I'm back! | Figuring Out Where I'm Going in Life - The Next Chapter

Hiya Peeps!

I know it's been a super long time since I've been here, but please don't judge me, I've been super busy trying to figure a few things out and now I'm (hopefully) back for good. Setting myself a goal to post on a weekly basis on a certain day and time was obviously something that I wasn't going to be able to stick to, so I'm sorry for that also! 

As you may know, in July this year I graduated from The University of Glamorgan (now The University of South Wales) with a 2:1 in Media Production (I know, I still can't really believe it either!). Throughout the whole of my third year I didn't really think about what I was going to do after graduation, I guess I just focused on the work and holding onto the University lifestyle. I always knew that the time would come when it would all be over and I'd have to start looking for a job, but I tried to block it out. I'm one of those people who haven't figured out what I want to do yet, so actually getting my head down and applying for stuff scared the living wits out of me. 

Since I was able to get my hands on a computer with internet access, I've been a little bit addicted to Social Media. Don't laugh, I was even on Habbo Hotel and Neopets (and if you don't know what those are, I'm judging you!). During my third year at Uni, Social Media really became my thing, and I knew that it was what I wanted to do as a career. The whole Social Media movement excites me and watching how everything and everyone is moving online is fascinating. People use the internet so much in their every day lives and it's an industry that's moving so quickly, I can't see it ever being boring. When I finished Uni, I was lucky enough to land an internship with a Social and Mobile Media Agency in Newport and it completely changed my life. Being there, I learned so much and my passion for the business only grew more. I wanted to work in Community Managment and I wanted to spend all of my time online. 

 

I've since moved home to Essex, and finding a full time job is proving more difficult that I had hoped. Everyone told us it wasn't going to be easy, but I never ever anticipated that it could be this stressful. It's hard because everything you apply for asks for more experience than I have, but how am I ever supposed to get experience when no one will take a chance on me? I know my industry is a difficult one to get into and everyone is in the same boat, but I sometimes question where I'm going wrong. I have a part-time job which has been a lifesaver for me, but I can't help but look at where I am now and see that I'm in exactly the same spot I was in before I acquired my degree. It's really hard to be upbeat about the future when you literally have no clue where you're going in life, or really where you want to be. 

Last week I made the trip back to Cardiff where I studied to catch up with some of my friends and family, and my FMP lecturer from Uni. Going back was one of the strangest things I've ever experienced and being back in The Atrium was even weirder. I drove past where I lived, and went back to the place where I graduated and couldn't help but feel the huge lump in throat that it was all really over. I went back to my University to meet one of good friends who was also my FMP lecturer, Julie, and that was the strangest part. Being back in the building where I studied for three years didn't feel like home anymore. On one hand, I wouldn't have found it strange if my friends had walked in and we'd have gone to lectures, but on the other, I couldn't help but notice that it wasn't my life anymore. There were hundreds of people around me and not one of them knew who I was or that I'd even studied there before. Speaking to Julie, though, has made me feel a lot better about things. First, she gave me a kick up the backside about not blogging (probably why I'm back!) but she also helped me to feel okay about the fact that I'm not sure where I'm going yet. She reassured me that most people are in the same situation and as long as I have dreams and aspirations I'll get there one day soon. Seeing my best friends from Uni really brought it all home to me that most of us really are the same. We spent so long sharing all of our memories and I was so grateful to see them all again, but it was also so nice knowing that we all believe in each other. I think the Uni Glam Class of 2013 are the best yet! 

I've been thinking a lot recently about what the next step is for me. It's hard knowing that my University life is over, but that's not then end of my story. I've got so much more that I want to achieve and so many things that I want to see that I'm not giving up on. While a career is so extremely important to me, I've also decided that I might want to travel a bit. If you know me well, you'll know that I've always said I was born on the wrong side of the pond. My heart belongs to America, and even though I've only been there twice, I cannot wait to get back. I've decided that I NEED to go back. I want to spend part of next summer in Los Angeles, but that all depends on what I'm doing career wise at the point. I'm still applying for Social Media and PR & Marketing jobs every day in the hope that something will come along real soon. I guess I don't have a finalised goal of where I want to be. I don't know if I'll stay here in the UK or if I will make it to the US, who knows?! All I know is that I have great people around me, a degree that I'm proud of and the power to be whoever I want to be. I have no limits. I'm lucky enough to have the most supportive family and friends out there, and I know they'll be there for me whatever I do in life. 

I guess this is really a post for anyone who's in the same position as me, or for someone at Uni or someone who's thinking about going. It's a post for my family and friends, but it's also a post for me. It's good to talk about what you're going through and hopefully this way I'll find even more people that can relate to my experience. 

