WHaT ABOUT THE STUDENTS?
THE SECRET DIARY OF… A 20 YEAR OLD STUDENT
We delve into the latest diary entries of three final year English Literature students as they approach the world of work…
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“I still don’t really know what I want to do, so haven’t wholeheartedly begun the complicated application processes that seem to be stressing out almost everyone I know.
How can Shakespeare help me in the real world?
Kate Samuelson, 20, is studying English Literature at the University of Bristol. “The weather is getting colder (believe me, I know – my housemates are refusing to put the heating on), work is getting harder and the pressures of third year are really beginning to sink in. I keep hearing
stressful things like ‘X has got a job at HSBC for next year’ and ‘Y is doing a paid internship at Deloitte when he graduates’, but instead of being happy for my very clever (and very lucky) peers, all I can think about is ‘what about me?!’. “I still don’t really know what I want to do, so haven’t
wholeheartedly begun the complicated application processes that seem to be stressing out almost everyone I know. I am constantly checking my university careers website, to see what sort of jobs are available, but for the moment I’m remaining uninspired. It’s quite likely that I’ll do a nine-month Masters degree when I graduate as not only is it bound to be fascinating, it will postpone me having to think about my future. As I’ll be a very young graduate (just turned twenty one), I am beginning to think that I should remain in education for a bit longer, to help me work out what I want to do before I jump straight into a career path I’m not 100% about.”
Jordan Bishop, 20, is studying English Literature at the University of Warwick. “So my final year of university is now well underway. That’s an odd feeling in and of itself, as it still only feels like yesterday I was sat in halls, baffled by literally everything. I’m still baffled by everything, so life has a nice cyclical
feeling to it at least. “All that has changed is the subject matter. Back then it was things like washing machines and shopping, now
it’s careers fairs. At these events, what’s needed are clear explanations of what is required from each prospective employer, when and where and why, not a novelty pen and branded mug – both of which will shatter in the hands causing pain and bleeding. “In the name of fairness I should say this hasn’t been
my exclusive experience of graduate recruiters. I’ve met some truly lovely people of late. They’ve offered relevant advice and useful contacts should I have any questions. Many have also detailed when they’ll be on campus next, or where they are stationed nearby. It’s all blessedly un-baffling.”
Mona Tabarra, 20, is studying English Literature at the University of Bristol. “I recently bumped into a parent of a classmate from my primary school days. The obligatory catch up began – are you at university, what course are you studying – we all know the drill. Upon revealing that I am
studying English Literature, without a second for thought the woman replied ‘So you want to be a teacher!’
I am
not in any way wishing to insult the teaching profession – my mother and several other relations of mine are teachers. Rather, this incident provoked within me thoughts about what qualities my degree has instilled within me in preparation for the work place. “By choosing to study English Literature, did I
automatically sign up to become a teacher, in line with a popular stereotype? Other than a piece of paper, what do I get that will prepare me for the workplace? How can Shakespeare help me in the real world? I conclude that skills I have practiced, such as cultural observation and social analysis, are highly useful in a range of life scenarios. Rather than closing myself off to a specific professional route, my degree enables me to approach the workplace with a range of malleable skills.” *With thanks to GRB (
www.grb.uk.com) for its student contacts…
GRADUATE RECRUITER 25
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