Blogs: Lee discusses the big wide world

Lee Rosborough studied sport journalism at the University of Brighton and is now on the hunt for his dream job

It seems like only yesterday that your UCAS application came back successful and you enjoyed your last summer at home before moving away for university.

Now, three years on, you are going into the last month of study and you've got assignments and exams coming at you from all angles.
But nevertheless you keep reassuring yourself that when June rolls around and your degree is finalised you can relax for a while - but is that a good idea?

Surely it is time to get yourself out in the 'big wide world' you have heard so much about? Equipped with your shiny new degree, you should start working in the job you've dreamt about since stepping foot in university as, in my case, an anxious 18-year-old with the university halls my oyster. But where is that job? And what if you can't find it?

What is the key to curing the anxiety of leaving education for good? In my case I see experience as the most valuable asset - I see getting out there and doing it far more valuable than what grade is written on that piece of paper you will receive at some point in July.

After your university lecturers have played their part in helping you find placements and - in some cases - doing just about everything to aid you getting into the workplace for a few weeks, you are on your own. And 'your own' can be a confusing place.

Everybody would love to get a job working where they most enjoyed their respective placements.

But, in all honesty, how many other students did that exact same placement and how often do jobs actually come up at 'x' before 'y' contacts you to come in for an interview? Besides, that word 'interview' is enough to put some off of getting a job for good! 

It seems as if it's best to start looking nice and early for a job, and having one lined up before finishing university would be ideal for any undergraduate. But again, your first job is unlikely to be your dream job and how do you know where to start looking?

For me, one day I began sifting through numerous job websites looking at placements, internships and of course jobs, and on first look it seemed as if there was loads of work out there.

But after you have taken out adverts containing 'We are looking for an experienced...' from your list, the outcome becomes increasingly bleak. And then add to that the fact you can only tell them your predicted degree grade if you are an undergrad.

That leads me onto the biggest problem - your final exams and assignments. These are the grades that will make or break your degree and possible your career plans. A lot rides on these - not to mention the three years of study you have completed to get there.

The nerves will always be there and the pressure is more than ever. But enjoy it! After all, it is the last thing you will do as your journey through education comes to an end and the job search starts. Unless you decide to stay on, of course, in which case all of the above scenarios will be repeated…