, you might learn something worthwhile. The course focuses on the period 7001200 AD, so if you’re a history fanatic, you’re bound to be in your element. Past graduates have gone on to do a wide range of different things, from playwriting to events management.
5 The Beatles, Popular Music and Society
Liverpool Hope University (www.hope.ac.uk) This year-long course, available at Liverpool Hope University, allows students to study the music of the actual Beatles in their home city. Nope, that wasn’t a typo. No longer is Googling Paul McCartney facts or chilling out with Sergeant Pepper considered a guilty pleasure – it’s educational! If you consider yourself a budding music expert, then what are you waiting for? Check out the uni’s website and apply! l UCAS www.ucas.com
ON THE
WEB
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CAREERS
The Young Entrepreneur...
SWEET (POTATO) SUCCESS At 28, Kevin Harvie’s taken a sabbatical from his regular job as an accountant to launch his own business, Hectares sweet potato crisps. It’s a risk that’s paid off – in his first year, he’s sold 30,000 bags of crisps, bagged deals with Whole Foods, BrewDog bars and BP garages and he’s on course for sales of £150,000 in his first 12 months. The Glasgow-based entrepreneur talked us through the process of starting his own company... Where did the idea for Hectares come from? I used to work for an accountancy firm in Glasgow and I would have crisps for my lunch every day. I’d started to notice that more and more people were eating sweet potato, whether it was as chips or a baked sweet potato. People were really catching on to the fact that they were healthier than white potatoes. So I went home and started experimenting in my kitchen, making crisps from sweet potato and getting my family and friends to test them. It’s all gone from there. How long has the whole process taken? I came up with the idea at the start of 2013, and we sold our first packet at the end of February this year. I thought that was far too long, but having spoken to lots of other people, apparently that was quite good!
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What kind of education and training do you have? I studied law at university, but it wasn’t really for me. I wanted to start my own business but I hadn’t nailed down exactly what the idea was going to be. Instead of flitting about, I went and did accountancy and trained as a chartered accountant while I thought it through. It’s been a big help, in terms of making sure the margins work, I can do a cash flow, profit and loss and all that kind of stuff. What’s been the highlight of Hectares? Securing Whole Foods. It’s a good start. Other retailers see that as certification that it’s a good product. That was really important for us to get under our belts quite early on. What sort of support have you had? Abertay University were great, they have a
food innovation team up there. I worked with the Food and Health Innovation Service in Scotland too; they provided advice around nutrition and allergens. I’m in Entrepreneurial Spark, which is a startup incubator – you get free office space, access to mentors and there are loads of other people starting businesses there as well. What have you learned so far? You have to make sure your product is as good as it can be. Make sure you’ve tested the market so you have enough research to back up starting the business. And focus – the minute you lose focus, you miss opportunities. Where do you see yourself in five years’ time? Hopefully selling sweet potato crisps across the UK and Europe. More flavours, different bag sizes – being the go-to sweet potato crisp brand basically. l Hectares Snacks www.hectares-snacks.co.uk
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ON THE
WEB
@SourceMag
CAREERS
The internet is becoming just as important to us as our favourite magazines, newspapers and TV shows. Some people are cashing in on our new digital reading and viewing habits by setting up their own blogs and vlogs, and discovering a new career path. Whether you’re covering interior design, sport, politics or food, there’s a little gap in cyber space which could open up to a big future. We look at some of the bright young web-savvy Brits who’ve turned their hobby into a success story.
PHOTO: DAN AND PHIL ©BBC/RAY BURMISTON
Zoella www.zoella.co.uk At 23, Zoe Sugg is the queen of lifestyle blogging and vlogging. With over four million subscribers to her YouTube channel and 6.8m blog viewers a month, she produces super cute videos and posts on all things fashion and beauty. Last year, she scooped the honour of Best British Vlogger at Radio 1’s Teen Awards, she’s interviewed actual One Direction and been on the cover of Company magazine. Not bad for a girl who started blogging when she was unemployed.
Jamal Edwards www.sbtv.co.uk When Londoner Jamal started uploading YouTube videos of himself and his friends rapping back in 2006 at
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the age of 15, he had no idea it would lead to him owning one of the most exciting online broadcasting companies with a small team of young employees. Jamal’s YouTube videos have helped him become one of the biggest names in online media – the SB.TV site is a hub of live performances, interviews and blog posts, featuring small acts to big names like Neon Jungle and Ed Sheeran. Even Richard Branson is a fan!
A Girl Called Jack www.agirlcalled jack.co.uk After leaving her job, 26-year-old single mum Jack Monroe found that she was struggling to feed herself and her son nutritionally-balanced meals on the cheap – and she realised that, in recession-hit Britain, she wouldn’t be the only one. So she started blogging her austerity-friendly recipes and success followed. Combining healthy recipes
with a side of food poverty awareness, Jack has her own recipe book out now on Penguin, works as a journalist and has even done some cooking on Sunday Brunch.
Dan Howell and Phil Lester danisnotonfire and AmazingPhil The Radio 1 favourites started out their careers in the world of entertainment as video bloggers, uploading zany videos to their respective YouTube channels (above) and collaborating on various projects. In 2013, Radio 1 took the duo under their wing to bring a version of their online Super Amazing Project to the airwaves. Dan, 22, and Phil, 27, have been a huge success for the station – they even bagged the Golden Headphones award at last year’s Sony Radio Awards, voted for by the public. You can catch them on the radio every Sunday at 7pm. l
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CAREERS
CLEARING
If you’ve applied to uni and haven’t met the conditions of your offer, ring up and see if there's a place they can give you – you never know, someone on the course may have changed their mind. If not, have a look at the list of available courses on the UCAS website through the Clearing system, and call the relevant admissions offices to see if you can get any offers. You can then apply for courses you've received an informal offer for through UCAS Track – but keep in mind you can only apply for one at a time, so apply for your top choice first. If you feel a bit lost during the process, consult the UCAS website or ring the SQA exam results helpline – the number will go online near results day at www.sqa.org.uk.
