Last time I wrote a post here I had been to an interview and had been feeling very frantic. Since then I had another interview I may blog about later (I was approached via social media which some people don’t believe can happen) but first; I HAVE SOME NEWS
I have been made permanent in my position at work
After having worked here for nearly 3 years my contract has gone from fixed term to permanent. I am seriously happy. This doesn’t mean I will stay here forever and I will continue to pursue opportunities for roles I am interested in BUT it does give me some stability. For the first time since graduating 4 years ago I feel I have something sorted. I have earned this.
The latest job search actually had me feeling more stressed and anxious than usual and I think that was clear from my last post. I’d like to thank all my friends who have listened and picked me up during this tricky period.
I have yet to decide whether to keep this page up. I had started it as a means of fine tuning my skills, then to try and help students learn more about certain job titles . I also try and share the great posts I enjoy reading a lot of which are written by friends of mine. Now I find myself increasingly tempted to blog about the things I am passionate about. Which may or may not be good for my online professional profile, I have definitely shared a lot with you. But there have been work related posts too! However I will admit I got a little bit hippy-dippy around new years. I guess what I am saying is, it’s hard to see where to go from here…
SO HELP ME OUT PLEASE, INTERNET 🙂
If any of you feel inclined to write a comment below telling me the kind of posts you’ve read on here and found interesting/useful or which kind you think I should keep writing that would be great. hint… click the links above if you’re not so familiar.
I could have filled this post with gifs or images with quotes or words of wisdom on. If you’re procrastinating or you want to scroll through some nice images with half decent advice on them then take a look at my pinterest board http://www.pinterest.com/eemaa27/quoteswords-of-wisdom/ no I do not have a problem 😉
I like to plan, prepare. I like to know things in advance. Working in a fixed term role is an underlying stress which means I can end up dwelling on where I’m going to be next year. OK, so I need to chill out.
But recently I have come to realise that I actually seem to put some considerable barriers up for myself. I wonder if I am the only one or whether there are others of you who read this who can relate? The following will sound like a series of excuses and to an extent they probably are but I will explain them as I go.
Not being able to drive.
Firstly to explain why this hasn’t happened; I come from a small town, living there with my family before University everything was a 10 minute walk away (School, work etc). This spilled over into University life as everything here is on a bus line. I could walk or bus to lectures and that has been the case working here as well. I currently live in a flat where we don’t have a parking space and neither one of us has learned to drive yet in an effort to save (I’m doing ESPECIALLY well with that, not!) so the main thing stopping me now is the expense.
Why is this a barrier?
A lot of the jobs I like the look of are further away which makes them harder to get to. Also some positions I am particularly interested in (involving Schools and Colleges) require you to drive because, let’s face it, you can’t rely on public transport and you can’t keep teachers and pupils waiting.
Not being prepared to up and leave the country
A lot of my friends have decided to leave the country for various reasons. And power to them if they have great language skills! Some have also gone do to TEFL (Teaching English as a foreign language course) which I assume they are doing to combine earning, learning and travelling into one. HOWEVER
My main objection/problem with leaving the country (and this is personal, I think if you’re prepared to do it, fairplay I am not undermining or devaluing that) I feel like going to another country to do a qualification which MAY or MAY NOT better my position is too uncertain for me. It has no guarantee. Yes I would have a TEFL or whatever, yes I would be well traveled but the amount of people I know who come back are are disillusioned or depressed at the prospect of having to who in this, let’s face it, GREY country scares me a little.
Why is this a barrier?
A lot of people say travel broadens the mind. Maybe there is something I am massively missing out on? Perhaps it is something one should do in order to develop a sense of being independent and you know, generally grown up and adult?! England isn’t my favorite place and I don’t like the idea of ALWAYS living and working here so could this be the key to a decent career path?
Hearing about people who ditch full time, permanent work for temporary work in Africa for example makes my stomach flip but then that’s because my situation at the moment is temporary and I couldn’t take that risk (how judgmental of me?) but WHY NOT? I’m young and have the time right now so why not take off and take on a new experience elsewhere? I have met a few people who have said that they have regretted not taking that chance earlier in their lives and now they don’t have the time.
