Matt's job log: 1

Matt Atkins hereby starts his first Graduate blog.

Off the settee

‘Oi Matt?’ they asked, albeit in a much more formal manner. ‘How do you fancy writing a weblog for us?’ ‘Give us some info on how you’re going about getting ahead in the world of work, let the readers know how you progress.’

It took only a few seconds to mentally process the request before writing a reply, sent off, as always, via my work email. ‘Yeah, of course,’ I blurted, ‘That’d be a great idea. I’ll get on to it right away!’

And that, pretty much, is how I came to write this first post and why, the evening before the deadline, I’m sat in front of a blank screen. You see, I’m currently experiencing a pretty intense bout of writers block - a serious problem. As an aspiring writer/journalist type, my current lack of oomph is slightly worrying. Maybe it’s a case of post-Christmas blues, perhaps I’ve got too used to my time off work. One thing is for certain – I need to get off the settee. The Harry Potter movies won’t help me to find a job.

Who am I?

Perhaps a small introduction is a good way to kick things off? Hold tight, here we go:

I’m twenty-four and in August 2007 completed a Masters degree in Mass Communications. For the past few months I’ve been temping for the NHS in numerous clerical positions as well as completing the odd work experience placement. Currently, I’m trying to break into the world of journalism, in part due to my passion for writing and also to satisfy my desire to learn new things. I’m also somewhat of an ego-maniac and relish the idea of impressing my point-of-view upon the general population.

By choosing journalism as a career I’ve set myself the challenge of trying to break one of the most competitive industries possible. So you can see why my current lack of motivation is of some concern. But it hasn’t always been like this. I’ve recently ridden a wave of reasonable success. Between October and November much of my time was spent bombing along the motorway to various local newspapers. As a result I’ve managed to get my name in print and get a feel for working in a newsroom. While I’ve decided against news journalism as an option, my placements have been extremely useful, not only providing a boost for my confidence but also a major boost in the arm of my all important CV.

As an extra and quite significant bonus, I’ve managed to write a few articles for this very website (the staff of which are all lovely, lovely people). This has earned me some extra cash, added weight to my portfolio and allowed me to practise my interview technique. It’s also meant I can claim to be a freelance journalist, which sounds infinitely more impressive than the day-to-day job, making me sound much more interesting at parties. On paper at least I’m taking the right steps down the path to career-dom.

Inspiration needed

Right at this very minute though, I feel like I’m treading water and I think my inspiration is beginning to fade. Motivation and I have always had a tempestuous relationship. Throughout my undergraduate days I could while away the hours on the most meaningless of tasks, usually leading to last-minute essays and all night cramming sessions. Things would change, I told myself, when I took on a Masters degree. They didn’t, obviously, and for a second time I found myself finishing a dissertation on the day it had to be handed in.

This current lull is, I think, due to my lack of a game plan. My recent success has been due more to opportunity than to working to an actual timetable of events, and, admittedly, I’ve been slightly lax when it comes to applying for jobs. While temping has allowed me the freedom to gain work experience, it’s quite obvious that I could be working in a profession much more closely associated with my final career goals.

Resolution

So people, I need a plan. Call it a belated new year’s resolution. In the time between now and my next blog I will endeavour to find a way out of my current employment and into something which involves the use of my degree skills. I promise that by next posts time I’ll have sent off job applications left right and centre and hopefully have the prospect of an interview on the horizon.

Actually, I’m sitting on top of a number of CV’s (figuratively speaking) right now. Among others, I’m applying for a research post with a law firm and a junior position at a publishing company. All of these of the jobs are located in our great capital city and a move from Birmingham is a pretty exciting prospect. Once I’ve finished writing and rewriting and writing this post again, I’m going to walk the ten metres from my house to the post box and kick-start my adventure in the world of job-hunting.

You know, I suddenly feel much more positive!

Suggestions to editorial@prospects.ac.uk