STEPPING STONES
If you’re in fifth year, you can take advantage of a sixth year to redo your exams, or if you’re at the end of your school career and uni isn’t an option yet, check out some college courses. Colleges offer programmes that grant SQA credit and even UCAS points in a wide range of subjects. Qualifications like the Higher National Certificate (HNC) and Higher National Diploma (HND) can act as a stepping stone between school and a degree as they can lead to a place at university – sometimes with direct entry into second or third year. Get browsing those prospectuses and see what's on offer.
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The Source Guide to...
SURVIVING
RESULTS
DAY
After weeks of studying and what feels like a decade’s worth of exams filled with tough essay questions and boggling equations, when you don't get the results you hoped for, your hard work can feel like a waste of time. But one or two missed grades in your SQA exams doesn't mean the end of your education or career. Student writer Laura Redpath offers some advice on getting where you want to be...
ON THE JOB
If you know what you want to do in terms of a career, you may be able to get started without the aid of further education. Apprenticeships and school leaver programmes train you how to do a job and you can pick up some qualifications. Head to www.myjobscotland.gov.uk and www.studentladder.co.uk to start searching now.
TIME OUT
Life isn't all about academia. In fact, many employers seek out candidates with ‘life experience’. So why not have a look for work or a project overseas? Realgap.com has some good starting points for enhancing that all important CV, or even a UCAS application.
KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON
No matter what happens on results day, the most important thing to remember is the good old British cliché of 'keep calm and carry on'. Getting into uni through Clearing or going to college instead doesn't make you a failure, nor does deciding not to go at all. It's simply the start of a new path – a lot of hard work went into those exams, there's no reason why it won't pay off. l
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TIME OUT
GETTING FROM A TO B
One of the biggest drains on our cash flow is transport. Trains, planes and automobiles don’t come cheap, but fortunately, there is help out there to make travel a little bit more affordable for students and young people. The 16-25 railcard (www.16-25railcard.co.uk) costs £30 for the year and gets you a third off rail travel across Britain – perfect for daytripping with pals over the holidays. Bus companies offer special discounted prices for students too – Stagecoach’s Unirider pass (www.stagecoachbus.com) gives you discounted travel on a prepurchased pass, meaning you don’t have
to faff about with cash every time you board a bus, while the FirstGroup's bus services (www.firstgroup.com) also run competitively priced student tickets in Scotland’s student cities. Check out the route you use and get in touch with the service provider to see about cut price travel.
DO A DEAL
Daily deal sites like Groupon.co.uk, 5pm.co.uk and Itison.com might clog up our email inboxes, but amidst the slightly
SPENDING SMART FOR SUMMER The holidays are right around the corner, meaning days and days of fun in the sun, adventures and so many plans you have no idea how you’re going to fit it all in before it’s back to class. Or, er, how you’re going to pay for it. Before you have heart failure, remember the number one bonus of being a student – discounts! So how do you get in on this marvellous money-off action? Read on...
HOW DO I... BUDGET FOR THE HOLIDAYS? Working to a budget might sound like the kind of boring nonsense that grownups have to deal with [We do. Daily – ed] but if you master the art now, you’ll be set for life. Just keep these five handy hints in mind to make sure you don’t miss out on any of this summer’s fun...
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1 ADD IT UP. Figure out how much money you’ll have over the summer, whether it’s coming from a summer job, an allowance or savings.
2 LOOK AHEAD. What do you want to be able to do this summer? Think T in the Park, that holiday with your pals, Grandma’s 70th birthday present and paying rent over the summer months. Set a budget for each of these major, can’tgo-without events and activities for the months ahead, add it up and take it away
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TIME OUT
more questionable super cheap offers (set of metal bunk beds fit for a horror movie hostel for a tenner, anyone?) there’s the odd bargain to be had. Spa days, restaurant deals and paintballing days are all regular features from these sites, and you can often get a great day out for half price or less.
THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT
Elsewhere in the tech world, there’s a host of apps for smartphones which can save you a penny or two. Student Recommended is a must-have for spend-savvy students, offering discounts at a range of different shops, bars, restaurants and entertainment venues across Scotland. You can even book a guestlist spot at your favourite club with the swipe of a screen! The UNiDAYS app is another great find, giving discount codes for your favourite retailers, including Apple, Office and H&M, both in-store and online. And it’s free!
KEEP YOUR CARDS CLOSE TO YOUR CHEST...
There are lots of different discount cards out there for students, bagging you discounts on everything from driving lessons to theatre tickets. The NUS Extra card for university students costs £12, and gives you money off on just about
from your total spending money. Maybe even set up a separate bank account or ask your parents to keep an eye on that crucial cash for you. 3
SET A WEEKLY BUDGET.
Divide what’s left of your total to cover each week of the holidays and take it out of your account in cash weekly so you know exactly what you’ve got left to spend. Leave your bank card at home!
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4
LEARN TO PRIORITISE.
Think of things as ‘essential’ (travel to and from work, mobile phone bill) and ‘nonessential’ (caramel macchiato, those amazing shoes). Look ahead each week to make sure the essentials are covered and use the leftovers for nonessentials. Don’t forget to try to keep something aside for spontaneous plans too.