Being impatient for progression or role development
Having been made a manager in my previous role after a few short months I think I now have unrealistic expectations in terms of responsibility and progression at work. This is something I think is in built in a lot of grads, they think they have to be on a career ladder NOW and get the top paid job NOW or be seen as a failure.
Why is this a barrier?
I either go for roles with too high a wage (wishful thinking) and get rejected or end up researching how long it has taken people in that role to progress to something higher, find out it’s 8-10 years and then wondered, do I really want to work somewhere that works at that pace? Is that the normal pace? Sounds too slow for me… better not chance it. Limitations!
Not wanting to live and/or work in London
Um, no thanks. Some people I know manage it but as I have said in previous posts I also know people who have had to bail on it as it is just plain expensive!
Why is this a barrier?
As above, it’s an absolute trek and I don’t fancy that long and expensive a commute! In addition I am actually missing out on opportunities to work with companies and organisations I really admire and would love! There are some tasty looking London job titles and some excellent organisations I would give *insert something ridiculous* to work for. So I am in fact holding myself back and denying myself that chance
My game plan (oh, spoiler)
Currently on the job search which is a challenge in itself but I intend on landing something permanent (hopefully something where I can work with students but I will do admin work as well/instead) Build myself up in terms of earning potential and then look further afield. I feel this will work in 2 ways
1. I will be able to save money which could lead to potential learning to drive or travel (yay!)
2. I will be able to make myself more attractive to employers thus potentially attracting a higher wage
permanent work => skills + money => more money and skills => happiness?
A common question that is raised at career talks is that of how much freedom people have to speak up in the work place. Office politics is a tricky area and applying for grad schemes with large companies like Deloitte or the NHS may seem intimidating. I have met some people who are under the impression that working for a large company or organisation means that they have to “pipe down” in the work place. I know I haven’t been working as long as some experts but I thought I would have a go at forming some tips about “speaking up” at work.
It’s really easy when you first get a job to be super enthusiastic and want to introduce a heap of ideas but HOLD YOUR HORSES! Write them down and think about them before you go announcing them. It’s important to have things well thought out and for you to recognise how you fit in with the organisation before you go proposing system changes or large projects.
If you are an intern or in a grad scheme you are there to learn. You’re not about to have your head blown off for asking a question in a meeting or contributing, or at least you won’t if your boss is level headed. You’re not meant to know all the answers (unlike when you’re at uni). You will soon gauge how much tact or caution you must have in certain meetings/settings and around certain people.
If you’re in a meeting and not sure about something and don’t want to say anything, write it down so you remember and ask someone later on in a less public forum. Worst case scenario someone says “oh I wish you’d mentioned that in the meeting, that sounds good!” Even if you don’t mention it to anyone it can cure the “biting your tongue” feeling if you’ve sat on something you want to say.
This might sound obvious but it’s important to distinguish between personal and professional chatting. It won’t sound good if you make value judgements about someone higher up to a colleague. If you don’t like someone either professionally or personally keep the rant for outside the office. Sometimes it is hard to know who is listening and who that will get back to.
Equally if you sense office tension or drama don’t feel as though you have to get involved or take a side, even if it’s happening in front of you. It’s important to remain out of any kind of altercation. That’s not to say you shouldn’t defend yourself and your ideas if people approach you directly, or that you should be a doormat. Sometimes it is just best to develop a filter to make sure you don’t get bogged down in some of the things going on above your head.
I don’t think you’re likely, at least in the UK, to work in an organisation where your colleagues or superiors would discourage innovation or initiative or to publicly humiliate you for presenting an idea. If you do come across somewhere like that (and I do not know people who have) seriously think about whether you want to stay there.
This is just a very short list, I may add to it later. Would be interested in people’s thoughts
I never knew that working with Students would be so challenging. And I was thinking about the things I wish I knew before I started my job a very short list includes:
Students don’t make as much use of facebook as you would think or at least aren’t as predictable in their use of it. You think you know how students use it, having been one yourself and you’re wrong. Very wrong.
Students are most definitely working to a different timetable to you. This isn’t a criticism of them but an observation on my part. Just because I have graduated, adjusted to a 9 to 5 work lifestyle doesn’t mean they will take that into account. They will message you at stupid o clock and reply out of your office hours.
