Oh yes. I remember saying in my last post about how I didn't quite grasp all the opportunities university provided me with, and how I would admit (albeit rather sheepishly) that my laziness probably didn't help my current situation considering the fiercely competitive career path I have chosen. I suppose it's best to start from the beginning...
Way back when what to wear to the pub on Saturday night was the most pressing issue on my agenda, (along with the fleeting thoughts about A Levels and revision which quickly disappeared into a blur of blue WKD- for the record I don't touch the stuff now) I completed a work experience placement at my local newspaper. I loved it, so when I began my English Literature degree at Cardiff University I chose to complete a module of Journalism studies, imagining that it would set in stone my aspirations of becoming a journalist. However it wasn’t as I expected it to be and as I sat desperately trying to keep my eyes open as I learnt about the history of the newspaper, doubts began to formulate in my mind.
I don’t think it would be unfair to say that university didn’t bring out the best in me. Euphoric by the prospect of new friends, unlimited nights out and uncapped lie –ins, I found myself becoming very lazy. Whilst my work didn’t suffer, the only extra-curricular activities I was interested in involved two bottles of wine, a roll of masking tape and a dangerous drinking game called ‘Amy Winehands’(God rest her soul). In the back of my mind, I knew that I should be writing articles for the student newspaper and applying for internships whilst I had the luxury of free time during holidays, but instead I worked full time to feed my ever increasing shoe habit and convinced myself that I didn’t want to move to London so therefore I should abandon all thoughts of a career in editorial.
Before I knew it my 3 years was over and with my 2.1 degree, I wondered what was next. I took a full time job in the cafe I had worked in throughout university to tide me over whilst I deliberated over my career. Within 6 months I had gone from considering careers in recruitment, PR and retail before realising that in fact what I had really wanted to do all along was work in magazine editorial.
I guess that's why people rave on about trusting your instincts.
I'd love to pretend that what happens next in the journey to my current unemployed status of doom is so exciting that it simply has to merit a blog post of it's own, but the truth is, I'm off to watch the latest episode of Lorraine Pascale's Home Cooking Made easy and try on the very nice new leather look pencil skirt I treated myself to today. You can check them both out here and here.
I like writing about my time at uni. Check out my other feature about it over at Itchy City here.
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