The post university wake up: a year in the life of a recent graduate

June 20, 2009
By Aimee Horwich

Picture it. Graduation day, July 2008. After three years of long, hard slog I would at last get to reap the fruits of my labour. Pulling up to the library steps, divorced parents in tow, I beamed with excitement at the prospect of getting to don my cap and gown, whilst in the back of my mind I hoped that the master of ceremonies would pronounce my surname correctly. (Horwich seems to cause bafflement to many; I like to think of it as Norwich, with an H.)

Graduates-in-waiting, at this point, I offer you a word of warning. Do not be in the least surprised that if at your Graduation, like mine, you only get to wear the cap for the professional photographs and the degree scroll you proudly hold in fact turns out to be a glorified plastic loo roll holder….not quite what I was expecting either. Still, my graduation photo is definitely the most aesthetically pleasing in the family which, in a way, makes up for the fact that I didn’t equal my older brother’s First. Yes, this was the first day of the rest of my life, my year of exploration (as I named it) was to begin and I only had one demand; that I would by no means work in a shop.

But the economic recession had set in and so had my post-university wake up call. I, like many at university, had immersed myself in education, expecting to walk into any job I wanted, ill-equipped for the reality that lay waiting.

Like most graduates with a BA in English I was beyond clueless as to which career path to take, so for several months I undertook internships at various television production companies, working in a press office and filming on location. I was mixing with celebs and getting to hang out with a real life camera crew; it was as if the laissez-faire of university life hadn’t ended. That was until I remembered that I had no student loan to count on and my phone bill and ‘Christmakah’ presents weren’t going to pay for themselves. I had no choice but to leave the agreeable world of work experience behind me, swapping it for the joys of Boxing Day customers who were discontented with their faulty goods. Yes, you guessed it, as if moving back home wasn’t awkward enough, I had wound up with a job – in a shop.

I expect some readers to disapprove of my apparent dismay at having to serve people at a till but then they would be missing the point. I wasn’t dismayed, I was simply disappointed. Whilst routinely studying for my finals until library closing time, I hadn’t quite pictured this as my path. But the economic recession had set in and so had my post-university wake up call. I, like many at university, had immersed myself in education, expecting to walk into any job I wanted, ill-equipped for the reality that lay waiting.

Indeed, an English degree isn’t vocational and I have struggled to be considered for any jobs that sound remotely interesting. However, for those graduating in 2009, who may find themselves in a similar position to mine, do not be disheartened. This lack of profession has taught me far more than a finance degree and shiny corporate job would have done. I have encountered professionals in television, in the press, in retail, in recruitment and in law. I even had a job interview to be a celebrity’s personal assistant (even if, to my annoyance, they wouldn’t tell me who the celeb was). And I can tell you with pride that I have as much direction now as I did last July. After all, this was my year of exploration and that is exactly what I have done. Besides, when I was at uni I was far too busy enjoying student life to concern myself with a 25 year career plan.

Bookmark and Share

Related posts:

  1. Graduate sues college after being unable to find a job
  2. Sex blogger is former University of Sheffield student
  3. Not quite Sex and the City: Life in Paris

This website uses IntenseDebate comments, but they are not currently loaded because either your browser doesn't support JavaScript, or they didn't load fast enough.

784 Responses to “ The post university wake up: a year in the life of a recent graduate ”

  1. parfum femme on December 23, 2011 at 2:17 pm

    Ive to convey my respect for your kindness for all those that call for guidance on this 1 field. Your special commitment to passing the remedy up and down has been extremely functional and has continually empowered a lot of people just like me to attain their dreams.

  2. Refroidisseur Montreal on December 23, 2011 at 6:54 pm

    I conceive this web site has very superb indited written content posts.

  3. Alloy rim on December 24, 2011 at 9:51 am

    I’m often to running a blog and i actually admire your content. The article has actually peaks my interest. I am going to bookmark your site and maintain checking for brand new information.

  4. used crome cleaner on December 25, 2011 at 12:51 pm

    Oh my goodness! a tremendous article dude. Thank you Nonetheless I am experiencing challenge with ur rss . Don’t know why Unable to subscribe to it. Is there anybody getting identical rss problem? Anybody who knows kindly respond. Thnkx

  5. idee cadeau on December 26, 2011 at 7:23 pm

    Good job on this post! I genuinely like how you presented your facts and how you produced it interesting and straightforward to realize. Thank you.

  6. parfum marque on December 26, 2011 at 7:32 pm

    Your write-up has proven valuable to me. It is really informative and you are clearly extremely knowledgeable in this region. You might have opened my eyes to varying views on this subject with fascinating and solid content material.

  7. lincoln ls 2003 on December 27, 2011 at 3:20 am

    Youre so cool! I dont suppose Ive read anything like this before. So good to seek out somebody with some original thoughts on this subject. realy thank you for starting this up. this web site is one thing that is wanted on the web, someone with a bit originality. helpful job for bringing one thing new to the internet!