You have to tell people things more than once. Reminders are key.
I COULD be skating on very thin ice by typing a lot of things I would like to, so I decided I wanted to get a few opinions from OTHER people about what they wish they knew before they started their job. Thanks to all those who responded on Facebook and Twitter (you know who you are, keeping it anonymous).
Events fundraiser
“Never set-up your phone to access your work emails!! It’s so tempting to check even when you’re on holiday and it’s much better just to switch off completely when you leave work” This covers an important aspect I mentioned in my previous post (https://easea.wordpress.com/2013/10/16/things-we-forget-in-the-daily-grind-of-work/) I have tried and failed to link my work email to my phone and I am sort of glad now… I make sure that I leave socail networking sites open so IF a student should wish to contact me on there, they can. This also highlights to tricky nature of having students as friends on your personal facebook. I have a policy that I only add people that I am working with or have worked with. I don’t add everyone that sends me a requests because I don’t see that as professional. Other occupations around the uni, such as the sabbs will see that differently, which is fine.
Intern
“How much fun it would be. I hesitated taking my internship & now I have no idea why! I love it :)” This represents an important part of the job search, you never know what you might get from a role until you try it! So take a chance and at least go to interviews (it’s all practice) some people think some jobs are below them but it’s important to take some risks.
Twitter response
“It’s always important to know what the team is like before you start. You’ve got to spend a lot of time with your colleagues!” I often ask the question in interview/office tour “what is it really like to work here?” it’s really interesting to get genuine answers from employees. Some people have some misconceptions about some professions, for instance “recruitment consultant” but you have to take each company on its own merits. Some smaller recruiting firms for example aren’t as cut throat as you might think.
Personal Assistant
“In my old job I wish I had had the courage to not let people take advantage of me, and that sometime you can say no! I would also want to tell people that if you are unhappy in your job and feel unappreciated, don’t be afraid to talk to your boss or ask for a pay rise if you think you deserve it (which I did). Failing that, be brave enough to look for something else (like I did)” Two really key things here, firstly about saying no or turning down tasks. In some companies/organisations there will be people who will lean on people if they think they can spread some of their work load around.
Working mum
“I wish I knew that when I joined (company) that the use the Bradford factor for absence so if you have a child off ill and nobody to watch the child when ill and you have to be off it makes your sick pay stopped and makes you after a certain amount of absences get disciplinaries” I can’t claim to know anything about trying to raise a child while you work, but I felt it was important to include this view point as it’s something that isn’t always considered. I think there are a lot of people that work their arse off for the money they bring in that need additional support but can’t always find it. It’s hard to hear that absences due to a child’s illness result in disciplinary action. but it’s hard to see an alternative that companies can use to “protect” themselves.
Engineer
“I wish you were able to see the employee handbook before starting” I’m not completely sure why this was posted, nevertheless I think it’s always important to read small print and to make sure that you ask plenty of questions so you’re not backed into a corner later. It was only during one interview, where they hadn’t previously stipulated working hours ( I assumed regular 9-5) that they said “And you’re fine with the working pattern?” that I realised that I would be expected to work late sometimes, they even tried putting me off of it as well! So always inquire, don’t be scared to ask questions and don’t assume working regulations, always ask before you leave or you could end up signing up for something that isn’t doable for you.
Teacher
“That it doesn’t matter how much time and effort you put in, the kids will always want more. I also wish someone had told me that there will always be at least 1 that makes all the effort worthwhile. Although that was a nice one to find out on my own” I found this post particularly interesting as I would like to go into teaching eventually. I think that sometimes in day to day work some people can find it hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. And working is not the same as Uni or School, you’re not always given immediate and obvious feedback so it is a good idea to seek it if you don’t think it’s obvious whether you’re doing a good job.
Thanks again to everyone who contributed, if you have anything you wish you had known please comment or message me and I might even add it on here 🙂
I saw this video for the first time today: https://t.co/AwLJZ3qYz1 from @internaware which I urge any students/graduates to follow on Twitter if they want to keep up to date with intern related news/events. I think that any work experience is a good idea, even if you’re not paid. HOWEVER I draw the line, when I see that there are unpaid internships available in LONDON. Who has the time or indeed money to be able to do this? It limits access to great opportunities. It successfully cuts out all the people who aren’t from affluent background.
