Tuesday 22 June 2010

The beginning or the end?

I've been wanting to start writing this again for a few months now but I've been so busy with studying for my LPC elective exams that I've just not had chance. Today seems like a good day to do it though.

Today is officially my last day in education. It's the beginning of the rest of my life.

Although I actually finished exams last Wednesday, today is the last day of student discount and the day that my course officially ends. Although I've had a job before, it's only ever been part time so this is where it all changes. Since I started full time education on 16th September 1992 I've learnt and changed so much. On my 5th birthday I could count and read. Now I have 9 1/2 GCSEs, a GNVQ, 2 AS levels, 3 A levels, a law degree and by the end of the year I will have graduated for the second time and received my Postgraduate Diploma. I'm proud of what I've achieved. It's not been easy, but I've survived education, had some amazing times, met some brilliant people and I'm out the other side.

So what next?

Well to start off, this morning I made a claim to go on the dole. Not exactly what I've ever wanted, but if I'm entitled to some money I'm sure as hell going to claim it. I'd be stupid not to. I thoroughly confused the people at the job centre when I told them that I'm moving back home this week and therefore wouldn't actually be signing on in Cardiff, but the person I spoke to last week told me to claim ASAP anyway so tough. Once my claim is processed I'll be taking my place in the most joyous of British institutions, the fortnightly dole queue. It'll never be something to look forward to, but necessary for now.

Although I originally wanted to work in law, I've really enjoyed the financial side of the LPC. I scored 94% in Solicitors' Accounts and got one of the highest marks in the year (of 160). Maybe I always should have gone for a career in accountancy, but I'll never know. I've been doing some research into it and I think it'll suit me. I went to the Careers Centre at uni today for a quick CV check and ended up seeing the business school specialist by accident. She was brilliant and gave me a load of accountancy based leaflets while I was there. She loved my CV too, which was a pleasant surprise. I guess I'm just too hard on myself. I've not ruled out law at all, but law and accountancy are both horribly competitive areas to start a career in. I'm going to apply for both and see what comes up first. I'm just widening my options really. Seeing an accountancy specialist today did help though. She seems to think that accountancy firms would actually really like me. Apparently they love law graduates, plus doing the LPC means that I have experience in bookkeeping, tax, the Financial Services Authority, money laundering and client care. She said that based upon my CV I should apply for the schemes that require a 2:1 even though I got a 2:2, because I have extenuating circumstances and to add to that I have a lot of experience that might just give me the edge against others. I came out of that feeling quite positive.

I hate describing myself as unemployed, and want a job sooner rather than later so I'm pleased that I have a decent idea of what I'm aiming for, but in reality I have pretty much the world open to me now. I could end up anywhere, doing anything and it's really really scary.

Scary, but so so exciting.

Music: The Killers - Mr Brightside
Socks: One blue, one red.