  8. Ilse Basgall on December 27, 2011 at 11:00 pm

    Hi, you have an interesting web site. I will bookmark it and come back in the future. Thanks..

  9. Rockberries Invest on December 28, 2011 at 1:26 am

    Lang & Schwarz sees fair value such shares at € 46.98!

  10. Sari on December 30, 2011 at 4:26 pm

    Good piece of writing, I will be browsing back more often to look for refreshes.

  11. let me in movie in high quality on December 31, 2011 at 12:48 am

    I used to be more than happy to find this internet-site.I wanted to thanks in your time for this glorious learn!! I positively enjoying every little little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you blog post.

  12. charmsy on December 31, 2011 at 2:45 pm

    I do enjoy the manner in which you have framed this particular issue plus it does give me some fodder for consideration. On the other hand, coming from what I have personally seen, I just simply wish as the commentary pile on that folks remain on point and in no way get started upon a tirade associated with the news of the day. Still, thank you for this outstanding piece and whilst I can not necessarily concur with the idea in totality, I regard your perspective.

  13. Carter Saravia on December 31, 2011 at 6:38 pm

    There are a few interesting closing dates in this article but I don‘t determine if I see them all center to heart. There’s some validity however will need hold opinion until I check into it further. Good article , thanks so we want more! Included with FeedBurner also

  14. bi?uteria swarovski on January 1, 2012 at 3:37 am

    Swarovski Crystal Jewelry – you can’t miss it!

  15. Cheap travertine tiles on January 2, 2012 at 3:12 am

    I thought the title, “The post university wake up: a year in the life of a recent graduate | Lazy Students” was a bit misleading. However, the content did not disappoint!

  16. Vidable Invest on January 4, 2012 at 11:21 am

    Has anyone else here heard of Vidable? They claim this really is a mix of Youtube . com, Craigs list as well as Groupon. Has anybody reading this got any additional information and facts or possibly has any body at this point checked it out?

  17. course work writing services on January 4, 2012 at 2:42 pm

    I¡¦ve read some just right stuff here. Certainly price bookmarking for revisiting. I wonder how much effort you set to create this sort of fantastic informative website.

  18. Sexy flats on January 7, 2012 at 7:31 pm

    Nicely done – this is what keeps folks coming back

  19. men underwear canada on January 8, 2012 at 11:50 am

    I actually adore it!

  20. Modern Combat 3 Apk on January 9, 2012 at 3:26 am

    An fascinating language is worth mention. I opine that you should write more on this subject, it power not be a taboo individual but generally people are not enough to verbalise on such topics. To the next. Cheers like your The post university wake up: a year in the life of a recent graduate | Lazy Students.

  21. Affordable Health insurance in North carolina on January 9, 2012 at 8:27 pm

    Nicely written post. You might be a quite persuasive writer. I can see this within your article.

  22. lets cheer for mixing online on January 9, 2012 at 11:39 pm

    Hey I just finished reading the post. I comment to say that I liked it good job and keep it up man! See ya :)

  23. Comfortable shoes on January 10, 2012 at 7:38 am

    Danke for sharing – I really appreciated reading this

  24. Cute sandals on January 11, 2012 at 8:51 pm

    Danke for sharing – I really appreciated reading this

  25. top 10 minecraft skins on January 12, 2012 at 12:14 am

    I got what you designate, thanks for putting up. Woh I am willing to effort this website finished google. Thanks For Share The post university wake up: a year in the life of a recent graduate | Lazy Students.

  26. Spot on with this write-up, I truly suppose this web site needs way more consideration. I’ll most likely be once more to learn way more, thanks for that info.

  27. arcade games for girls on January 13, 2012 at 1:44 am

    Aw, this became an extremely good post. In thought I would like to set up writing like that in addition – taking time and actual effort to create a fantastic article? but what / points I say? I procrastinate alot by means of no indicates appear to get something completed. 870310

  28. Packers Jordy Nelson Jersey on January 13, 2012 at 8:07 am

    I was very pleased to find this internet site. I wanted to thank you for this wonderful read.

  29. Packers Nick Collins Jersey on January 15, 2012 at 11:54 am

    Thanks for the excellent writeup. It in reality was a amusement account it. Glance complex to far brought agreeable from you! Nonetheless, how can we preserve in touch?

  30. bi?uteria on January 15, 2012 at 7:08 pm

    I believe this web site has got very fantastic pent content material blog posts.