I would happily do my job for free, if I didn’t have rent to pay but being paid for what I do allows me so many things that many take for granted;
– It means I can MOVE OUT of my family home, meaning I am self sufficient and independent!!
– It means I can live with my partner, something I know a lot of my friends go without. At the very least having the moral support of someone else is so valuable. Being able to come home to someone is also a massive comfort.
– I can (attempt to) save some money for the future!
– I can enjoy a relatively, stress free deal in regards to my disposable income
If there are any hard grafters out there, who aren’t from affluent background, interning for nothing I would love to hear from you. Equally if I can hear of success stories from people in London that would be great as well (maybe I could feature you in a blog). London seems like a big and scary place to me and I know many people who have tried it and decided they don’t want the lifestyle anymore (struggle&stress).
Short and sweet today ladies and gents, and hey! It’s my wordpress-iversary today apparently. Have been registered on WordPress 2 years today… here’s to a another couple of years and even more views please !! Please like, RT and share!
So I had a strange thought the other day after coming out of an interview. I felt uneasy even though I felt like I had done all I could have in there…then I realised:
I actually don’t know what I am going to do with my life- long term. Internships, work placements and temporary work are rife at the moment. I don’t know anyone (aside from those doing teaching – and even then it’s not guaranteed) that is in long term, permanent employment. I may post about the pros and cons of this at a later stage because you know students graduating from 2011 onwards are being diddled (screwed over, if you will) a bit. ANYWAY as mentioned in previous blogs, I have put plans of getting into teaching on hold for now . And I don’t have a plan B.
I don’t know if I should be shelling out advice via blogging if I don’t have any direction in my life. People around me have told me to keep going if I enjoy it. And I do. SO let’s turn this into a positive!
I was in a professional development course recently that looked at creative thinking. We were told about a test which I think may have provided me with some guidance it was Howard Gardner’s Multiple intelligence test – some of you may find it useful. They can be found here; http://www.businessballs.com/howardgardnermultipleintelligences.htm#multiple intelligences tests The descriptions for what the tests mean are also on there. Apparently my strengths lie in interpersonal, intrapersonal (self awareness) , “Musical” (despite the fact I don’t play an instrument I just LOVE music) and Linguistic. My highest score was in interpersonal which apparently shows I have potential to be: A therapist
HR professional
a mediator
a leader (nice a broad there)
a counsellor
politician
sales-person
a member of the clergy (even though I am agnostic)
a psychologist
teacher
organiser
carer (that takes a whole heap of guts I don’t have)
doctor/healer (despite NO medical experience – wow!)
advertising professional
coach or mentor.
All of which are associated with emotional intelligence. A lot of these need to be taken with a pinch of salt. But hey now my mind is open to some more possibilities.
I had my first encounter with an assessment centre today! And it was an eye opener! There were 5 of us who attended and everyone was pretty nervous as all but one of us had never been to an assessment centre before! The assessment was split into 2 parts.
Firstly we were given information on a charity which was offering an internship to students we had to read and digest the information in a few minutes. We then had to pitch the charity’s offer to the rest of the group. We then had to decide between us which one we would accept as the charity to pitch for to the panel of 3 members of staff who were watching us all the time. We had 15 minutes to decide and come up with a presentation.
The second part of the assessment centre was an in tray exercise, again, something I have not come across before. It was divided into 2 tasks which were accompanied with an information pack. The first task we were asked to assign priority next to a series of 12 tasks inside half an hour. The second part was to write an email reply to an email that has formed part of the first part of the task (a complaint from a customer).
The tasks set were challenging, the most challenging part I think was that everything was done under strict time constraints. The 15 minutes we had to decide as a group went so quickly. No one wanted to go all “The Apprentice” with their pitch and it was interesting to see how terribly “British” we all were about it. No one wanted to dominate, interrupt or otherwise upset their nervous peers. We decided to go around the group again each stating the pros and cons of the offer we had made. I was able to pick out more cons for the other candidates and so it transpired that the group chose the offer I had pitched. This process was interesting as it then meant we had only left ourselves between 5 and 7 minutes to put together the presentation on the piece of flip chart paper we were given. I took it upon myself to divide the presentation equally between us and we all managed to say a small piece and all equally answer the questions we were asked afterwards.
