I have recently graduated from my English Literature degree at Sheffield Hallam University. I am immensely proud of this achievement and I am equally proud of every single one of my course mates. Long before my final year I had been contemplating what to do after my degree (Well to be honest it was soon after I enrolled) I had contemplated the idea of moving to London and getting in to publishing, teaching English abroad, teaching English in the UK or finding my way in to the PR industry immediately. This kind of uncertainty is pretty normal for me but 2 things in particular changed my outlook on my future:
1. Getting hands on experience in a unique industry thanks to a University Project - SHU Racing
2. A short but sweet chat with a great friend while working at Clearing 2014.
A mix of these 2 situations made me realise what I wanted to do with my life and how I should start on the path to that industry. Through the PR experience I have gained with my amazing SHU Racing team over the past 3 years I decided to apply for my MA in Public Relations and I am ecstatic to say that I have been accepted! September cannot come quickly enough!
BUT that is only half of the story! My frustration comes from job interview after job interview that ends the same way - being brought to a halt like a boy-racer at a red light - As soon as I mention my academic plans for the coming year regardless of the job being full time or part time. Game over! Don't get me wrong, I understand that businesses are reluctant to spend valuable time and money on a new recruit who come September will have to reduce their working hours significantly but it is the business who will surely reap the benefits by having a qualified employee on their books, isn't it?
Either way, it is pretty soul destroying after a while but I can promise any other graduates in their academic middle ground - The thick skin you develop over this time will come in handy, trust me. Mine has come in use over the last few months and has made me a stronger woman!
