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
Showing posts with label University. Show all posts
Showing posts with label University. Show all posts
Sunday, 28 July 2013
Wednesday, 17 July 2013
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 onnights 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
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
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
Friday, 5 July 2013
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!
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!
Thursday, 27 June 2013
My Week in Pictures #2
Apologies in the rather large delay in posting this. Picasa was refusing to acknowledge I had uploaded any of these photos, so I ran out of time between finding out I'm graduating with a 2:1 (yay!), going to my last ever Summer Ball (sadface) and jetting off to Tenerife (SUN WOOP YEAH etc.) to post this. As a slight warning, this is the post that will officially establish myself as a massive fatty. Also, the next post after this will be post-Tenerife, so jealousy may ensue when I post a gazillion pictures of THE SUN. Again, just a little warning...
1. Dodgems at my last ever Summer Ball. Definitely as fun as ever
2. An artistic representation, courtesy of friends, of the three burgers in two days I consumed whilst in Manchester. The sensible part of me regrets this decision... the greedy part does not.
3. High Contrast was one of the acts playing at our Summer Ball, and a managed to grab a quick photo with him, courtesy of Anna, before his set, which was awesome.
4. Just one of the yummy £2 cocktails we found in a bar called The Font in Manchester, during a visit to my home friend Lizzy. This was, as far as I can remember, a Mudslide, which was super creamy and really moreish. You can browse the whole menu here, if you ever wanted a visit.
5,6, 9, 10. During this visit, we were also taken to Home Sweet Home, a quirky little café where we had Loaded Fries, which were a mixture of standard and sweet potato fries, topped with cheese and bacon. Unbelievably delicious and very VERY fattening. I also had a Sweet Carolina burger, which you can see at the bottom. This is a pulled pork burger, with breaded pork schnitzel, bacon and Carolina slaw. Again, DELICIOUS, and something I would definitely revisit in the future. Pulled pork is up there with one of my favourite foods in the whole world. The 'quirky' theme of the café was continued in the presentation of cutlery in a teapot, and straws in the drinks. All-in-all, a cute and recommendable café. You can peruse the menu here.
7. Our final night in Manchester was spent playing a drinking game related to the show The Bachelor. Introduced to me by Emma, this is a show you HAVE to see, especially the American version, if only to laugh at all the horrible clichés the contestants come out with. It was a really nice way to end a fun road trip up North.
8. Finally, this is an (admittedly slightly shoddy) photo of James Arthur, another of the acts playing our Summer Ball. Sadly, I was pretty disappointed with the performance, and opted to get a hog roast instead. Good shout I say.
Finally, courtesy of Emma, here one of the last photos of all my housemates together. I will miss these guys a lot, and I can't believe three years have flown by so quickly. Currently considering a sit down protest in my house as I'm definitely not ready to leave quite yet.
1. Dodgems at my last ever Summer Ball. Definitely as fun as ever
2. An artistic representation, courtesy of friends, of the three burgers in two days I consumed whilst in Manchester. The sensible part of me regrets this decision... the greedy part does not.
3. High Contrast was one of the acts playing at our Summer Ball, and a managed to grab a quick photo with him, courtesy of Anna, before his set, which was awesome.
4. Just one of the yummy £2 cocktails we found in a bar called The Font in Manchester, during a visit to my home friend Lizzy. This was, as far as I can remember, a Mudslide, which was super creamy and really moreish. You can browse the whole menu here, if you ever wanted a visit.
5,6, 9, 10. During this visit, we were also taken to Home Sweet Home, a quirky little café where we had Loaded Fries, which were a mixture of standard and sweet potato fries, topped with cheese and bacon. Unbelievably delicious and very VERY fattening. I also had a Sweet Carolina burger, which you can see at the bottom. This is a pulled pork burger, with breaded pork schnitzel, bacon and Carolina slaw. Again, DELICIOUS, and something I would definitely revisit in the future. Pulled pork is up there with one of my favourite foods in the whole world. The 'quirky' theme of the café was continued in the presentation of cutlery in a teapot, and straws in the drinks. All-in-all, a cute and recommendable café. You can peruse the menu here.