The second task flew by. The first part where we had to address 12 different tasks suddenly made me put my managerial head on, we were supposed to pretend we were a trainee manager of a hotel chain. A lot of the tasks, luckily were similar to ones I had been faced with in retail so I didn’t really feel stumped by what I was presented with. However I didn’t complete the task. I didn’t read the last two issues and didn’t address them. Ooops? The second part of that task, writing the reply to a customer was again similar to what I had to do working in retail, there would be many a time where I would have to deal with customer complaints on the spot and deal with them in a calm, friendly and professional manner. Despite my terrible handwriting I think I struck the right tone in my email reply.
I assume I successfully over came the challenges of the assessment centre because I have since been offered an interview for the position. This process has given me inspiration for recruitment I am heading up as part of the project in the area I work in at the University. Watch this space for pointers after that process has finished.
Networking and socialising over the internet doesn’t quite have the same depth as speaking face to face. OK, so maybe Skype and face time are brilliant. But when it comes to “liking” and commenting, it requires minimal effort. A contact on the phone to me recently said “you don’t have to remember phone numbers now do you?” just like with people’s birthdays – I have a terrible head for dates but Facebook will let me know when your birthday is…brilliant! But I realised I don’t want to wish everyone a happy birthday, either we have lost touch or interest and so I start to delete people. But then they come back! People often use these social networking site for “stalking” I don’t mean in the sense that they see where you’re checking in on Facebook and “bump into” you there (although that has happened!) But they just want to be able to compare their life to yours. Some people (and hey, I’m sure I’ve done it) have stumbled upon someone’s online profile, cheekily glanced at their occupation and if it’s not as good as yours (mine) have silently rejoiced in the fact you’ve somehow 1 upped someone…because, let’s face it – it’s brutal living in the grown up world and I’ll take all the victories I can.
Before I continue on my rant about this, I will say one thing. I have had some valuable online conversations with people, be that old colleagues who I miss who are all around the world. Or someone I have cheekily emailed asking them to work with the students here. So it does allow for some meaningful engagements – which is good. It’s a “you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours” scenario. Even on here, I am glad to see people commenting, messaging me, emailing me about this blog – it’s all good!
I have however also noticed an increase of people who like and/or share things on Facebook that they wouldn’t really dare to, for example, shout out in a pub. I have seen posts that people make which are slightly racist, nationalist, homophobic, sexist, rude and it shows a complete lack of understanding for the world wide web! They’re not “digitally literate”. In real life it’s the equivalent is going up to someone and shouting for example (re: Boston bombings – no disrespect meant here) “I BET THE PEOPLE WHO PLANTED THOSE BOMBS WERE FROM IRAQ/IRAN/AFGHANISTAN” I mean REALLY?!
Some people follow parody Twitter accounts which at first glance are funny but then some of them cross a line for example a parody of a soap (opera) actor making jokes about rape. That’s not funny. Call me uptight but that is not funny! People use the internet for free comment on things, which is their right, but there are definitely some crazy people out there!
Having said in part 1 of this post that people are very fickle in their online friendships. And saying above that people say things they wouldn’t say in public. They think there will be no consequences for their opinions but they underestimate the fact that unless you delete something, that post will be on Facebook and Twitter. FOREVER. I am surprised by some of the things people click “share” on without really thinking about things. And these are people I know and have spent time with/spent time with a lot. I know if I were to strike up a conversation about the offending content they probably wouldn’t be able to back themselves up. But those who do confront them online are usually told they are being stupid or sensitive. Could I really delete a friend for a poorly explained or unjustifiable post that is based on content someone else has created? I just don’t know. But it could happen soon!
Here are a few things I have observed and would pass on and should maybe consider myself:
1) Not everyone cares about your opinion. As with writing a book, not everyone is going to like it just because it’s something you care about. 1a) Don’t get offended by randoms and trolls – they are online purely to annoy. And if you don’t know them then don’t take offence – they’re out for reaction.
