When will they learn?

I was rather dismayed to read about the debate currently occurring as to whether universities should be allowed to charge more money to students who wish to earn a degree.

I was dismayed by this news subject for a number of reasons;

1: I went to University, I graduated with a 2:2 BA in Journalism and Video Production. I am proud of my degree.

As a result of my degree I currently owe the student loan company several thousands of pounds in unpaid debt which is currently not being paid off (I don't earn enough money.) and which is continuing to gain interest on a monthly basis.

There is one way that I could pay of my student debt in realistic terms, however this realism does include my becoming a contestant on Deal or No Deal and being fortunate enough to pick the £250,000 box.

In the current climate, I will be shocked if I'm ever able to pay off my student debt.

On top of this, I believe that if the universities want more money, they should be giving value for money in the first place at least. (this brings me onto my second point)

2: I spent my university life in an average of 4 hours a week worth of lectures. If I had been taught during my degree, I am certain I would have gained a far higher grade.

I can be certain in this belief as a number of friends of mine who went to university and received real teaching graduated with much higher grades than I did (We're talking shiny proud 1st's here).

(and finally the 3rd point)

3: Since then I have heard from my university once, I received a telephone call a few months ago asking what I was doing now as the university were trying to record the paths of students since graduation, I explained my situation fully and was told that if I emailed David Shacklady who is the Head of Careers & Employment at Buckinghamshire New University I would be given advice on my C.V.

I did this immediately, anything to help find me an opportunity...

David replied with a note that read;

Hi Matt

I will check your CV and get back to you shortly.

Best Wishes

David

That was received by me on January 15th 2009.

I think we have different ideas on what the definition of shortly is.

(Conclusion)

As it stands I'm in a situation now where my outlook towards the future is incredibly positive and I'm really looking forward to finding out what happens next in my life.

The point I was originally making however is why should I or any of the future generations be expected to amass this much debt when the university do such a shoddy job?

If this suggested fee rise goes ahead I will urge any children I may have in the future to not go to university unless they wish to go into a profession that demands a university education, as it seems to me to be nothing more than a big waste of time and money.

How to prepare for the Big Bad World.

I was asked to write an article for the newspaper at Bucks Student's Union this week. Below are the wise words of advice that I offered for the current students.

How to prepare for the Big Bad World.

My name is Matt Fricker, this time last year; I was the Media Officer for Bucks Students’ Union. I spent my spare time volunteering and generally just got as much enjoyment out of my final year as a student as I could.

Then the recession hit.

And I, along with many of my fellow graduates became stuck in a pigeon hole, “Good but not close enough to the brief for this position.”

As a result I found myself fighting for jobs against people who had just been made redundant from doing that very same job, so it was a bit of a loosing battle.

Never the less, I persevere, and my C.V. is noticed by a number of employers. Why? I hear you ask.

Well, as I mentioned earlier, I spent my spare time at Bucks volunteering, I volunteered in the role of Media Officer. A position that allowed me to chat with Bradley from S Club and get splattered with cold sponges for Children In Need among other things.

More importantly though, I also spent a lot of time in meetings with other members of the Students’ Union debating, devising and then implementing ideas and projects that would benefit the cause that we were fighting for. Whether the cause was raising money for Child Poverty Day, or gaining the biggest election turnout in Bucks Students’ Union history, I was there, giving up my spare time to make a real difference.

It’s because of this that my C.V. looks the way it does, employers love volunteering, as it means that you’re willing to get up and do something different, not just sit about and get drunk or just study like many students.

Employers love candidates who volunteer, as through volunteering you learn those life skills that no classroom can teach you.