EVERYTHING. Enjoy discounts from the likes of Megabus, Prezzo, Accessorize, Bench, Pizza Hut, AA driving lessons and much, much more. Get yours at www.nus.org.uk. The Young Scot card that we all know and love has a load of different discounts to offer too. You can get yourself cutprice cinema tickets, discounts at the Festival and King’s Theatres in Edinburgh, money off with GoApe, great prices from Flybe and bargains from fashion retailers like Topshop and Topman, Schuh and Dorothy Perkins. Best of all, the Young Scot card is free. If you haven’t already got yours, head over to www.youngscot.org to sign up. The trusty student card isn’t to be sniffed at either. If you’re at college or uni, most major retailers will accept your standard student card as proof of student status and give you money off with that. Remember though, unlike the NUS card, you can’t use this online, no matter how many times you try punching your student number into the discount code box. We know. We’ve tried.
FOLLOW ON!
Following your favourite brands, bars and restaurants on Twitter and Facebook, and signing up for their mailing lists, can save you a fortune. Big companies, such as ASOS and Pizza Express, often issue special subscriberonly discount codes and vouchers, so while an inbox, timeline or Twitter feed packed with corporate messages can be a bit of a pain, you can also get a real bargain if you wade through it all carefully. l
5 BE STRICT WITH YOURSELF. Take note of what
you’re spending and be sensible. Don’t forget that you can have fun on a budget too – you just have to learn to say no when your friends suggest a Super Fun Day Out that Costs a Fortune if you really can’t afford it, or come up with cheaper alternatives. #simples
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COMPETITION
WIN
TICKETS TO LEEDS FESTIVAL! Have you got festival fever? Get in on the action this season with our fantastic giveaway...
eading and Leeds festivals are two of the most iconic in the summer’s musical calendar, attracting the biggest names in music, the best crowds and, quite often, brilliant weather too. This summer, from 22 to 24 August, a galaxy of stars from the world of rock, indie, dance, grime and hip-hop will be splitting their time between the two festivals to create one of the strongest lineups in the event’s history. Headline acts like rock gods EL CKERY MICHA PHOTO: © ZA Queens of the Stone Age, pop-rock superstars Paramore, the iconic Arctic Monkeys and US legends Blink-182 will make this year’s event one to remember.
R
Also on the Main Stage is You Me At Six, Peace, Jake Bugg, Vampire Weekend, Imagine Dragons and Foster the People, with Twin Atlantic, Disclosure and Bombay Bicycle Club amongst the acts announced for the NME/Radio 1 stage. Don’t miss out on the BBC Radio 1 Dance stage either, hosting Duke Dumont, AlunaGeorge and a DJ set from Pendulum. Best of all? You could be there! We’re giving away one pair of weekend camping tickets for Leeds Festival to one lucky Source reader – and entering couldn’t be easier. So what are you waiting for? Read on...
HOW TO ENTER... You can get your name in the draw THREE times – yes, three! Here’s how you do it... 1 EMAIL US your name, age, daytime telephone number and address to competitions@dcpublishing.co.uk with LEEDS FEST in the subject line 2
HEAD TO @SOURCEMAG
on Twitter, give us a follow and RT the competition tweet that’ll be pinned to the top of our profile 3 ON FACEBOOK, scoot over to www.facebook.com/SourceMagazine, like the page and then like the competition photo at the top of our timeline
You can enter once, twice or three times – it’s up to you. You’ve got until 21 July to enter, then we’ll gather all the entries together and a winner will be selected at random. Good luck!
BE THERE!
If you’re not lucky enough to win, tickets are available from www.leedsfestival.com/tickets
TERMS AND CONDITIONS All entries must be received by 5pm BST, 21 July. Prize is one pair of weekend camping tickets for Leeds Festival only (22-24 August 2014). No refunds, exchanges, transfers or cash alternatives. Entrants must be age 16 or over, and proof of age will be required at the event – no unaccompanied under-16s are allowed on site. Travel, food and accommodation not included. Source Magazine, DC Publishing and Festival Republic are unable to accept any liability for personal or property damages, losses (including confiscations) or injuries sustained at the event. The competition winner must accept full responsibility for their own actions, health and safety. For full ticket terms and conditions, head to www.leedsfestival.com. The publisher’s decision is final.
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TIME OUT
Want to change the world but don’t know where to start? An overseas volunteer programme could be a starting point. Geography and law graduate Thenneh Conteh from East Kilbride told us about her time in Ghana with Lattitude ICS... arlier this year, I went to Ghana with a volunteer project. It was the best ten weeks of my life. I graduated from university last summer. I’d been working in a restaurant throughout uni, and I was playing for a national netball squad so my life had been pretty committed. Last January, I had my third injury to my knee which required intense surgery, which I never quite fully recovered from. I was going to be playing in the Commonwealth Games, but that injury changed my whole direction. I was looking for things to do. I stumbled across the ICS website, and I’m so glad that I did. It’s open to everyone – you don’t have to have a qualification, you don’t have to have any money. It’s completely governmentfunded, but you do have to fundraise towards it. They say it costs £8,000 to send one volunteer overseas – that’s taking into consideration your visa, your travel arrangements, your vaccines. You just need to fundraise 10% of that, which, in the grand scheme of things, isn’t much at all.