2) Take advantage of social media to make connections with people who are harder to reach. e.g. I recently emailed an author asking about his careers advice book (as mentioned in previous blog) and he asked me to promote it, he sent me a copy so I can make an informed recommendation now. Don’t be pushy but I am a firm beleiver in “if you don’t ask – you don’t get”.
3) It’s really easy to like something that is stupid and/or fake. Using the Boston bombings again there were stories put around on twitter and facebook which were lies and designed to stir up more scare surrounding those awful events. Check your sources! See picture: https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRKQWB9lmLnjRqRpuwXOSTO31Lsjf2_PG37UgCT1De-1GXaFqx3HA
4) By all means make your relationship status public but don’t air your dirty laundry online. Again this can be done through sharing posts, there is a group somewhere called “people who tell the truth get hurt the most” or “girls who put up with the most s**t aren’t weak, they are the ones who love the most” or some such posts… They drive me mad! And be aware of who those posts can be seen by. I know couples who argue over what stuff they put online. It’s ridiculous.
5) PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THAT IS HOLY DO NOT USE ASK.FM! I cannot stand that website! It allows people to anonymously ask questions of you out of boredom (both their part and the user) they can be anything from “whats your opinion on…” to more stalkerish topics. If you MUST use it don’t post those things on Twitter. It is the most annoying and mundane thing . This website is solely for cowards to pick fights and attention seekers to get on their high horses. Don’t make yourself an open target.
I don’t think there is much more I can add. Anyway – enough of that! All opinions welcome.
I am doing this in two parts, because part of this is work related and part of this is a liiiittle bit more rant like.
OK, So far these past couple of weeks I have been spamming Linked in, Facebook and Twitter (as well as emailing colleagues) as part of a campaign to get people voting for me in a Business Awards (see previous blog) I don’t normally do the whole self promotion thing unless I am going for a job and to be honest to begin with I was reluctant to throw myself into it and wasn’t going to ask people to vote at all. But on advice from my manager, I decided to make the most of the opportunity and see what I can get out of it.
So far people have rallied around me and posted Facebook statuses and got their colleagues to vote which is great. It was lovely to see so many of my old colleagues, who I messaged about it, vote for me as well. Really positive, confidence boosting stuff.
To some of my friends I am the one that dominates their Facebook and Linked in News feeds and to students I am usually that annoying one who posts on the Southampton Uni Management School Employability Page on Facebook and Twitter (https://www.facebook.com/groups/SotonMangEmployability/ and @SotonManEmploy on Twitter) which resigns me straaaight into the spam file for some. Imagine their horror when I take to Social Networking sites to promote this award nomination!
But I think keeping a decent online presence is important, if you have the time. It’s a means of reaching people without knocking on doors and leafleting (hey it’s paperless – I’m eco-friendly right?)
And it’s a means of sharing info. I love sharing things with people be that employability news or a picture/video that will brighten someone’s day. However it’s hard for me to see where this leads to. Getting people to click a link to vote for me is all very well and good (and I hope they have clicked because I deserve it!) but does how many people follow you/friend you = success? And how much distaste do people feel if you unfriend/unfollow? Social media can often feel like you’re shouting into a black hole. I came across this article about improving social media engagement for anyone who would like to read it: http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/7-ways-to-improve-your-social-media-engagement/
I never imagined working with students would be such a challenge but engagement is something I am always looking to improve. If anyone out there has any pearls of wisdom – especially students! I would love to hear them.
If any of you lovely people out in the blogisphere could vote for me I would be really grateful. Some of you who read this are friends and colleagues, others are complete strangers who have shown love for the blog. You can vote using this link from 2nd May for 8 days: http://southampton.venusawards.co.uk/vote/
What did I have to do to get to the semi finals? I had to write a profile about myself from the point of view of my boss and appear at a “face the camera” event which was sooo nerve wracking! I found it harder to talk to one person and a camera than standing up in front of a lecture theatre full of students! The video was judged and is what got me to the public voting stage.
Second piece of news, it would appear that my internship has been extended! I was going to be finishing in July this year but now I should be rocking education and student experience into 2014 as well 🙂 Which is great news! Was going to have to find a job and a new flat all before July! Pressure!
Hyperbal-E 