What degree did you graduate in:
2:1 MA (Hons) in Social Anthropology from Edinburgh University. Graduated July 2001.
What were your aspirations when leaving University:
Having had to repeat my final year due to health problems, I was so relieved to get a 2:1 I did not spend nearly enough time working out what my next step would be. My aspirations were in essence to get a job and become independent.
What types of jobs did you apply for:
My main concern was to get any job I could as I believed that once I had a job I could attain further skills that would make me more employable and I would then secure a job that I wanted as opposed to one that paid the bills.
I secured a temporary position at a call-centre for a large financial institution in Edinburgh within 2 days of looking for employment. I was made permanent within 6 months and used the time to increase my IT and soft skills.
How many did you apply for:
Maybe 5 or 6.
How successful were you:
I received a rejection letter for every application, I did not have a single interview.
How did you hear of GfG:
My girlfriend.
How did GfG help and support you:
GfG was first and foremost enthusiastic and helped me believe that I was worth employing. It becomes very difficult when you are stuck in a job that never challenges you or allows you to utilise your skills at any level.
I had an introductory interview during the summer of 2002 and I was called out of the blue in late November 2002 about the position I am currently in.
During the application process, GfG was very supportive and gave me the confidence when going for interview. I was lucky enough to have great support from outside GfG but it was nice to think that the staff genuinely wanted me to succeed.
What were the first couple of months like when you started:
The first few months were an information overload but I fell that I was supported by my superiors and I was immediately encouraged to think for myself and contribute. The selection process at GfG meant that I was in a job that I was suited to and desperately wanted and my employer got someone that matched their requirements.
I actually enjoyed my work – which I had never experienced before.
What were the teething issues (optional):
I cannot think of any teething problems.
Was joining the company what you expected:
It exceeded my expectations of the involvement and autonomy that I would be given at my level.
How are you doing now:
I am still thoroughly enjoying my new job, it has opened up many different avenues to me. I am developing my writing and research skills on a weekly basis. I am being funded for a distance learning Freelance and Feature Writing course at the London School of Journalism. This will only help my development.
Where do you go from here:
I am hoping to be given a permanent contract in January. Once I have achieved that I shall consider how I can develop my role within the organisation.
What are your career aspirations:
None at the moment – I want to develop my research and writing skills and maybe go in to a more political role. But not in the near future.
What words of advice would you offer to graduates looking for start their career?
It is essential that graduates think about where their degree will take them. The skills attained during a degree are not enough. A graduate must have strong soft skills – team work, orgnisational, motivational etc as well as strong IT skills.
There has to be a certain level of determination and self-belief.
If a graduate does not receive a vocational degree then the odds of getting a graduate level job are stacked against them – work experience is very useful, extra-curricular activities also show a greater skills base.
How would you rate the following aftercare service? 1 – 5 (5 being highest)
Mentoring: 1
Training: 4
How could we improve our service to Graduates?
The only way to improve the service is to have more businesses on your books looking or graduates so that more graduates can be helped out as I was. In other words, get as big as you can be to help as many graduates as you can.
