Prosperity, The Irish Times Training and the Irish Internet Association have joined forces to offer a new Diploma in Digital Marketing.

Students of the course will benefit from Prosperity’s knowledge of the digital media recruitment industry and skills required for digital media roles. Course speakers include journalist Conor Pope, head of Cybercom Rob Reid, Darragh Doyle from boards.ie and Krishna De, experienced digital marketing trainer.
According to Prosperity co-founder Gary Mullan, the recruitment company will be feeding into the course design by identifying areas where there are skills shortages.
The course, according to Mullan is best suited to people who have had “some exposure to digital media and would have some knowledge of the disciplines such as SEO, online advertising, etc.”
Topics covered include website structure, SEO, online advertising, email marketing, online pr, writing for the web, mobile web, semantic web/web 3.
“It would benefit people who have some digital experience but if people are doing it as a hobby, for example, building a music website, they can benefit from it if they have some interest.”
The Irish Internet Association will play an important role in identifying the most suitable trainers in the market. The Irish Times Training section has considerable experience in course delivery.
The course, which is Dublin city centre based, runs over 13 weeks and begins in September. This part-time diploma is FETAC accredited (level 5 minor award).

Detailed outline of course modules and profiles of instructors

Following a robust performance during the recession last year, Enterprise Ireland client companies are expected to create 60,000 jobs over the next five years.

According to its 2009 annual report, 7,443 new jobs were created in Enterprise Ireland-supported companies, bringing the total number employed to 133,523. While 19,078 jobs were lost in 2009 the investment pipeline for 2010 indicates that new jobs created will exceed 2009 figures.
Enterprise Ireland is the Government agency responsible for the development of Irish companies and driving Irish export sales. Enterprise Ireland client companies are responsible for over 250,000 jobs (134,000 directly employed) and spend an estimated €19bn per annum in the Irish economy, delivering huge economic impact to communities across almost every town in Ireland.
The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation Mr Batt O’Keeffe T.D. speaking about the agency’s annual report said a key priority for Government is to continue to deliver on the Smart Economy Framework and implement the recommendations of the Innovation Task Force. “We will support the continued growth of entrepreneurial-led firms that will underpin Ireland’s global reputation as a centre for innovation providing high-value, sustainable jobs,” he stated.
“We estimate that these firms, and other Enterprise Ireland-supported start-ups, can between them generate 60,000 jobs over the next five years,” said O’Keeffe.
Frank Ryan, Chief Executive Officer of Enterprise Ireland said the agency’s ambition and confidence for its client companies is high. “They have overcome difficult challenges in the past 18 months, demonstrated exceptional resilience and in many cases they have come through stronger, leaner, fitter, more innovative, and definitely ready to capitalise on the global recovery now in evidence.”
Ryan said that 2010 is about building for growth and global success. Enterprise Ireland is driving and supporting a high level of activity across key business areas - developing new markets, growing more entrepreneur-led businesses, co-financing company R&D, driving the commercialisation of third level research for the benefit of industry. Resources and efforts in these key areas are being intensified to support our clients in every way possible to ensure they capitalise on the global recovery.”

Creative and technology companies based in Ireland were at the centre of job creation announcements over the last week.

The twice Oscar-nominated animation studio Brown Bag Films has said it will create 14 jobs on foot of a new Disney contract to produce a new animated series for preschoolers.

Brown Bag Films will produce the series in association with Disney Channel. Beginning in 2011, “Doc McStuffins” will premiere on the soon to be branded Disney Junior blocks on Disney Channel, and Disney Junior channels around the world.

Brown Bag Films currently employs 50 people in Dublin.

Linking up with LinkedIn

LinkedIn, the social network used by millions of professionals worldwide, has also announced that it is to begin recruiting 35 finance professionals at its international headquarters in Dublin.
In March, as reported by the Prosperity ezine and blog, LinkedIn announced it was to establish its international headquarters in Ireland, which would serve as its centre for international growth. Other positions it is expected to recruit for in the future include marketing, sales, and customer service. It is to retain its corporate headquarters in California.

