I recently read a news article which stated that currently 900,000 graduates are unemployed in Great Britain.
Combine this with the thousands due to graduate this year; the apparent 2 million other people who are unemployed (some with degrees, many with job experience, and those that don't want to work) and you are left with a right old mess.
As I write I've been talking to the Government, I'm trying to find out if I need to pay national insurance or not. I've been out of work since I left Uni (nearly a whole year ago) during that time I've demolished and re- decorated a bedroom (unpaid) helped to look after my grandparents (unpaid) re- joined the gym (I paid for that) and done the equivalent of one months worth of paid employment (which went really quickly and I wish it hadn't ended.)
I have also had 3 formal job interviews (of which I didn't get a single job) applied for so many jobs I couldn't tell you which ones (I think I've passed the 1000 applications though, can I have a medal please?) and generally felt a bit rubbish as I can't understand one seemingly simple question.
How did I go to university in a world where it was suggested it would be easy and lucrative to find employment, and I left university to enter a world where I have to fight even to get voluntary work.
I hope this trend doesn't continue.
The worst knowledge that I have currently, my best friend returns from a round the world trip at the end of the month, she left in September.
In the 9 months since she's been around the world, I still haven't found a job.
Depressing reading doesn't seem to do it justice.
Wednesday, 6 May 2009
Tuesday, 17 March 2009
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.
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.
Thursday, 5 March 2009
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.
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.
Monday, 9 February 2009
A month is a long time
In the four weeks since I last updated this blog, I would say that things have changed for the better. I'm still not in full time employment so to say, but my experiences over the past few weeks (Last week in particular) have asked me if I really want to "settle down" job wise.
I realise that the previous point can be argued simply that no one really settles down job wise, but hear me out.
Last week I spent my first full week working in six months, I have done a number of odd days of work here and there, but nothing from Monday to Friday.
For the job in question I was an Events Host, I met a number of very interesting people including a Doctor of Genetics who was searching for a new path. During one of the many conversations that we had, the subject of "what makes you happy" came up, personally, I love writing, I wrote my first book at the age of four, I've still got it, it's riddled with grammatical and spelling mistakes, but I wrote it, and I'm still very proud of it.
The point I'm trying to make is that as an individual and as a employer/ prospective employee I believe that it is imperative that you are working towards a goal that will make you happy. For example, I as an individual am not driven by money, I have nothing against money and I'm sure that first class flights and all of those flashy things are lovely, but I'd rather be happy and proud of what I do.
As a result I currently find myself at a bit of a crossroads, the question, do I keep applying for jobs and take the first full time one that comes along? or do I simply keep doing what I'm doing, take the work when it comes and see what happens?
Personally I'm opting for the latter option, unless my dream job comes along, but I think that won't happen for a few years yet.
I realise that the previous point can be argued simply that no one really settles down job wise, but hear me out.
Last week I spent my first full week working in six months, I have done a number of odd days of work here and there, but nothing from Monday to Friday.
For the job in question I was an Events Host, I met a number of very interesting people including a Doctor of Genetics who was searching for a new path. During one of the many conversations that we had, the subject of "what makes you happy" came up, personally, I love writing, I wrote my first book at the age of four, I've still got it, it's riddled with grammatical and spelling mistakes, but I wrote it, and I'm still very proud of it.
The point I'm trying to make is that as an individual and as a employer/ prospective employee I believe that it is imperative that you are working towards a goal that will make you happy. For example, I as an individual am not driven by money, I have nothing against money and I'm sure that first class flights and all of those flashy things are lovely, but I'd rather be happy and proud of what I do.
As a result I currently find myself at a bit of a crossroads, the question, do I keep applying for jobs and take the first full time one that comes along? or do I simply keep doing what I'm doing, take the work when it comes and see what happens?
Personally I'm opting for the latter option, unless my dream job comes along, but I think that won't happen for a few years yet.
Wednesday, 7 January 2009
A New Year with New problems?
Happy New Year, (albeit a week after New Year has passed)
2009 is predicted to be a dark year for the British economy. This week we have seen the full closure of all Woolworth stores and the announcement that Marks and Spencer will cut a thousand jobs within the next few weeks. Britians retail intdustry, it would seem is currently plunging down a very steep slide.
