Working World: Experience, Internships and the Future

Dad's Office

Dad’s Office

During my five weeks off from university, I have spent three days in Dad’s office in Newark in an attempt to get some revision done. Largely, this has been successful, due to a lack of distractions and quiet working environment, with Dad sat opposite me working so I feel that I jolly well should be doing something. However, today I brought my laptop with me to research interpretations of French poetry, which has resulted in watching BBC news 24 as the Boston manhunt is uncovered, and writing this blog. Only one poem has been vaguely revised. I have, however, done an hour grammar and translation test which in some way makes up for it.

As I was washing up the plates from which we had eaten fish and chips for lunch, I thought how I quite like being in a work environment and wondered if I’d ever get a job in a place like this. Then the reality of work was emphasised to me even more; one of Dad’s colleagues was reiterating to me the importance of internships. Without showing your experience of work, how can you expect to be employed against those who have done the work, gone out there and got the CV to prove it?

Nowadays, internships are a prerequisite for getting a job, I am constantly reminded of this through university emails, and competition for them is rife. My question is how do you beat this competition? Is it having previous work experience? If so, this is a vicious circle, and my chances aren’t looking likely. I haven’t had a proper job before. I have voluntary experience and year 11 work experience in a day nursery, but apart from that I have babysat, delivered papers and been a CD player operator for dance exams (DJ Han in da house). A lot of my friends have had several weekend jobs by now.

Dad suggested that if a child comes from a low income family then working has never been an option but a necessity, therefore forcing them to gain valuable work experience. So those who are fortunate enough to be able to enjoy their lifestyle from their parents’ income need to be motivated to work anyway so they can rely on their own pay slips. Money doesn’t grow on trees.

I do sometimes think that no one will want to employ me because I haven’t had a job. As a student, is it acceptable to say I haven’t had the time for one? I understand that I am very fortunate to have been able to get by financially without a regular income. Hopefully this summer I can find some sort of work to add to my CV, I feel the world of work is waiting for me!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwDMFOLIHxU

VS

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AbPED9bisSc

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