E
PERFECT MATCH When you apply through ICS, they ask a lot of questions about you and your preferences. I was really passionate about going to Africa, because my dad’s from there and I’ve always wanted to go and explore as many African countries as possible. They then match you with a charity that has a project in that area. I was matched with Lattitude, who had projects in Malawi and Ghana, then they place you where they think you’ll be best fitted. The main thing with ICS is that you really get to experience the culture. There were 10 UK volunteers and seven Ghanaian volunteers, in-country volunteers, so we were all given a
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THE TRIP OF A LIFETIME counterpart, someone who you live with and look out for really. We were given a host family – families within the community who take you in, in return for a small contribution towards living costs. You get involved with the local community straight away. It was brilliant. WORKING TOGETHER When you arrive, you do a four-day orientation in the capital city of whatever country you’re in. You meet your counterparts and build on the training you did in the UK – you get three days of residential training in the UK prior to leaving that goes over international
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TIME OUT
development and cultural issues. When we went to Accra, Ghana's capital, it was about reiterating those things. It was a really diverse mix of people. There were people in the same position as me who had just graduated from university and didn’t really know what to do next and people on a gap year who had just left school. Everyone was really positive and friendly. That’s what’s important – you need to be prepared to make friends and talk to people.
ABOUT ICS
MAKING A DIFFERENCE: Thenneh, right, spent ten weeks volunteering in Ghana
International Citizen Service (ICS) is a UK government-funded development programme that brings together 18 to 25-year-olds from all backgrounds to fight poverty in UK and overseas communities. ICS offers a range of different projects with partner organisations Balloon Ventures, Challenges Worldwide, International Service, Lattitude, Progressio, Raleigh, Restless Development, Skillshare International, Tearfund, VSO and Y Care International. For up to 12 weeks, you’ll work alongside local volunteers to make a real difference for local people and gain valuable skills that you’ll carry with you for the rest of your life. To find out more about ICS, go to www.lattitude.org.uk/ international-citizen-service now
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The project I worked on was called Football for Hope. For the World Cup, FIFA implemented 15 Play Soccer centres around the world, one of which is in Ghana. The main aim of the centre is to provide education through football. They do homework clubs, and what we call ‘core sessions’ where you teach children aged five to 15 about a social topic, a health topic and develop their soccer skills. A lot of boys and girls over there just want to be professional footballers, they have a distorted idea of what they’re going to be in the future – they really think they’re going to be footballers. So we would get them in with the football element, but also teach them life skills, health skills, ICT, how to build CVs – things like that. The kids and the volunteers were all amazing. LESSONS LEARNED I thought I knew everything there was to know about working in teams, but that just wasn’t the case! There were so many different challenges that came up that I had to deal with. I learned more about working effectively with other people, and my public speaking skills have improved considerably. I also learned to be more open-minded. You’re going into a different culture, you have to accept that they don’t do things your way. Before I went to Africa, I’d wanted to go into sports marketing, but since doing international development and speaking with the marketing team at Lattitude, I would love to go into something to do with marketing and international development. I’m trying to save up at the moment so I can go back as team leader on this specific project, and also go and do one of the Lattitude programmes for a year. If you want to volunteer, I’ve got one piece of advice – sign up! There’s nothing stopping you. Money isn’t an issue with ICS. That’s why programmes like that exist. Be open-minded and give it 100%. That’s all they ask you to do. If you can change the life of one person, that’s great. I honestly feel like I achieved that and more – and I can’t wait to go back. l For more information on volunteering opportunities with Lattitude, head to www.lattitude.org.uk or call 0118 959 4914.
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BOOZE CONTROL
Summer’s just around the corner and Scotland’s students are gearing up for weeks of fun, sun and nights out to remember – or forget, if drinking’s involved. But how much is too much when it comes to alcohol? We found out...
hat do festivals, parties and summer holidays have in common? You’ve got it – drink. Summer’s here, and with it comes gallons of cider, beer, vodka, shots and alcopops as thousands of Scots enjoy a tipple or two in the sunshine. In Scotland, drinking is the norm. Everyone does it. Your friends do it, your parents do it, people on the telly do it – alcohol’s just part of life, right? One European study showed that Scots teens are the second biggest drinkers in the continent, second only to the Netherlands – despite the fact that under-18s can’t buy booze in Britain. While drinking might be normal for young people, it can become a huge problem if you’re consuming too much on a regular basis. And the younger you start boozing, the more you’re putting yourself at risk.
W
RECOMMENDED AMOUNT The NHS recommends that adult men shouldn’t drink any more than three to four units of alcohol a day on a regular basis, while for women it’s two to three units. Any more than that, you’re going into dangerous territory. ‘Binge’ drinking is when a person drinks more than
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six units of alcohol in one go for women or eight for men. Binging often leads to drunken behaviour, when you act a bit daft, swagger about and say and do things you wouldn’t normally. Which might explain why 77% of Scotland’s young offenders are drunk at the time of arrest. “Alcohol dampens things down in the brain,” explains Dr Adam Brodie, clinical director of addictions at NHS Lanarkshire. “The bits that get dampened down first are the bits that hold you back. You become louder, more outgoing, more confident. But it dampens the rest down too, and that’s when you conk out.” Losing control isn’t pretty, and can lead to problems much bigger than a hangover – there’s the danger that you could choke on your own vomit, suffer hypothermia (even in summer) or be assaulted. Across the whole of the UK in 2012-13, 6,500 under-18s were admitted to hospital after drinking too much. “There are lots of unpleasant short term effects too,” Dr Brodie adds. “You can get bleeding from your stomach. You can get inflammation of the pancreas. You can get what they call ‘holiday heart’, which is heart irregularities from alcohol use, even when
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you’re young. You get nerve damage, when you get pain and numbness and all sorts of things.” WREAKING HAVOC The more you drink, the more tolerant your nervous system becomes of alcohol – but that doesn’t stop it from wreaking havoc on the rest of your body. “Alcohol affects every bit of your body really, from the skin inwards,” Dr Brodie explains. “You can get kidney failure, heart and circulation problems, stroke, altered structure to your heart. And we haven’t even mentioned the liver. You can get a fatty liver, inflammation of the liver and liver
IN 2012-13, 6,500 UNDER-18S WERE ADMITTED TO HOSPITAL AFTER DRINKING TOO MUCH cirrhosis, which is when it becomes so damaged that it doesn’t work any more. There are lots of cancers that are associated with alcohol – the mouth, throat, oesophagus, bowel, rectum, stomach, skin cancers, breast cancer and lung cancer as well.” Boozing when you’re young has additional complications – in your teens, you’re still growing and developing, and alcohol can get in
Addaction www.addaction.org.uk
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the way of this. “Americans don’t like anyone to drink under the age of 21, and part of that is because, although we think we’re fully formed by the time we’re teenagers, brain development continues on,” Dr Brodie says. “You’re actually changing the way your brain works if you’re using certain substances, like alcohol.” Addiction is another major concern. While alcohol is legal in the UK, it is addictive and people can become physically and mentally dependent on it – even young people. “A lot of people don’t think it’s an issue when they’re younger,” Dr Brodie says. “When they’re 16, they feel the positives – they get out more, see friends, have good times, get into scrapes. But when you’re 36 and you’re drinking like that, people see it differently. But actually, it's as much of a problem when you’re 16.” Then there’s the most serious danger of all, which applies to occasional drinkers, bingers and addicts alike – the risk of death. According to official statistics from National Records of Scotland, there were 1,080 alcoholrelated deaths in Scotland in 2012. Compare that to drug-related deaths – 581 – and you’ll see we’ve got a problem on our hands.
