By Deborah Schrieber I Graduated in August 2005 from Sussex University with a BA in Engish literature, entering the real world somewhat scared and confused. I had enjoyed my time at university, even the studying side of it, and apart from realising that I liked writing and research I had little more self awareness when it came to deciding upon a career. Like all students I had emerged in debt and returned home to work in a museum café over the summer. There I was fortunate to work with a girl who was the daughter of the newly appointed editor of the National Trust Magazine. Throughout University I had been informed of the importance of work experience but I never realised just how crucial it is, also, due to financial constraints I’d been unable to afford it. I decided to temp for a few months and then ask to do a couple of weeks. The editor had been inundated with requests for work experience and turned them down, as I had met her and had a chance to talk with her this provided me with a big advantage and I was offered a one month internship, which was paid. I found my internship worthwhile, the National Trust headquarters had just been relocated and the magazine team was incomplete, so I got the chance to do a range of work. I was mainly phoning people to research new stories, but I also did picture research and wrote some articles. Overall I felt my internship was beneficial because it made me realise the type of work I want to do and has given me direction. However, it gave me a taste of an ideal job that is in demand and hard to get, especially as a graduate with little experience. I applied for two publishing assistant jobs, got an interview for one but the job went to someone who had worked for two years as a publishing assistant! There is always someone with more experience and there is a limit to the amount of work experience you can do. Although, without my internship I would not have got an interview. I have had to get a job unrelated to my degree but with the aim of saving to do a post graduate diploma in journalism. My CV now has relevant experience on it and an editor willing to act as a referee for me. I would recommend doing work experience, as there are so many English Graduates out there and work experience illustrates dedication and passion helping you to stand out. It will also help you to decide whether you want to work in that particular field. I was very lucky and have friends who have written numerous cover letters asking to do work experience and been unsuccessful, or who have been treated badly and ended up making coffee and photocopying for two weeks. I would advise using any contacts you have; friends’ parents or parents’ friends, anyone you know on a first name basis will give you a serious advantage. | 