I know this is kind of a serious post but I do also want to keep this blog light-hearted and fun to be a part of. I'm going to keep blogging about life after University, but I also want to keep the Beauty and Tag theme around. What do you want to see me talk about next time? Pleaseee give me suggestions because they're really helpful at moments of severe writers block, but I also want to write stuff that you want to read! Just tweet me @amyjcollins or comment any ideas that you have! There are plenty of other Social Media sites where you can grab me as well, links are all in the sidebar. I hope you're still enjoying my blog and I'll see you very soon! 

Thanks so much for stopping by, all the love in the world,

Take care, stay beautiful and dream big!

@amyjcollins

xox

Midweek Misery and The Big Brother Final.

Hiya Peeps!

Don't worry, midweek posting isn't going to be a regular thing. You can calm down, I won't be forever bombarding you with my constant chatter. 

I just really wanted to have a moan; I'm feeling a little sorry for myself today and blogging lets me get some things off my chest. I'm feeling poopey because even though I've been doing quite well with the whole weight loss thing (if I do say so myself), I bought a couple of casual dresses online and they just look horrific on me. I thought after losing almost a stone, I might start feeling a little better about my body and that clothes might start to look a little better, but I'm just not getting that yet. I know it's going to take time, but a stone is a lot to lose and I thought I'd be seeing some results by now. It's just frustrating because I really like the dresses and I know they'd look good on most other people. So basically, that's it. Sorry for my little rant. 

In happier, and slightly more exciting news, however, last night I went to the Big Brother Final. I've been to a lot of pre-recorded and live TV shows before, so I wasn't expecting this one to be all that different, but it was on another level. The production was of such a high standard and there were so many crew. It's not like being in a small TV studio with a crew of 30 and an audience of 200, there were so many people! The whole 'live' atmosphere is such a buzz and it just adds to the excitement of being at a TV recording. It really was so much fun, and we had a great spot right next to the stairs where the housemates come out. That being said, we were also right opposite where the media were, meaning that we're in the back of quite a lot of the press shots. It was hilarious coming out to messages / tweets from friends saying they'd just seen me on TV! 

 (Emma Willis' cue cards. Such a fangirl! Given to me by Floor Manager.)

But more than anything else, being back in the television environment has really given me a buzz for the industry again. I always knew I was passionate about TV production, but this has just confirmed it all the more. Being away from the TV production environment and coming back to it has made me want it so much more. Watching the Floor Manager work was so inspiring for me, and I even managed to grab a few words with him at the end which was awesome. He gave me some really good advice and really got me passionate for the business again.

Something that I kept a real close eye on over the course of the night was the fashion and the outfits that the contestants decided to wear for the final. I've decided that Sunday's post will possibly be a reflection of that. I might discuss what I thought of the whole event and focus mainly on what everyone looked like, and what my opinions were. What do you think? Let me know if you think this is a horrid idea and I'll come up with something else, but I think it could be quite fun. It's not like anything I've ever done before and it might be nice to get my opinions across. Tweet me @amyjcollins or let me know in the comments below what you think my next post should be about. 

Again, I'm sorry for posting midweek when I said I wouldn't, I just really wanted to let you know about my Big Brother experience and have a little whinge about my body. I also don't blame you if you haven't read down this far.

Thanks for stopping by, all the love in the world,

Take care, stay beautiful and dream big, people!

@amyjcollins

xox

Well, I’ve graduated (almost)... Now what?!

Hiya Peeps!

For me, finishing Uni feels like the most daunting thing EVER and I have no idea what I’m going to do with my life. With graduation fast approaching, it feels like everything has come around so quickly and I feel very out of my depth. This is the time for my peers and I to be making some big decisions about our futures, and I’m just not sure if I’m ready yet! 

I’ve been hearing all over the place that, ‘we need a break after uni!’ and ‘this is going to be the best summer’, and people are probably right, but is this really the best thing for us in terms of finding work? While our minds are still in ‘work mode’ I think now is the best time to be proactive and start applying for those all important internships and graduate schemes. 

And if you manage to land a placement or job straight out of University, then you’re one of the lucky ones. Finding work at the best of times is tough, so being a graduate with little experience makes the process even harder. Going straight into work means everything that you’ve spent the last three years learning will be fresh in your brain and you’ll be raring to go! I’ve been lucky enough to land an internship at a Social and Mobile Media agency and I’m loving being back in work so soon after finishing my degree as I feel motivated to work and am ready to move onto the next chapter of my life! 

Like I said before, though, finding work off of the back of University isn’t easy. Here’s a few of my tips of what to do after you’ve graduated...