Alcohol Focus Scotland www.alcohol-focusscotland.org.uk
Alateen www.al-anonuk.org.uk/ alateen
SCOTS TEENS ARE THE SECOND BIGGEST DRINKERS IN EUROPE, SECOND ONLY TO THE NETHERLANDS GETTING HELP If you feel like alcohol is starting to take over your life, getting help is essential. “Your GP should know the services that are available in your area that can help,” says Dr Brodie. “There’s also third sector, voluntary sector and private sector organisations. There are national ones like Alcohol Focus Scotland, Alcohol Concern, Addaction. If you’re at school, college or university, they can maybe support you as well. There’s a lot out there – it’s just about finding out about it.” If you’re worried about a friend, talk to them, before it’s too late. They might ignore your advice, but by planting the seed, they might seek help. Al-Anon (www.al-anonuk.org.uk) is helpful for friends and family members of alcoholics, and they may be able to offer further advice on what to do. Alcohol might liven up a night out, but the dangers of too much booze are very real and very frightening – so if you are drinking this summer, make sure you do it responsibly. Know your limits, and say no when you start to feel out of control. Sometimes keeping up with your mates just isn’t worth the risk. l
Drinkaware www.drinkaware.co.uk
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SURVIVING YOUR
FIRST
BIG HOLIDAY
The summer holidays are nearly here! If you’re booked up to jet off for a beach break of banana boats, bar crawls and beach volleyball with your mates, don’t leave your sensible head at the departure gate – student writer Eilidh Stewart offers some top tips to ensure a safe, happy, memorable holiday for all. ummer’s all about one thing – holidays. Thanks to student life, you’ve got loads of time away from work and studying, a chance to catch up with all your friends and do something brilliant, preferably in a hot, sunny country without your parents on the scene. Tenerife, Zante, Ibiza, Sunny Beach... Wherever you end up, it’s going to be AMAZING. While your first holiday with friends is exciting, it’s important to remember to stay safe and plan ahead while you’re overseas. When you’re far away from home, you don’t want to get into trouble. We’ve put together a list of things to think about before jetting off so that you’ll be ready for anything your summer holiday has to throw at you.
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INSURANCE
Travel insurance covering your health and belongings is a really important thing to sort out before you go away. However, almost half of 15 to 24-year-olds who went on holiday during 2012 were uninsured and the same proportion didn’t realise that, without travel insurance, they’d have to pay for their own medical bills. Getting travel insurance is really easy and doesn’t take long. Going to sites like moneysupermarket.com is probably the quickest way to sort out the best deal. Make sure you read your documents before you go so you know what your cover includes – activities like bungee jumping and waterskiing are often excluded, so if something goes wrong, your insurer won’t cover your hospital costs. On top of insurance, sign up for a European Health Insurance card before you travel too – this will give you access to state healthcare across Europe at a reduced cost.
ACCOMMODATION AND TRAVEL
If you haven't booked up already, shop around before choosing your destination. Make sure that you’re getting the best price you can, rather than buying impulsively. Like getting insurance, it’s worth looking on comparison sites like HotelsCombined.co.uk and checking out reviews on tripadvisor.co.uk. That way you can browse all the different hotels available but also make sure you’re getting the best price for your room – don’t get ripped off! Package deals are a good idea for first-time travellers – if you can sort out a deal which includes flights, accommodation, transfers to
Know Before You Go www.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo
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and from your resort and food, almost all the stress is taken out of your holiday planning! When it comes to jetting off, don’t forget that airport security can take a long time. Always arrive at least an hour before your flight is due and pay attention to your baggage allowance and the types of things you’re actually allowed on the plane. No nail scissors, no cans of deodorant, and leave the big bottles of shampoo at home!
FOREIGN LAW
Many people who travel don’t realise that you must observe foreign laws and customs. It’s really important to research the country you’re visiting, since the kind of things that are illegal there might not be a problem back home. For example, you could be fined for feeding pigeons in
DRUGS AND ALCOHOL
A summer holiday means one thing for most – it’s party time! It’s easy to get caught up in the party lifestyle but it’s important to remember that being abroad is different to being at home. You can’t stagger home from a club and let your mum look after you. Remember that being in a hotter climate means you need to drink more water too, especially if you’re drinking alcohol. It’s really easy to get dehydrated and it can leave you really ill. Also remember that you should never leave your drink unattended, or you'll run the risk of getting your drink spiked. Just hold your drink or keep your thumb on the top of your bottle. Drugs are quite common in places with a party atmosphere – you never know what you’re being offered, be it pills or a cigarette, and no one wants to spend their holiday in hospital. The solution? Just say no.
