Some Initial Placement Thoughts

Although my course doesn't have a dedicated sandwich year, getting work experience in the industry is widely encouraged.

I'm not someone who is particularly artistic in the literal sense of the word, and I'm also quite modest in the way I talk about my work, so experience is something that really gives you a boost when you're trying to sell yourself but not as 'loud' as others in the same field. Without it, I'd probably leave uni and have no real chance of getting a job related around my course, and that's what probably forced me to get my arse in gear when looking for experience.

This summer I will be volunteering for the communications team at my local hospice. The phrase "it's not what you know, it's who you know" really came in to play when I was looking for a placement and I have been really fortunate with this opportunity. For starters, it was only my second attempt at finding something, it's also right on my doorstep so I'm not having to commute up to London every day, and it's not full time, meaning that I can work and earn money alongside (and try and get out of this hefty overdraft!).

I'm thinking of doing a comparison post at the end, in September, when I've made it out the other side, to see whether this opportunity has been a good step to further my career or simply just a learning curve. So I've written a few initial thoughts down to see whether I feel the same afterwards...

1. The job title, 'Social Media and Content Creator', and description has my name written all over it! So hopefully I will be able to learn some key skills which will point me in the right direction once I graduate. OR, it will prove that maybe it's not so perfect for me after all!

2. However, I am a bit worried they have this preconceived idea that I'm a social media/content expert and I'm going to majorly disappoint them!

3. I'm also worried about meeting so many different people, as I'm expected to travel around the different shops and carry out what is essentially primary research, which I've never been very good at. Although, it will come as good practise.

4. I'm excited about the amount of freedom I have within the role and I hope this will increase my confidence in the work I produce, which I can then bring into third year.

5. The idea of having to drive around to different locations, in an area I'm only slightly familiar with, and having to find somewhere to park without making a complete tit out of myself is terrifying! Things like that give me such anxiety and I can guarantee I will be about 20 minutes early every day!

Omg I've Finished My Second Year At Uni !!

It feels WAY too soon to be writing this post, but I have officially finished my second year at university. I don't know whether to laugh or cry or what to do, it's only just hitting me now as I sit here and write this and it's really overwhelming!

This year has had all sorts of ups and downs. I've dealt with depression, poor accommodation, a break up, general uni stress; we've had snow, we've had sun, but also some of the best times ever. But if this second year has been anything, it's been a very go-with-your-gut year, and aside from all of the FCP-related skills I've learnt over the last 8 months, learning to listen to my gut instinct has been the biggest lesson.

For example, during the first semester I found myself in a place that I don't ever want to go back to, but if I hadn't have made some of the choices that I did during that term, I wouldn't have met such an amazing group of girls who have helped me through to where we are now.

I also wouldn't have chosen to stay at university and experience this crazy second semester. It started on a high note when I was given a 2:1 for my first semester summative assessment, and that really boosted my confidence for the rest of the year. But one minute we were in Berlin, the next minute we're collaborating and presenting in front of an actual brand, and a couple of minutes later we're writing a proposal report for next year's dissertation! It's all complete madness, but it's been a good madness.

This semester has very turned my life around too. Unfortunately me and Harry did break up; it's all on good terms, yet still something I'd rather keep private. But I am now a single, independent gal and although I don't resent him in any way at all, I needed to do it. It's been good for me and I'm happy.

So, if you get anything from this post, please listen to your gut instinct because some of the maddest decisions are the best ones. 

I'm finally starting to see how your university years are the best years of your life, so maybe I started two years too early! I really don't want it to all be over this time next year, but for now I'm off to play love island drinking games with my girls, live my best life, and celebrate the end of a brilliant year!