At the same time, there are preditictions that in two weeks, when Barack Obama becomes President Obama the American economic crisis will get significantly better, as Barack Obama instills faith in the American people that, "everything is going to be alright."
Sadly, I don't think any of Gordon Brown, David Cameron or Ming Campbell could have the same effect (Bring back the Monster Raving Loony Party, at least you felt their joy was genuine.)
So what does this mean for people like me, now unemployed and as good as forgotten by the system. Well, retail work is going to be a lot harder to come by, but then again, it was near impossible to come by in the first place. Companies will be even less likely to take a chance on an unproven student.
Of course, don't forget, there will be more unemployed than previously.
So, nothing's changed really.
Myself, I'm keeping busy and applying for every intership and volunteer position I can find.
I'll be in touch.
2009 is predicted to be a dark year for the British economy. This week we have seen the full closure of all Woolworth stores and the announcement that Marks and Spencer will cut a thousand jobs within the next few weeks. Britians retail intdustry, it would seem is currently plunging down a very steep slide.
At the same time, there are preditictions that in two weeks, when Barack Obama becomes President Obama the American economic crisis will get significantly better, as Barack Obama instills faith in the American people that, "everything is going to be alright."
Sadly, I don't think any of Gordon Brown, David Cameron or Ming Campbell could have the same effect (Bring back the Monster Raving Loony Party, at least you felt their joy was genuine.)
So what does this mean for people like me, now unemployed and as good as forgotten by the system. Well, retail work is going to be a lot harder to come by, but then again, it was near impossible to come by in the first place. Companies will be even less likely to take a chance on an unproven student.
Of course, don't forget, there will be more unemployed than previously.
So, nothing's changed really.
Myself, I'm keeping busy and applying for every intership and volunteer position I can find.
I'll be in touch.
Monday, 1 December 2008
"It's not what you know, it's who you know."
Is the above statement true? is it really the case that in the current state of affairs I, along with everyone else who cannot find work, have a better chance of gaining employment thanks to someone I know opening the door for me?
As painful as it sounds I'm starting to believe it to be true. You see, out of the few tiny rays of light that I have in my personal quest for employment, the brightest one was introduced to me by my own father.
I'm not saying that I'm not happy that my family were able to suggest to me an opportunity, no matter how small that opportunity may be at present.
However, I chose to move back into my family home after university with no job in place, what about people who aren't in my fortunate situation?
What about those who didn't return to live with their parents? It can be assumed that they will all be living somewhere paying rent and bills; so, what can be done to help them?
The answer to these questions I simply do not know. What I do know is that I've been unemployed since July, and unable to even get a job stacking shelves. I also know I've applied for nearly 300 jobs and if I wasn't fortunate enough to have the family that I have, I think I would have probably found it very tough to survive financially in this climate. Worst of all, I know I'm not alone in my predicament, as there are, according to official figures, nearly two million people unemployed in Great Britain.
It sounds incredibly despairing, and the problem is simply what can be done? It's not that help hasn't been asked for, it's just that help cannot exist at this time.
As painful as it sounds I'm starting to believe it to be true. You see, out of the few tiny rays of light that I have in my personal quest for employment, the brightest one was introduced to me by my own father.
I'm not saying that I'm not happy that my family were able to suggest to me an opportunity, no matter how small that opportunity may be at present.
However, I chose to move back into my family home after university with no job in place, what about people who aren't in my fortunate situation?
What about those who didn't return to live with their parents? It can be assumed that they will all be living somewhere paying rent and bills; so, what can be done to help them?
The answer to these questions I simply do not know. What I do know is that I've been unemployed since July, and unable to even get a job stacking shelves. I also know I've applied for nearly 300 jobs and if I wasn't fortunate enough to have the family that I have, I think I would have probably found it very tough to survive financially in this climate. Worst of all, I know I'm not alone in my predicament, as there are, according to official figures, nearly two million people unemployed in Great Britain.
It sounds incredibly despairing, and the problem is simply what can be done? It's not that help hasn't been asked for, it's just that help cannot exist at this time.