7. Our final night in Manchester was spent playing a drinking game related to the show The Bachelor. Introduced to me by Emma, this is a show you HAVE to see, especially the American version, if only to laugh at all the horrible clichés the contestants come out with. It was a really nice way to end a fun road trip up North.
8. Finally, this is an (admittedly slightly shoddy) photo of James Arthur, another of the acts playing our Summer Ball. Sadly, I was pretty disappointed with the performance, and opted to get a hog roast instead. Good shout I say.
Finally, courtesy of Emma, here one of the last photos of all my housemates together. I will miss these guys a lot, and I can't believe three years have flown by so quickly. Currently considering a sit down protest in my house as I'm definitely not ready to leave quite yet.
Wednesday, 5 June 2013
My Week in Pictures #1
NEW FEATURE: Decided to start doing 'my week in pictures' that I'm hoping to routinely update, depending on how medial my week may have been. This week's is coming slightly late, so it now spans from last Monday - yesterday (Tues 5th June).
Now Playing: Robin Thicke - Blurred Lines
1. Last Monday was glorious, so we decided to move our sofa outside into our (disappointingly not so glorious or sunny) garden. Best idea we've ever had, and I think I may consider a career move to a removal person...
2. Below this, Monday night is Q Bar night... for any Reading students, need I say more? Picture 2 is me and my housemate Prema.
3. On Wednesday, we headed to Anna's house in Gloucester, which has an amazing view (which sadly I don't have a good picture of), as Gloucester is a lusciously green and serene place which we are now all in love with. Picture 3 is the first night of late-night, Bachelor-watching snacking.
4. On Thursday, we went to Anna's family friend Julianna who gave us our first manicures for just a fiver. I loved the pink sparkly colour I went for, and Julianna did a fabulous job. Highly recommended!
5. The day we left ( :( ) we went to see the bluebells Forest is infamous for, and they were glorious. The top picture is my housemates Emma and Prema in the bluebells, and the picture at the bottom shows a close up.
6. On Saturday, we went to Surrey to celebrate our bonus housemate Lucy's 21st Birthday at an amazing party (as you can see by the champagne). Free bar, gorgeous buffet (which we may or may not have run to as soon as it opened) and loads of dancing... what more could you want?! Happy Birthday Lucy!
7. Last but not least, yesterday I went with my home friends to El Mariachi, a Mexican restaurant which has recently opened in Avebury Avenue, Tonbridge. I had spicy beef nachos, chilli con carne potato skins and spicy chicken enchiladas, all of which were delicious. However, perhaps my favourite part of the evening was the £3 cocktails (it was Senõritas' night... wahey!), so I (obviously) took full advantage, opting for a Piña Colada, a Chiquito and an Amaretto Choco Cream... or words to that effect. They were SO good, and I would highly recommend giving the restaurant a visit if you're in the area.
I'm now onto a week of job and internship applications, followed by a trip to Manchester, so I'll be posting more pictures very soon!
Now Playing: Robin Thicke - Blurred Lines
1. Last Monday was glorious, so we decided to move our sofa outside into our (disappointingly not so glorious or sunny) garden. Best idea we've ever had, and I think I may consider a career move to a removal person...
2. Below this, Monday night is Q Bar night... for any Reading students, need I say more? Picture 2 is me and my housemate Prema.
3. On Wednesday, we headed to Anna's house in Gloucester, which has an amazing view (which sadly I don't have a good picture of), as Gloucester is a lusciously green and serene place which we are now all in love with. Picture 3 is the first night of late-night, Bachelor-watching snacking.
4. On Thursday, we went to Anna's family friend Julianna who gave us our first manicures for just a fiver. I loved the pink sparkly colour I went for, and Julianna did a fabulous job. Highly recommended!
5. The day we left ( :( ) we went to see the bluebells Forest is infamous for, and they were glorious. The top picture is my housemates Emma and Prema in the bluebells, and the picture at the bottom shows a close up.
6. On Saturday, we went to Surrey to celebrate our bonus housemate Lucy's 21st Birthday at an amazing party (as you can see by the champagne). Free bar, gorgeous buffet (which we may or may not have run to as soon as it opened) and loads of dancing... what more could you want?! Happy Birthday Lucy!