Xbox creates jobs

Recent job creation news has indicated that the pastime of computer gaming is responsible for bringing new jobs to Ireland. 400 new jobs are to be created to support Xbox 360 console users. A call centre firm, already employing 300 people in north Dublin has been offered the contract by Microsoft.
Stream Global Services said that its Dublin centre would be specialising in multi-lingual support - offering 16 different languages - for the company’s European customers out of Stream’s Dublin base. The initial phase of the implementation will be fully operational in Q3 2010, and the multi-year contract is expected to generate more than $50 million per year in revenue for Stream, once fully ramped.

 

Weedle, an Ireland-based internet company, had had thousands of users in more than 50 countries sign up to its social media platform since launch less than four months ago.
Iain MacDonald, Weedle CEO, told Prosperity’s digital media ezine that he hadn’t expected it to catch on so fast and that the range of professionals and trades signed up to Weedle is very broad.
Weedle enables anyone, anywhere to connect with people who need their skills and also, to find people who have the skills they need.

“Weedle provides a better way of connecting people with skills to people who need them so we were very interested and keen to see what sort of people would be in interested in availing of this utility. We’ve seen every type of skill you can think of a page has been created to promote it.
“Normal things like accountants, doctors, lawyers, business consultants… but we’ve also had thousands of users creating skills that aren’t only professional/white collar. We’ve had bike mechanics, shoe designers, fashion designers, art directors, stone masons and stained glass makers.”
One of the main values people have reported they are getting is that they are beginning to rank number one in Google with their Weedle page.
“We’ve optimised for the skill title as opposed to your name so say if you type in tax specialist into Google, the number one search result is a Weedle page.” Other examples he cites are business mentor Swindon or radio presenter Dublin.
He says that having a Weedle page helps people who have a skill who are looking to connect with people who need them, be found by people searching for their skill.
Comparing it to LinkedIn, MacDonald explains “if you type in somebody’s name into Google their name will be returned but if you type in a skill LinkedIn doesn’t feature anywhere… Weedle is much more useful if you are looking to connect with people who need your skill because they won’t obviously know your name but they will know what skill they are looking for.”
Feedback from users includes somebody who got a job through Weedle and other users who have gotten new customers. Constant feedback means that the website is undergoing new releases and updates twice a week. “That’s helping us refine and improve the overall platform.” A significant upgrade with new features including enhanced usability will be introduced towards late June/early July.
“If you are somebody who has a skill and you are looking to get found on the web by somebody searching for that skill, Weedle is the best way to do it.”

Been singing in to your hairbrush in front of the mirror for as long as you can remember and haven’t been discovered yet? Maybe it’s time to put your musical knowledge and natural talent to good use and get a job as a music show presenter – on the internet!
Dublin-based MUZU.tv which is known for having the largest legal library of music videos on the Internet with a loyal viewership of 3.5 million, has launched the “The Faces of Muzu.tv” competition.

According to Dave Fannin, a producer at MUZU.tv, the company is delighted to begin the process of developing quirky, fun MUZU.tv shows.
“We really think that the search will provide a unique opportunity for anyone who loves music but is also seeking to gain the elusive foothold in television and Web presenting…. Our goal is to find people who can represent us and connect with our users by being friendly and relatable. As a music video website we are passionate about our subject matter and would expect the same from our presenters – whether their forte is music-related fashion, dance or a specific genre/style – all interests are welcome.”
The organisers want to cast the net as wide as possible so the Faces of MUZU.tv search is open to anyone who feels they have the energy and talent to front a music show. “Previous experience is always a plus but it isn’t a necessity – there are potential presenters out there who are just naturally gifted and definitely deserve to be given a chance. Certain skills can be learned but charisma is not one of them.”
Most shows will be recorded on a weekly basis, whereas music news will be daily. The initial flagship shows will cover all music genres, and include music news, reviews, performance and interviews from international as well as home grown artists.
There is a catch though – an obvious one for the roles in question – the application process involves submitting a video reel which will be available for other applicants and visitors to the MUZU.tv site to view. “There is the option for people to leave comments for or about their favourite presenters which will mean that the search is incorporating public opinion as well. The successful candidates will be asked to do a couple of screen tests at the MUZU studios before any final decisions are made,” he adds.
According to Fannin, MUZU.tv has plenty more ideas in the pipeline and he feels certain other concepts will emerge when they meet applicants. “There’s definitely potential for a host of different personalities to find a home at MUZU.tv.”
See: http://www.muzu.tv/thefacesofmuzutv