82% OF YOUNG BRITS ADMIT TO TAKING PART IN MORE ADVENTUROUS BEHAVIOUR WHILE ON HOLIDAY St Mark’s Square in Venice, it’s illegal to run out of fuel on the autobahn in Germany and if you don’t observe customs such as Ramadan in the United Arab Emirates you could face a prison sentence. So make sure you do your research – ask other people who have gone on holiday to the same place as you and look online. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s Know Before You Go site (www.gov.uk/ knowbeforeyougo) is really useful – just type in the name of the country that you’re visiting and it’ll give you a summary of the things you should know as a tourist.
Money Supermarket www.moneysupermarket.com
HEALTH
Definitely listen to your mum when she says don’t forget the sun cream. Everyone loves getting a tan but it’s important to do it safely – with an SPF of at least 20. Remember to keep putting it on if you go swimming and stay out of the sun around noon. Also, if you’re travelling to more exotic places (lucky you!) check in case you need any injections or medication before you leave. Make an appointment with your doctor and get some advice from them. Getting injections may not be the nicest experience but getting ill away from home would be a lot worse. Being sensible doesn’t mean you can’t have fun – and let’s face it, it’s a whole lot easier than being forced into an early flight home. If you keep all of this in mind, you’ll have the holiday of a lifetime – just don’t forget to send us a postcard... l
EHIC Card www.nhs.uk/ehic
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FESTIVAL FEVER! T in the Park
The Wickerman Festival
11-13 July Balado Airfield, Kinross www.tinthepark.com Arguably Scotland’s most famous festival, T in the Park attracts some of the biggest names in music to its stages. This year will see Scotsmen Calvin Harris, Biffy Clyro and Paulo Nutini headline, alongside Ed Sheeran and Arctic Monkeys. There will also be plenty of exciting new names wading through the mud, including George Ezra, Chance the Rapper, Sam Smith and Ella Eyre. The festival turns 21 this year too, so expect a massive celebration!
25-26 July Dundrennan www.thewickermanfestival.co.uk Scotland’s premiere alternative music festival, Wickerman is now in its 13th year. It boasts an eclectic mix of music including pop, folk, motown and hip-hop and prides itself on its diversity. Martha Reeves and The Vandellas, The Zombies, Big Country and The Feeling will be joining the party this year and festival legend Dizzee Rascal has chosen it as his only Scottish festival performance this year.
Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival
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CHAE ACKERY MI
PHOTO: ©Z
8-9 August Belladrum Estate, Inverness www.tartanheartfestival.co.uk Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, Belladrum caters for a wide range of music fans. The festival is free for children under 12 and as well as the main stages, there is a wide range of stalls and fringe acts, including one man bands, alternative therapy tents, barbers, yoga and dance tuition. This year’s lineup is absolutely rammed with massive names like Frightened Rabbit, Razorlight and every mum's favourite velvet-voiced crooner, Sir Tom Jones. See you in Inverness!
BALADO-BOUND: Alex Turner and his fellow Arctic Monkeys will be taking to T in the Park's main stage this summer
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STAYING SAFE Summer means a lot of things: a break from school or college, the sun comes out (fingers crossed) and it’s socially acceptable to eat ice lollies again. There’s also one other major highlight of summer... festivals! There’s nothing like getting into your wellies and shorts and seeing some of your favourite acts on stage while risking sunburn/hypothermia, depending on what the weather decides to do. Luckily, Scotland has some of the best musical festivals in the world – from pop to jazz to dance music, there’s something for everyone right here in our back gardens. Source student writer Laura Donaldson has rounded up the best festivals our country has to offer, as well as making an essential packing list so you don’t have to...
Glasgow International Jazz Festival 25-29 June Venues around Glasgow www.jazzfest.co.uk If you’re a jazz fan in Scotland, or even if you’re wanting to try something a little different, then this is the festival for you. With performances from the likes of saxophonist Courtney Pine, Jazz Jamaica and Black Steel Band alongside fascinating talks, lectures and screenings, this year is a must for jazz fans. Hopefully the sun will be shining in Glasgow that weekend too...
Dundee Blues Bonanza 27-29 June Venues around Dundee www.dundeebluesbonanza.co.uk Dundee’s Blues Bonanza is celebrating a very special 20th anniversary this year. Hailed as the blues capital of Scotland, Dundee will be hosting its annual three-day extravaganza of live blues, boogie, rock and roots across the city. The festival takes place in over 30 city centre venues, all within easy walking distance of each other. Some have claimed it’s the biggest free music festival in Europe as it’s been estimated that approximately 12,000 people flock to Dundee to take part in the Bonanza buzz. l
Whether you’re camping in a field or visiting a festival city, lots of people in one place means one thing – increased risk of things going wrong. Here are our top tips for a safer festival season... • Don't bring valuables – if you do make sure you use locker facilities. • Don't leave your drink unattended and remember even soft drinks can be spiked. • Stay on the main roads in the campsites at night – don't go exploring darker, quieter areas. • Split your cash and cards into two stashes so that if one lot is lost or stolen you have some backup money. • Mark your property and your tent with your name and postcode - it deters thieves and gives a contact for someone who might find them and want to send them back. • If you have medicines for allergies or other medical conditions, keep them with you at all times or in a secure locker. • Safety is in numbers – stay in groups and avoid wandering off on your own. • Stay alert – the sooner you see or hear potential trouble approaching, the more likely you’ll be able to avoid it. • If you’re drinking, don’t overdo it – you don’t want to lose control. • Never assume it won’t happen to you. Even though the risks are small, they’re still there, so don’t take any chances with your safety.