  31. Monopoly gra planszowa on January 16, 2012 at 4:28 pm

    Zestawienie zaczniemy od laptopa Lenovo ThinkPad Edge E420. Omawiany notebook zosta? wyposa?ony w procesor Intel Core i7 o cz?stotliwo?ci 1.8 gigaherca oraz pami?? RAM wynosz?c? trzy gigabajty, co zapewnia wysok? ergonomi?. Posiada on matow? matryc? o rozmiarze 11 cali, a najwy?sza rozdzielczo?? to 1280 x 800. Istotnym mankamentem omawianego notebooka jest szybkie nagrzewanie si? baterii. Najni?sza mo?liwa cena, któr? zap?acimy za omawiany model to 1199 PLN. Bior?c pod uwag? powy?sze czynniki, proponowana ocena tego modelu notebooka to pi?? na dziesi??.

  32. panama city beach day trips on January 17, 2012 at 9:12 pm

    i choose to disable. Please support me out.

  33. Zackary Soroka on January 18, 2012 at 12:11 am

    Can I lately say thats a relief to discover a person who truly knows what theyre preaching about on the web. You really understand the best way to bring a challenge to light and work out it vital. The ideal technique to should certainly see this and see why side of your story. I cant feel youre no far more popular basically mainly because you definitely hold the gift.

  34. How to Impress a Boy on January 18, 2012 at 3:13 am

    Oh my goodness! an amazing article dude. Thanks However I’m experiencing subject with ur rss . Don’t know why Unable to subscribe to it. Is there anyone getting equivalent rss drawback? Anybody who is aware of kindly respond. Thnkx

  35. Darin Pecue on January 18, 2012 at 10:52 am

    Hi, you used to write magnificent articles, but the last several posts have been kinda boring… I miss your tremendous articles. Past several posts are just a little bit out of track!

  36. scientific calculator on January 19, 2012 at 7:19 am

    Good post. I study something more difficult on different blogs everyday. It would at all times be stimulating to read content material from different writers and observe a little bit one thing from their store. I’d choose to use some with the content material on my blog whether you don’t mind. Natually I’ll offer you a link in your net blog. Thanks for sharing.

  37. bench jacken on January 20, 2012 at 12:54 am

    I would like to say thanks a lot for that work you have made in writing this posting. I am hoping the same most reliable job from you down the road as well.

  38. ?arówki ledowe on January 21, 2012 at 8:18 am

    Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is a really well written article. I will make sure to bookmark it and return to read more of your useful info. Thanks for the post. I’ll definitely return.

  39. Tamala Wirf on January 21, 2012 at 1:05 pm

    Wow, this article is nice, my younger sister is analyzing such things, so I am going to let know her.

  40. Aleta Lounsbury on January 23, 2012 at 7:49 pm

    Within YouTube video embed script you can also stipulate parameters based to your desire like width, height or even border colors.

  41. threesomes on January 24, 2012 at 12:06 am

    Hey. Everyone out there longing for some threesome meetings should go check out Threesome Hookup

  42. ipa download on January 24, 2012 at 12:49 am

    I am so grateful for this post and thanks such a good deal for sharing it with us.

  43. Elvera Cheranichit on January 24, 2012 at 7:57 pm

    Hi there to all, the YouTube video that is posted at here has truly good quality along with good audio feature

  44. liberty reserve on January 24, 2012 at 8:17 pm

    Magnificent goods from you, man. The post university wake up: a year in the life of a recent graduate | Lazy Students I’ve understand your stuff previous to and you’re just extremely great. I actually like what you’ve acquired here, really like what you’re saying and the way in which you say it. You make it enjoyable and you still take care of to keep it sensible. I cant wait to read much more from you. This is actually a great The post university wake up: a year in the life of a recent graduate | Lazy Students informations.

  45. swiss t gallery on January 25, 2012 at 12:48 am

    I really like this site on swiss t gallery. The URL, %BLOGURL sounds perfect.

  46. GRATIS! Plantilla de Captura Exclusiva on January 25, 2012 at 3:25 am

    The universe and all that it is has often been the following, will always be here, and is the following now. This is some thing I can see, contact, listen to, truly feel, and odor. When I die, I may grow to be earth, then later on on a rock, then later on on one thing else. But I will always exist in 1 form or an additional. Existence goes on and nothing is at any time really dead.

  47. ontario car insurance quotes sault ste marie on January 25, 2012 at 5:39 pm

    Great post!

  48. Cheyenne Gallenstein on January 25, 2012 at 5:52 pm

    Hello, its fastidious post on the topic of media print, we all be familiar with media is a fantastic source of information.

  49. Warner Tatge on January 26, 2012 at 12:02 am

    Keep up the excellent piece of work, I read few content on this web site and I think that your site is rattling interesting and contains circles of excellent information.

  50. tutaj on January 26, 2012 at 11:32 pm

    Unquestionably believe that which you said. Your favorite justification seemed to be on the web the easiest thing to be aware of. I say to you, I certainly get irked while people consider worries that they just don’t know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top as well as defined out the whole thing without having side effect , people can take a signal. Will likely be back to get more. Thanks

Leave a Reply