What effect has the recession had on you?
It has meant finding a job more difficult than originally thought, not only are companies cutting back on recruitment meaning less vacancies but there is also the added competition from unemployed people seeking jobs.
Are you looking for a full-time position or would contract or temporary work appeal to you?
I am looking for full time for monetary reasons and would only do temporary work if it was with a prestigious firm.
Do you regret taking a degree as there is now less work available?
I don’t regret going to uni as it has provided me with skills which puts me above other candidates.
How many jobs will you apply for until you give up and opt for a different career choice?
Hundreds, even if it means relocating abroad.

Where have you worked since you graduated?
I’ve had three different jobs.  I was a trainee operations manager for a logistics company, I worked in a bar and now I’m working for the army.
Are any of these occupations where you thought you’d end up?
No, not at all.  I never ever thought that I’d work for the army.  I’ve had to go where the work is and just grin and bear it.
What area do you want to work in?
I want to go into publishing and I have had 2 weeks of work experience but it’s just really hard and really demanding at the moment, obviously job roles are being cut.

Watch the interview on my blog.

Are you concentrating on a career linked to your degree or are you happy to take any work?
As much as I enjoyed my degree I have struggled to find a related job that interests me so I am looking for something slightly different.  I wouldn’t say that I would take anything but I am willing to broaden my search.
Do you think you’ll earn as much as you originally expected to?
I thought a degree would allow me to earn a better wage than I actually can.  I definitely underestimated how hard it would be to get a job after graduating.  Before starting my degree I think I thought that graduating and getting a job came hand in hand, I guess that’s just naivety.
Is further study something you encourage?
I would encourage people to study further if they have a genuine interest in a specific topic.  I would also encourage people to study areas that have greater links with jobs.

So, you’ve started searching for graduate jobs?
I’ve looked at some openings but I think because it is more specialised, what I really want, I’ve kind of turned half a blind eye to it.  I think especially at the moment with the climate the graduate openings are being squeezed so hard so I’m thinking it’s maybe better to be good at one thing.
Of the jobs that you have looked at, are the salaries what you expected when you first opted to take a degree?
I thought that entry level would be about what I’m seeing.  But the benefit of going to uni is that you can fast track through an organisation or wherever with a bit more ease and speed.
Have you thought about post-grad courses?
Yer I have but I’d be doing it for the wrong reasons coz I’d only be doing it to dodge paying back my loan and to ride out the recession.  I wouldn’t be doing it because I want to study, because I hate study.