THE S PRE-FEOURCE STIVAL (Take it C with yo u to the HECK LI ST sho ps!)
tickets
tent
water b
ottle
waterp roofs a wellies nd sunglas
ses sun cre am make u
p wipe
dry sha
mpoo
painkille
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food a (no gla nd drink ss as they bottles ’ll be confisc ated) hand sa
torch
first aid
toilet ro
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toothb
nitizer
rush roll ma sleepin t, g bag, pillow black b dirty clo ag for thes SUMMER 2014
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THE Perfect SUMMER JOB Kirsty McKenzie rounds up some of the best student-friendly posts for the holidays...
WHO’S IT FOR? You love chatting to people from all walks of life and are looking for flexible hours and plenty of tips.
BAR OR RESTAURANT
WHAT CAN YOU LEARN? You’ll grow in confidence, be able to think on your feet, talk to anyone and deal with all sorts of crises – invaluable
WHO’S IT FOR? You need to turn that dangerous shopping habit into something productive.
RETAIL
WHAT CAN YOU LEARN? You’ll discover first-hand how a fast-paced business operates, see the importance of customer care and how a polite and
WHO’S IT FOR? You can think of nothing better than spending your day running around playing everything from basketball to roller hockey. Plus you have always had a sneaking suspicion you’d be pretty good with face paint.
SUMMER CAMPS IN THE USA
WHAT CAN YOU LEARN? Children are often the toughest customers, so looking
WHO’S IT FOR? Getting to know a foreign city and culture while living with locals and working with children sounds like your idea of heaven.
AU PAIR
OFFICE WORK www.sourcemagazine.org.uk
whatever career you’re thinking of. HOW DO YOU APPLY? Hand a CV straight to the manager so they can instantly see your enthusiasm. Restaurants and bars constantly have staff coming and going, so get in there and make a good impression.
friendly attitude can help keep customers coming back. HOW DO YOU APPLY? Some shops will post a sign in the window, but most have an online recruiting process. Head to the web to see exactly what jobs are available in your area.
after kids 12 hours a day, six days a week will force you to keep calm and level-headed whenever a problem arises. HOW DO YOU APPLY? It’s too late for this year, but head to www. campamerica.co.uk or www.ccusa.com and register for summer 2015 now.
be tough so you’ll definitely learn to communicate clearly, improving both your English and your foreign languages.
WHAT CAN YOU LEARN? Dealing with a language barrier while living with a family and looking after their kids can
HOW DO YOU APPLY? With www.aupair-world.co.uk, you can register for free, set up a profile and find a family and location that suits you best.
WHO’S IT FOR? Lord Sugar is your idol and you’ve always thought you look sharp in a suit.
way round a scanner/shredder/coffee machine means future work experience placements will be a breeze!
WHAT CAN YOU LEARN? Having an awareness of an office environment is a fantastic thing to have on your CV, improving your organisational skills and confidence. Plus knowing your
HOW DO YOU APPLY? Gumtree. co.uk is great for finding office jobs, with employers posting vacancies for everything from receptionists to summer temps. l
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INTERVIEW
TEN
Minutes WITH...
What’s been the best show you’ve ever played? I think, honestly, it would have to be Leeds Festival last year. Both Reading and Leeds collectively were the two best shows we’ve ever done, and it was the best weekend of gig-playing that we’ve ever done, but I’d say we played better at Leeds. You’ve been working on the second album. What can we expect from it? I think, from a song-writing point of view, Harry has invested more of himself into the songs. From an instrumental point of view, the whole thing feels a little bit more educated as opposed to ‘hit and hope’, which was very much the philosophy with the first record! None of us really knew what we were doing. [Laughs] We still don’t! PEACE AND LOVE: The foursome are getting ready for a gig-packed 2014
Peace THE FOLLOW BABY HIT MAKERS ARE GEARING UP FOR FESTIVAL SEASON
After a successful 2013, this year’s looking to be just as bright for indie rock quartet Peace. Drummer Dom Boyce sat down with Source for a quick chat about what’s next for the lads... Festival season is on the horizon and you’re playing the Main Stage at Reading and Leeds – are you looking forward to it? We really are. None of us were expecting to be asked to do that this year, we were really grateful for that. What makes playing festivals special? From a band point of view, it can be quite refreshing – it’s a slight change to what you normally do, but it’s still doing what you love. I think for anyone who loves music or is involved in music in any way – if they hate festivals, there’s something wrong with them!
“I THINK FOR ANYONE WHO LOVES MUSIC OR IS INVOLVED IN MUSIC IN ANY WAY – IF THEY HATE FESTIVALS, THERE’S SOMETHING WRONG WITH THEM”
What would you say you learned from the first record that you’ve brought to this one? To leave things when they need to be left and not overcook things – no more didgeridoo parts. Just leave it. None of us are particularly stubborn or overly proud people, but I think it’s important to listen to the producers, take criticism. What would you guys like to do next? Towards the end of the year last year, after we’d been on tour for two years straight, I was looking forward to spending a bit of time at home. But all of us now are really hungry to go out and play songs to everyone again. There’s so much still to be done, so many places still to go and so many more songs to be played, which is really exciting. Last question – what’s the best thing about being in a band for a living? All of us wanted to be musicians when we were growing up, that’s all we ever dreamt about. If you wanted to be a farmer or an accountant or whatever and you get to do that, it never gets old. Waking up every day and knowing you’re in a band, you’re a professional touring musician – it never gets old. l
Peace will be playing the Main Stage at Reading and Leeds Festivals this summer, 22 to 24 August. Check out the full line-up at www.readingandleedsfestival.com
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RADIO 1’S ALLY MCCRAE IS BACK WITH HIS PICK OF THE HOTTEST NEW BANDS RIGHT NOW...