Wednesday, 12 November 2008
The System
I've recently been thinking that the education system is a good place to lay blame for every graduate who cannot find a job. Why? well, the education system (in my understanding) works as follows;
Join school aged 3-5 years old (Nursery - Pre School)
Move through the years to aged 16, by which point we collectively have been through a number of tests to determine our intelligence, and lessons which should have hopefully taught us to read, write and do arithmetic (In varying levels of success I should add)
At 16 years of age you take your GCSEs, when you receive your results you make one of your first "grown up" decisions, you either stay in the system or you leave the system.
Those who leave after GCSE level will in many cases will find themselves in either a trade industry (Plumbers, Builders and so on) or in the public services (Armed forces etc...) Admittedly these are both still education systems of sort, as you learn a huge amount and gain invaluable skills to help you on your path.
However, for many (including myself) you stay in the education system and move on to Sixth Form (AKA College) here you begin to specialise, get a slightly higher graded piece of paper and supposedly plan for University.
So, you've done your A-levels (NVQs etc..) and you have two choices, get a job or go to uni where, "Your employment chances will become much greater, as employers love degrees."
You go to university, learn a lot about life and yourself, and get another piece of paper with your name on it. The problem is, for the majority, the system finishes here, graduate courses aren't for you, and you haven't trained to be a Architect, Doctor, Lawyer, or one of the other fine professions that will give you a job by the time you have completed the course.
As a result, you find yourself, having spent the best part of two decades in the education system, lost and feeling all alone thinking, "I've got a degree, why can't I get a chance, I know I can do it, all I need is that one shot."
It's that feeling of helplessness that I know I've had and I'm sure nearly each and every one of you has had at some point or another.
Is there a way to change this? I keep seeing politicians talking about rising unemployment rates and genuinely think that there is nothing beneficial they could do for me (the graduate).
Maybe if I had taken an exam similar to the American SAT exam instead of A levels I would have had a better chance of getting into a first rate university and along with that I may have had a clearer idea of what I wanted to do for a job.
Or maybe the degree that I received from the university I went to has absolutely nothing to do with anything, maybe this feeling of helplessness that the unemployed get is really just another part of the system, there are two questions raised, they are; At what stage will you experience it? and how will you cope?
Talk to your friends and family, they will tell you that they have all been in this situation before.
Join school aged 3-5 years old (Nursery - Pre School)
Move through the years to aged 16, by which point we collectively have been through a number of tests to determine our intelligence, and lessons which should have hopefully taught us to read, write and do arithmetic (In varying levels of success I should add)
At 16 years of age you take your GCSEs, when you receive your results you make one of your first "grown up" decisions, you either stay in the system or you leave the system.
Those who leave after GCSE level will in many cases will find themselves in either a trade industry (Plumbers, Builders and so on) or in the public services (Armed forces etc...) Admittedly these are both still education systems of sort, as you learn a huge amount and gain invaluable skills to help you on your path.
However, for many (including myself) you stay in the education system and move on to Sixth Form (AKA College) here you begin to specialise, get a slightly higher graded piece of paper and supposedly plan for University.
So, you've done your A-levels (NVQs etc..) and you have two choices, get a job or go to uni where, "Your employment chances will become much greater, as employers love degrees."
You go to university, learn a lot about life and yourself, and get another piece of paper with your name on it. The problem is, for the majority, the system finishes here, graduate courses aren't for you, and you haven't trained to be a Architect, Doctor, Lawyer, or one of the other fine professions that will give you a job by the time you have completed the course.
As a result, you find yourself, having spent the best part of two decades in the education system, lost and feeling all alone thinking, "I've got a degree, why can't I get a chance, I know I can do it, all I need is that one shot."
It's that feeling of helplessness that I know I've had and I'm sure nearly each and every one of you has had at some point or another.
Is there a way to change this? I keep seeing politicians talking about rising unemployment rates and genuinely think that there is nothing beneficial they could do for me (the graduate).
Maybe if I had taken an exam similar to the American SAT exam instead of A levels I would have had a better chance of getting into a first rate university and along with that I may have had a clearer idea of what I wanted to do for a job.
Or maybe the degree that I received from the university I went to has absolutely nothing to do with anything, maybe this feeling of helplessness that the unemployed get is really just another part of the system, there are two questions raised, they are; At what stage will you experience it? and how will you cope?
Talk to your friends and family, they will tell you that they have all been in this situation before.
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