Graduate limbo

Something I am struggling with at the moment is the pure frustration of finding myself in a self-imposed middle ground, I'm neither here nor there at the moment and in all honesty it is testing me. Don't get me wrong, it is a privilege to be in this position because for once I have everything together! I am 100% sure that many thousands of students have been in this exact situation long before little old me came along but as always, I feel the need to talk about it to anyone who will listen, so sit tight......

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!

10 things that made me happy this week!

Well this week has been rather lovely!

1. Being at the naming ceremony of my fabulous friend's gorgeous little boy Rohan! It was so lovely seeing her so happy, it has been too long since our last catch up so I'll have to be making the journey more often =) Getting out there, meeting new people and having a laugh was exactly what i needed and has put me on such a high. I was lucky enough to have lots of cuddles with the main man on his big day. It is fair to say I'm feeling VERY broody at the moment!

2. Representing SHU Racing at a uni open day. Feeling like a team member gives me such a buzz, I had such a laugh with the guys. Our blog has just gone live so check it out for the latest news and photos from factory to track -  SHU RACING BLOG

3. Sitting down to watch The Boat Race. Love it and I swear I will get there to watch it one year! I do love a rower :-)

4. Getting back to the gym after a few weeks! Always feels good (afterwards) A gym session is always better with a friend, even if all that friend does is criticise you for "not sweating enough!"

5. Hearing that Oscar Pistorius has won his bail conditions appeal! He is now able to travel abroad and compete if he desires. I know it is probably the last thing on his mind but I for one hope he'll be back on the track before the trial but more than anything i pray that the Olympics weren't the final time we'll see him doing what he loves. The world needs your inspiration Oscar!

6. The pure fabulousness of David Bowie! Enough said!

7. Realising I have another week off uni =)

8.Sitting in the car waiting for mum to finish her marathon training in the beautiful sunshine, reading, while listening to Bowie. Feel so relaxed

9. Chilling out with a good magazine and a comfy chair for a while.

10. The start of British Summer! The clocks went forward last night and I'm already enjoying the extra bit of daylight we are getting. Can we have some warmer weather now??

SHU RACING 2013

Hi all.

Just a 2 minute blog entry today to let you all know about SHU RACING. Sheffield Hallam University's 2013  Formula Student racing team.
I am doing my bit and i'm working as part of the marketing team.

We are building, marketing and racing the car from scratch which will culminate in the competition weekend held at the historic Silverstone circuit in June.

To keep up to date on all the latest goings on, follow our Twitter Feed

Watch this space for website and blog details