Horses for Courses

In a week in which the newspapers have been opportunistically filled with pictures of fresh-faced young women proudly clutching their A-Level results and the furore over the changing of GCSE grade boundaries, I recall my own schooldays and the path I followed through the education system.

It is now over seven years since I opened the envelope containing my own GCSE results. It was a moment that for so long seemed so distant, reserved for the older siblings of my school friends. It is true to say, when my own moment arrived, I was incredibly nervous. I had much the same feeling upon collecting my A-Levels and when awaiting the arrival of my degree results. At the time, these moments seemed so important, as if my entire future hinged on the contents of those envelopes.

In reality, each step merely facilitated the next stage in my education with the diffuse aim of eventually establishing a career. As soon as that next stage arrived, the marks, grades and results that seemed so fundamental a few months previously soon faded into irrelevance. Once at university, UCAS points meant nothing. Similarly, now I'm entering the job market, my academic achievements seem relatively insignificant to many employers. They bear little relevance to my ability to perform a particular role. Having a certain classification of degree is a requirement to apply but it is demonstrable 'soft skills' that secure jobs. The question I'd like to consider today is whether my path from GCSEs to Master's Degree has sufficiently furnished me with these cherished skills ('leadership', 'teamwork', 'organisation' etc.) and given what I know now, would I follow the same route?

I never really doubted that upon completion of my schooling I would go to university. In many ways, I was institutionalised. I was always a strong academic performer and I was fortunate enough to attend good state schools. Moreover, with both my parents having gone to university, it seemed an inevitability. I'm certain that attending university was the right choice for me, however the fact that while at school I never considered the alternatives is indicative of a wider problem. An ever greater proportion of young people have been drawn to higher education, while apprenticeships and other vocational courses have been neglected by comparison. University certainly isn't suited to everyone; schools must do more to make young people aware of the options open to them when they approach important academic milestones. Academic capability shouldn't be the only factor when considering whether an individual is suited to higher education. Amongst my friends and colleagues, I have encountered many who feel that they would be in a better position if they had entered the job market at 18. What is more, many of the 'soft skills' that employers are looking for are more obviously developed in the workplace.

The current state of the graduate job market and ever increasing levels of student debt are leading many to ask why they bothered with university. Personally, I shall cherish my student days as a formative period in my life. I can only hope that it won't be too long before I can put the skills and experience I gained to use in the workplace.

As ever, thank you for reading. I'd be particularly interested to hear from anyone who has been to university and subsequently regretted the decision. Please comment below.

A Difficult Balancing Act

Like many before me, I face the difficult balancing act of staying afloat financially while searching for relevant work experience that will help me in my quest for graduate employment. It is perhaps my greatest regret that during my time at university I did little to secure the placements and internships that seem to be so sought after by employers.

Now, six months after graduation, I am in a tricky situation. I am already lumbered with £20,000+ of student debt and having received significant financial support from my parents over my four years of studying, I am keen to finally support myself. I currently work full-time for £6.13 per hour and it is a job that I do enjoy, if you had told my 14 year old self that I would be operating roller coasters for a living I would have been delighted. I bring home about £200 per week which is plenty considering I live at home; however, my work does little to gain me the kind of experience that will secure me that all important first graduate job.

I have set my sights on a job in politics or the media. Having submitted a number of applications for work as a political researcher with little success, I have come to the conclusion that I must be prepared to offer my services for free if I want to progress up the career ladder. There are many internships and placements that would appeal. However, given that our political nation is focused so heavily on London (a consequence of having one of the most centralised systems of government in Europe!), I am left in a financial quandary. These internships offer 'expenses' which amount to a Zone 1 railcard and a fiver for lunch - factor in living costs and twelve weeks working for free in London is an insurmountable financial barrier.

Lets look at some basic figures - a modest flat in central London could set you back upwards of £150 per week; a minimum of £1800 over a twelve week period. Add to this £40 per week for food and another £30 for having some form of social life then we are talking upwards of £2500. It would seem internships are the reserve of the wealthy, the privileged or those who are fortunate enough to live within commuting distance of the capital. I realise there are opportunities outside of London, but in certain sectors these are few and far between. It is a frustrating situation.

In addition, firms seem oblivious to the financial burdens that job seekers can face. Upon submitting an application to a London based media firm earlier this year, I was asked to 'call in for a 10 minute chat' to see if I was suitable for interview. Considering a 10 minute chat would require a £60 rail fare and an entire day off work I was understandably reluctant.

It would seem that for now I must content myself with earning a fraction above the minimum wage until I can find an affordable way to gain 'relevant experience'. I would be lying if I did not say that writing this blog was a shameless attempt to prove my employability and gain such experience in more unusual (and cheaper!) ways.

Thank you for reading, if you've had any similar experiences I strongly encourage you to comment...