7. Last but not least, yesterday I went with my home friends to El Mariachi, a Mexican restaurant which has recently opened in Avebury Avenue, Tonbridge. I had spicy beef nachos, chilli con carne potato skins and spicy chicken enchiladas, all of which were delicious. However, perhaps my favourite part of the evening was the £3 cocktails (it was Senõritas' night... wahey!), so I (obviously) took full advantage, opting for a Piña Colada, a Chiquito and an Amaretto Choco Cream... or words to that effect. They were SO good, and I would highly recommend giving the restaurant a visit if you're in the area.
I'm now onto a week of job and internship applications, followed by a trip to Manchester, so I'll be posting more pictures very soon!
Saturday, 25 May 2013
Day Six - (Slightly Premature) University Lessons #1
Even though I technically have another 5 weeks left of essay/dissertation/exam-free university life (cue daily posts about how I vow to never drink again, and how my bed is my new best friend... not that I ever get drunk. EVER. Hi Mum and Dad), I thought now was a good a time as ever to think about the lessons I've learnt in my 3 years at Reading. I was going to do them all in one post, but it turns out the first lesson (living with boys) became pretty long, so to save boring you all, I'll spread these out into different posts, and I may edit this at a later date. If that makes sense.
After spending my first year in a predominantly male flat, and second year being outnumbered 3:1 in a house of boys (HI GUYS), I definitely learnt the joys of living with girls. It's been a peaceful year, away from having my room trashed on a daily basis, and being locked outside of my bedroom.
Ahh the joys of university boys. Not. Strangely, the second year in particularly, was definitely not as gross and dirty as I expected, and I'm pretty sure I was the owner of the messiest room on several occasions. Not surprisingly, there was a healthy daily dose of BAN-TAR ("you look like you've been dragged through a bush backwards" and the vandalism seen below)...
...but if you can cope with that, you're onto a winner. They may not be the best allies when you're ill (thanks again for the lovely dinner when I had mumps...oh.), and they may sometimes drive you completely insane (see writing all over my stuff, my brand new mirror in particular...NOT FUNNY, and taking off my bathroom door...)
...and they can sometimes be the most infuriating, aggravating and rude species ever, but they make great cock-blockers, and will look after you when the sweat starts dripping from the ceiling in Sakura (great club, great club), or when you throw yourself into a bush after a particularly heavy Carnage (again, hello parents). I'll keep my dignity by saving those photos for private viewing.
The top tip from living with boys? ALWAYS LOCK YOUR LAPTOP IF YOU LEAVE IT. ALWAYS. If you don't, you will get fraped. Badly. Unfortunately you can't lock TVs, meaning they can make it look like you've been watching Gay Rabbit. I wasn't.
After spending my first year in a predominantly male flat, and second year being outnumbered 3:1 in a house of boys (HI GUYS), I definitely learnt the joys of living with girls. It's been a peaceful year, away from having my room trashed on a daily basis, and being locked outside of my bedroom.
Ahh the joys of university boys. Not. Strangely, the second year in particularly, was definitely not as gross and dirty as I expected, and I'm pretty sure I was the owner of the messiest room on several occasions. Not surprisingly, there was a healthy daily dose of BAN-TAR ("you look like you've been dragged through a bush backwards" and the vandalism seen below)...
...but if you can cope with that, you're onto a winner. They may not be the best allies when you're ill (thanks again for the lovely dinner when I had mumps...oh.), and they may sometimes drive you completely insane (see writing all over my stuff, my brand new mirror in particular...NOT FUNNY, and taking off my bathroom door...)
...and they can sometimes be the most infuriating, aggravating and rude species ever, but they make great cock-blockers, and will look after you when the sweat starts dripping from the ceiling in Sakura (great club, great club), or when you throw yourself into a bush after a particularly heavy Carnage (again, hello parents). I'll keep my dignity by saving those photos for private viewing.
The top tip from living with boys? ALWAYS LOCK YOUR LAPTOP IF YOU LEAVE IT. ALWAYS. If you don't, you will get fraped. Badly. Unfortunately you can't lock TVs, meaning they can make it look like you've been watching Gay Rabbit. I wasn't.
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