The Circle of Life (As A Graduate)

Unlike the film, the circle of life as a graduate sadly doesn't begin by being lifted and presented to the animal kingdom as an awe-inspiring bundle of fur, soundtracked by THAT Elton John gem.

(Sorry, couldn't resist)


In fact, quite the opposite happens really. Instead of being presented as perfect, we're thrown straight into the lions den. The only activity that goes on here is shouting, every unemployed graduate for themselves.

'EMPLOY ME, I HAVE ALL THESE SKILLS,'
'NO, EMPLOY ME, LOOK AT ALL MY EXPERIENCE,' 
'PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF GOD EMPLOY ME, I AM DESPERATE FOR MONEY.'

Ok, maybe not the last one, but we're all thinking it. Except, there's just one problem. To get to a lot of jobs these days, you become stuck in the black hole that is WORK EXPERIENCE AND INTERNSHIPS. I don't want to bore anyone, because I know just how many blogs post about this. Trust me, I've read most of them in hopes of finding any way out. I'm not completely writing off unpaid internships by any stretch of the imagination. I knew when I decided I wanted this career that interning was vital in succeeding. They can be an essential way to network and get contacts that will prove priceless in the future. They give you the knowledge you need/can then brag about on CVs and covering letters that make other companies pass out from excitement. Well, almost. Most importantly, if you impress and you're there at the right time, they can be the important stepping stone you need into a journalism career. If you're lucky (I am not. Unfortunately). 

Here's the catch, and the most frustrating circle we find ourselves in. To get a job, you need experience. Fine and dandy. HOWEVER, to get said experience, you are expected to break a bank to be able to afford to travel to and from London in peak times, since you're not even being paid expenses. Unless you live in London (where you may just be able to claim expenses for the tube. WOO), or are handsomely loaded, you're stuck between a rock and a very hard place.

This is exactly where I'm currently stuck. I've got a few weeks of experience lined up shortly which I'm really excited about, but I am panicking as to how the heck I'm going to afford it. Depressingly, I've had to sign up to Jobseeker's since many companies won't employ me part-time in case I leave in a few months when I get a better offer (HAHAHA sarcastic laughter). Even this is a bit of a failure in itself, since they won't pay you the allowance if you start working for free, although you can apparently ask to get your expenses covered. We'll see. What I'd like to campaign for is work experience that pays you somehow, even if it's just expenses and lunch. Us graduates are willing to work for free (within reason, we don't want to basically be an employee within the company and not get paid), because we all agree that we need these skills and such to be able to progress. A grand don't come for free and all that. But the vast majority of us are stuck in that lion's den, broke, crying and waiting for Mufasa to present us to the kingdom of employees as the perfect candidate for the role, and we're quickly discovering that it's just not happening. Even though we may have the full range of skills needed and then some, we're constantly being beaten down by those who can afford to travel without robbing the bank. 

Apologies if this turned a bit rant-y. It was going to be a really well thought out and articulate piece of work but this whole internship-payment argument is one of the most frustrating things in my life right now. Day in, day out of constant job and internship applications has become exceptionally draining and I just want to run around London yelling employ me until someone calls the police on the crazy person. Contrary to popular belief, we are trying eveything. Signed up to every job site available, we've lost sight on what day we're even on now. And even worse than rejection? Those companies that just point blank never reply... that's a whole other blog post.

So what do you think? Should internships be paid, even if it's just expenses? Leave me a comment below, as I know how fiercely debated this topic is!

Until next time. Here's some Robin Thicke to make everything better.



x

Day Seven - University Lessons #2

It's finally time for the second half of my 'university lessons' post, which this time, will be used to share lessons I've learned/tips that I hope will help future university students. Hold tight, this could be a long one, so apologies for a lack of photos...

1. Make the very most of first year. I know this seems like pretty simple advice, and you've probably heard it all before, but it really is one of the most valuable things I learnt. Sure, you'll have some hilariously brilliant nights out in second and third year, but nothing can beat the careless feeling of freshers. Trust me. Obviously you need to work and get the first year grounding, this is the only year you will have had in three years where your work counts towards nothing. It makes no bearing on your degree, so make the most of it. Experience all the clubs and bars and experience what your university and city/town has to offer. Make new friends, especially with your surrounding flats if you're in halls, because they may just become friends for life... and you need someone to live with in your second year. Be sensible... but also be a bit reckless. I have some regrets, but I'll always remember first year as one of the best years I've had. Go to the Fresher's fair, join societies, join the gym, get lost somewhere... enjoy your freedom!

Sorry not sorry for these photos guys...

2. Work hard in second year. Again, you've probably heard this before, but it honestly makes a huge difference in your final year, pressure and potentially, results wise. The jump from first year to second year is shocking, but work hard, and you'll come out smiling, and with some of the third year pressure lifted.