Hiyaaaa, I’m Ally and my life is all about new music, finding it, loving it and then telling the world about it. I present on BBC Radio 1, BBC TV, I DJ live, I put on my own gigs, and even manage a band too, which sounds cool, but mostly involves spreadsheets... Here’s some new music I love, that I think you should check out.
SOUND
BITES
cCrae M y ll A h it w
YOUR NEW FAVOURITE BAND
It’s my job to find bands and artists from all around the UK to put on my BBC Radio 1 show, hoping that important people will hear them (like Zane Lowe or Annie Mac) while promoting the music I love. Here are three acts for you to check out and fall in love with before they are megastars.
TWITTER REVIEWS A short and sweet roundup of the best up-and-coming bands... XO (@XOmusic_UK) Deep, woozy beats from producer XO, based in Stoke-on-Trent. Played R1’s Big Weekend in Glasgow and smashed it!
ALX This dude from Edinburgh is so smooth he clearly doesn’t need vowels in his name. That aside, the R&B jams that this brand new singer is coming with are surely destined for mega chart and radio success, probably not just here in the UK but all over. Think a soulful, Scottish Frank Ocean with hints of Sam Smith in there too. Check out his first ever single, Beautiful Criminal, and say hey on Twitter, @ALXsounds
Johnny Lucas (@johnnylucaschat) Singer-songwriter Johnny Lucas has so much heart – a solo artist using a heap of loop pedals, building songs live on stage. A must see. Holly Drummond (@Holly_Drummond) Singer from Glasgow. Splits her music with acoustic tear-jerkers on guitar and sometimes lending vocals to some sweet house beats. One to watch.
RONIKA I have a funny feeling this producer from Nottingham absolutely loves a party. Every track on her debut album is so full of energy, excitement and summery, tropical rhythms, it’s near impossible not to want to leg it to the nearest dancefloor and just throw your limbs all over the place (which I do regularly, even though my limbs are stupidly long and I risk whacking someone). PARTY PARTY PARTY PARTY MUSIC. Her self-released album is out now! Go nuts and dance with her @ohronikagirl
Calibre (@Calibre_MC) Calibre is an awesome new rapper from Edinburgh who I’ve just discovered. His track Elephant Stomp could be like the new Harlem Shake. Big time.
LOOKS Looks from London are a new band whose first single has got them a release on the brilliant Killing Moon Records (home to some more awesome acts worth investigating). It’s big, bold, swagger indie rock, the sort that it’s perfectly OK to scream along to. Everyone will understand. Take a look on Twitter, @looksband
Catch Ally and Jen Long with the best in new UK music live on the radio every Sunday into Monday on BBC Radio 1, 12-2am, with BBC Introducing
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Y.O.U (@YdotOdotU) Soaring electro pop bangers from this new Manchester singer/producer. Saw one of his first shows and, along with the tunes, he had more lights than a carnival.
CHECK IT OUT
Check out Ally's new music video channel at www.detour-scotland.com and don't miss out on his blog, www.turnthetapeover. tumblr.com.
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INTERVIEW
THE
Last WORD...
Foxes SHE'S HOLDING ONTO HEAVEN. AND HER GRAMMY.
Her tracks appeared in Gossip Girl, she’s collaborated with Fall Out Boy, cracked America thanks to her work with Zedd and even picked up a Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording with worldwide smash Clarity – not too bad for a music school drop out from Southampton! Foxes – or Louisa Rose Allen as her mum knows her – told Source all about her pop star life so far... ’ve always done music. I was always banging pots and pans around in the kitchen – I was a musical kid. I guess I took it seriously when I was about 18. I was going to go and do a beauty course, but my sister was like, “Don’t do that, come up to London and do what you love doing.” So I went to music school. I dropped out in the end, and I ran off, did lots of writing, put two songs online and Gossip Girl somehow heard them. That was the beginning of something. I’ve never had a plan B. My mum always said that you shouldn’t have a safety net, you should do what you want to do – just go for it, whether you fail or succeed, put everything into one thing. It’s dangerous, but wise I think. Getting to go to the Grammys and then actually winning a Grammy was pretty mental. Probably a highlight of my life, never mind this year! I still don’t believe it. The American success is quite weird. I’d be here, going to Tesco in my pyjamas and being a normal person, then I’d go to America and I was hearing my voice everywhere. It was a strange experience. After Clarity, it’s nice to be able to step out on my own. On the album, Glorious, there’s a variety of different music. I wanted it to have a sadness to it. It’s very, very personal. There are moments like Youth and Heaven which are the more upbeat 90s dance moments, and others which are more personal and emotional. There are tracks you can dance to and tracks you can cry to.
I
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I love really strong female artists. I love weird artists. People that almost feel like they’re not from this world. I love Patti Smith, her poetry and her lyrics and her mind. I love Kate Bush. She’s visually beautiful and very emotional and honest. Bjork is the same. I can’t believe that I’m getting to do this every day. It doesn’t feel real – I can’t believe this is work. The best thing is getting to perform, to meet people who have been inspired by my music. When they’ve connected with a song, they get what I’m talking about – that’s when I realise I’m not just talking to myself, I’m talking to other people and we’re all in it together. We’re connecting. It’s amazing. l AS TOLD TO LINDSAY COCHRANE
CHECK IT OUT
Glorious by Foxes is out now on Sony
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