1. Get Networking! - Having contacts in your field is absolutely key! They’re not only useful for when it comes to finding work and applying for jobs, but they’re also great for advice and motivation while you’re searching for the perfect placement. I made a lot of contacts while at University and the reason I was able to land my internship was thanks to one of my lecturers.
2. Be Proactive! -    Work opportunities won’t just fall into your lap; you’ll have to be actively looking for a job if you want to be employed. Websites like LinkedIn advertise entry level jobs and internships for recent graduates so they’re a great place to start! If you have a clear idea of the industry you want to work in, find details of companies you’d like to work for and contact them direct. They’ll appreciate your enthusiasm and it’ll show your interest.
3. Take Advantage of Opportunities! - If you’re offered a job or information about a work opportunity, TAKE IT! No matter how big or small, at this level, any experience is good experience! If you’re anything like me, you’re not 100% sure where your talent lays, so any work experience will help you to establish this. Any chance at this stage of your career is great because it all adds to the CV, and the fuller your CV, the better.
4. Keep Learning! - Even though you’re not studying anymore, that doesn’t mean that you need to stop learning. Regularly reading things and generally keeping up to date with news in your field will really help you out. It’s good to keep your brain active and regular research will help it!
5. Use your time wisely! - If you do decide you want a break to relax or maybe travel, make sure you use the opportunity to your advantage. While you’re abroad or at home chilling, why not take some time out for a bit of voluntary work. It’s a really good way to stay active and feel like you’re doing something of worth with your time, as well as it looking great on your CV. If you’re taking time off, try to use your evenings and weekends for a part time job while you job hunt as it’ll keep money coming in to tide you over until you find something you want to do long term. 

So whether you’re already doing your dream internship, spending your days searching for a graduate placement or chilling on a beach somewhere, remember that your future starts NOW. 

Remember, take care, stay beautiful and dream BIG!
Thanks for stopping by.
@amyjcollins <3.

Big Life Updates - Aaaaah!

28.05.2013

Hiya Peeps!

Okay, so I've been slightly out of touch because I thought finishing University would mean I had all the time in the world on my hands, but it turns out that's not the case. I feel like I've been soooo busy the past two weeks that I've barely had time to breathe, let alone blog!

Basically, in this post I'm just going to share a few of the big updates in my life, and talk about some of the things I've been getting up to, so here it goes.

First update, (probably not that huge), is that I'm finally turning into a girl! Now, don't lets all start spreading rumours that I'm a male and have a hairy chest, but I have started acting more like a girl recently. I've suddenly had this massive burst of interest in all things make-up and I guess I kind of like this. I've never really been a massive fan of make up and always just worn little to nothing on my face, just because I could never be bothered. I started watching some YouTube videos of girls doing make-up and what the best products on the market were and I just decided it was something I wanted to experiment with. It's odd that I haven't had this before because I've worked in a 'drug store' for almost five years now and literally been surrounded by make-up products almost every weekend since I was sixteen. So, yes, that's update no1! If you see me now, I'm probably wearing eye primer and highlighter on my cheeks which sounds completely insane.

Now, probably the biggest update in my life at the moment is that I've finished Uni. I mentioned it at the start of this blog very briefly, but yes, it's now completely done. I don't think it's actually sunk in yet that I don't ever have to go to another lecture (hoorah!) because I've been spending time preparing for our end of year show and just generally being busy with life and stuff. It did kind of hit me today when I went back to the Uni building for the first time in nearly two weeks and it felt very weird. The building was really quiet because obviously most people have finished lectures now, but it sort of felt like I shouldn't have been there. I knowww that sounds completely ridiculous as I've been a student there for three years but I was almost waiting for someone to come and tell me off because I'm not technically a student anymore! I've mentioned a bit about Uni in a couple of my other blogs, and if you follow me on Twitter (@amyjcollins) you'll have probably seen my constant flow of tweets about Uni. It has been three of the toughest years I'll probably ever endure (which is probably why I've moaned so much), but it's also been the most exciting and eye opening experience of my life and I literally recommend it to EVERYONE. I've met the most amazing people over my time at Uni and I've also learned quite a lot as well (gladly!). Living away from home has really taught me A LOT of valuable life lessons and I've spent amazing times with some incredible people I'll never forget. (I would list them all, but I'll probably miss someone and don't want to offend. You all know who you are <3).

Third big life update is that I'm starting work experience tomorrow. I'm going to a Social and Mobile Media agency to learn more about what they do and how they work with high profile clients. I'm obviously blinking nervous about this but I honestly cannot contain my excitement. I'm buzzing to get out there into the world of work and because it's something I'm really keen to learn more about, I'm sure it'll be great fun. Social Media marketing and promotion is, I think, the future of marketing and promotion and it's definitely something I'm interested to get involved in and gain knowledge about.

Next thing, not something directly about me, but what is this weather playing at, eh?! I cannot believe that on Sunday afternoon I was having a barbeque with all my family at my grandparents house, and then today I got completely drenched by the rain walking 10 minutes home from town. It's insane. If there is someone who's borrowed the sun, please could we have it back? I miss it, and my bedroom is very cold because it's disappeared. Cheers.

So that's it really. Those are just some of the things going on in my life at the moment. I'm aware that they're not HUGELY exciting for other people but it's just a little insight into what's going on with me right now.

Thanks for stopping by <3.

@amyjcollins

xox