3. Spirits don't mix with anything. Something I learnt from a dangerous mix of vodka followed by 3/4 of a bottle of wine. The next day was a struggle... and that's an understatement.

4. Drink a glass of water before bed after a night out. You will love yourself the next day.

5. Coke settles your stomach. Seriously, Nina taught me this trick and it's the best thing I've learnt. You will feel a gazillion times better, I promise.

6. Things to bring. You've probably all got lists from your university/friends/family etc but there's a few things that I can guarantee you will be forever grateful for bringing. For me, these were a printer (the queues at library printers can be outrageous), a mirror when you move into a house (if your room doesn't have one) and weirdly, storage boxes. Makes packing a million times easier at the end, and they provide a handy place to store all your snacks away from the eager eyes of thieving housemates.

7. Don't leave your dissertation until the last minute. It just won't work. 

8. Get a job. I'm not really one to talk, since I only had a very short term job in my first year, but if you're short of money, try working at the student shop or bar. From what I've heard, you'll make a tonne of new friends and it's only a short walk from where you live (supposedly). You'll appreciate all the money to spend on nights out and fun activities textbooks

9. Make sure you read the housing contract thoroughly and make sure everything you want is written in there. Do the same with your inventory. Again, sounds simple, but this is really important and will make so much difference if/when things go wrong in the house and when you move out. Similarly, make sure you inform your landlord immediately if anything breaks and goes wrong in the house. For example, one of the switches in our house broke, so that everytime we swtiched it on, it tripped the electricity and the house plunged into darkness. We told the landlord who sent his maintenance men round... who then rewired the house. Result!

10. Graduation. Last tip for the meantime. Take safety pins and kirby grips. Look up with your walk up the steps. Overall, enjoy the day. It's so much fun to see everyone for one last time, so just enjoy it.

There are loads more tips I could give you. Stay safe and never walk home alone. Visit your friends' universities. Get library books out early, they will disappear. These can be the best three years of your life and a chance to really embrace your independence so the best tip really is to just enjoy it.

Have you got any tips for future students? Comment below!

x

My Week in Pictures #3

This is more like 'two weeks in pictures,' but I thought I'd show off the two main events that have dominated the past couple of weeks- our holiday to Tenerife (TAKE ME BACK) and my amazing graduation (AHHHH!!!!). The reality that university is completely and utterly over for good has yet to hit me, meaning I am completely in denial that I need to get some form of job (although if anyone wants to employ me, I won't say no!). Enjoy...

Tenerife

I won't describe these collages, as they're pretty self-explanatory. I'll be honest, most of my Tenerife photos are of food and drink, and it was down to my housemates to get the lovely group ones. This is a quick look at how our holiday went, from the delicious food (see tapas and ice cream) and cocktails, to the gorgeous views and just having a great relaxing time together (all together now... AWWW). 

Graduation

Again, won't be explaining but here is a snapshot of my graduation. Amazing day all round!

There are more photos of my holiday and my graduation on my Instagram feed if you fancy a ganders, with more to be added I'm sure. I'm hoping to put up a feed on the side of this blog too (when I figure out how) so keep an eye out for that :)

Enjoy your weekend! 

Featured Post: Mallzee

I was recently contacted by the very lovely and friendly Laura from Mallzee, and although I had not previously heard of the site, I was keen to have a nosy. Once I'd had a good look around (I got quite into it, I must admit), I decided this was definitely something my readers need to know about!

Mallzee work with 200 brands (including Little Mistress, Asos, Motel and Miss Selfridge to name just a few!) to create a completely new online shopping experience that is completely tailored to you and only you. You pick exactly what types of clothes (via a short quiz) and brands you want to shop, only to have them all handily in one place. You can also create a wardrobe of the clothes you want to buy, which then shows you recommended pieces to go with your chosen items, so you can quickly and easily find them again. Sounds better than rifling through pages of clothes you don't like right?! This is what my Mallzee currently looks like...

Mallzee also makes shopping social, letting you shop with friends using their built-in chat features, as well as allowing you to create polls to get your friends opinions on what you should buy. Much quicker than sending clothes back and forth over social network sites! 

Need more convincing? In addition to ALL this, you also get paid to shop. Yes, you read that correctly. Don't look so shocked! For every £3 you spend, you get 1 Mallzee dollar to spend, meaning more clothes and more rewards!

I currently have VIP membership, and you can do, if you click on the link below. You lucky things!
Your one click access to exclusive features and offers

Last but not least, Mallzee are running a Pinterest competition, the details of which I'll add below. 

Happy shopping!

*Disclaimer: I am not receiving any money for this post, merely spreading the word of a unique new shopping experience!