...Another one opens!
This week, I left one job and started another. It's been one crazy week! I left
Glasgow Caley on Wednesday and started at Primesight on Thursday. Since I have
spent the last four years at GCU, I thought I would do a little look back at my
four and a bit years there with studying and working.
Glasgow Caledonian University was always my first choice when applying for
UCAS. I loved the modern campus, the Saltire Centre with the turquoise
staircase that is hard to miss. The welcoming atmosphere that I experienced at
the Open Day and of course, the programmes that they offered. Even though I
also applied for Fashion Business, I knew that my next step was in business. A
BA (Hons) Business Studies degree sounded like a good place to start. To keep
this bit short, after 4 years of studying and 7 months working at GCU, it is
time to move on. A new job awaits. New year, new job. Since we are coming to
the end of the year, I have decided to have a look back at the key things that
GCU have given me.
1. A degree. Yes, the point of going to university after all. I started as a
Business Studies student and left as a Business Studies with Marketing
graduate. The ‘with’ has gave the degree that something extra. I must add,
having specialism doesn't mean you are an expert but at least you have started
to swim in the subject rather than dipped your toes in. Graduation is one of
those moments that you see yourself throughout your university life in fast
forward mode and it all comes down to that moment on stage. If that’s not scary
enough, the fear of falling was infecting everyone!
2. Friends. When waiting for your first day to first, UCAS offered a service
where you can meet other students on the course. This is where I would meet
first of many friends. It was called YouGo and I am thankful for this as
without it, I wouldn’t have met the others who would help me through university
life! The two that I met were unfortunately not in my group but this presented
an opportunity to meet others in my group. This was when ‘BABS19’ was born.
After a year or so of shuffling around, everyone in this group got together and
created a supergroup, even bigger than McBusted. These girls (and boys) have
given me some memorable moments. As we all went our seperate ways after
Graduation, I heard a Dr Seuss quote that has stayed with me through times when
I miss the good old times in class or being out at the Garage, ‘Don’t cry
because it’s over, smile because it happened’.
3. An iPad. I procrastinated in the best way. Not with Facebook but by filling
in a University survey. I never really thought about the prize, it was a way of
not doing revision. This was the only time it really paid off. I remember
logging into my student account and getting an email with the subject
‘Students‘ Association Annual Survey Prize Winner’ and thinking, MUST have been
a typo. However, to my pleasant surprise it was for real and I even got to
choose a cover colour. At the time before I received it, I was craving to have
Instagram just for the photo-editing features but I was about to have that and
a lot more apps that stretched beyond my imagination. And it served as my
camera for a good while. So my advise is to enter any competition as you never
know what you might win!
4. A year abroad. The iPad wasn’t my biggest win at university. Gaining a
placement in the USA was one of the most memorable. After applying just to see
what happened to having three Skype interviews over a few weeks to turning down
an assessment centre for IBM for this opportunity. I genuinely couldn’t believe
it. Me? Living in America? An opportunity that I just couldn’t turn down. In
July 2012, I left for the year long rollercoaster ride that involved many road
trips, real world work experience, crazy snow storms, many friendships and of
course, FOOD! The story of my year abroad is many blog posts in itself but
without the GCU partnership, this life changing year wouldn’t have happened and
may have been in a different place to where I am now.
5. A step into marketing. After surviving a crazy two final semesters, it was
time to think about a job? A real life job? Why has this come around so quickly
I thought. Some students were organized and had applied to graduate schemes
early. Some knew that another degree or training was their next step. Some, like
me, had no idea what to do. I used my previous ‘applying and seeing what
happens’ tactic and apply for Skyscanner, an online travel comparison website.
I had used their app on my iPad (of course) and had loved it. I used that as a
basis for my interest and applied. I got through to a telephone interview,
which really excited me. The first half went well but some of the questions
stumped me, ‘What do you do to keep up with marketing’, ‘What marketing
experience do you have?’. I tried to adapt my experience as best I could to
what was asked but it clearly wasn’t enough. I asked for feedback and said that
I interviewed well but I didn’t have relevant marketing experience they needed.
After a few other job interviews, I still was uncertain what lay ahead. Then
there was an opportunity that lay closer than I thought. At GCU. The business
school was looking for a Marketing intern as their main manager was out on
maternity leave and they needed extra cover. With my past experience within the
marketing department, helping with Open Days, graduate fairs and packing goody
bags I had my contact who put in a good word. I was interviewed and was offered
the job there and then! I handed in my final essay on the 8th of May and
started on the 15th. Working for GCU has allowed me to showcase what I am good
at and what else I can achieve. I have worked on creative projects, developed
people (or student) management skills and gained an insight into how marketing
works. When my supervisor left in September, I thought it was a good time to
show what I could do independently although I did feel a bit lost at times.
Recently, my new supervisor has introduced me to a new way of working and
seeing the real work behind the marketing department which I am really grateful
for. This has allowed me to release that I need to take the next step in
another direction. In the direction of a new sector and new work place. And
from my first two days at Primesight, I know I have made the right
choice.
GCU, it has been a pleasure. Primesight, let's do this!
