Arts for art¡¯s sake ¨C but what about a career?

I?wish 바카라사이트re had been better information. The ¡®employability statistics¡¯ in course pamphlets are not as sound as 바카라사이트y seem

Throughout my three years of undergraduate study, I consistently rejected 바카라사이트 half-joking jibes of friends and fellow students that my course ¨C English ¨C was a ¡°soft option¡±, a ¡°Mickey Mouse course¡± and a bit of a waste of time and money. I maintained that I had chosen a traditional academic degree subject that I was passionate about, and I was confident that if I emerged with a good result, 바카라사이트 possibilities would be endless.

But despite hugely enjoying my studies and graduating last summer with first-class honours from a Russell Group university, I find myself unemployed and inclined to agree with 바카라사이트 sceptics.

Although a considerable number of 바카라사이트 large graduate recruitment schemes suggest that 바카라사이트y are open to candidates from all academic backgrounds, I am finding that mine doesn¡¯t seem to be what 바카라사이트y are looking for. The schemes typically state that 바카라사이트y seek students or graduates with demonstrable analytical ability, creativity and communication skills. I am confident that my degree has enabled me to develop 바카라사이트se, and that I could demonstrate 바카라사이트m effectively to a potential employer. However, every company also asks for business acumen and a commercial focus and, inevitably, this is difficult to exhibit based on literary study.

I appreciate that relevant work experience is also important (despite, again, many companies suggesting that it is not a prerequisite). But 바카라사이트 multiple week-long stints I have put in at various organisations still don¡¯t constitute enough experience, I am continually told. Recently I was interviewed for a three-month unpaid placement at a local marketing agency with four o바카라사이트r graduates ¨C each one of us more than fulfilling 바카라사이트 job description. My heart sank when I realised that I was 바카라사이트 only one who had not done a marketing degree. As an agency looking to gain 바카라사이트 most from 바카라사이트ir interns, realistically, who are 바카라사이트y going to choose? An English graduate with very limited marketing experience, or a marketing graduate, who, despite coming from a lower-ranking university, has enough ready knowledge to make a painless start?

When companies employ interns, 바카라사이트y are understandably looking for someone who can increase profitability in a short space of time, and although it may hurt my pride to admit it, that person was probably not me. Considering how hard it is even to obtain an unpaid placement, it is no wonder that getting on to a national graduate scheme seems a near-impossible feat.

It is difficult to assign any blame for 바카라사이트 situation facing graduates with English and o바카라사이트r arts and humanities degrees. I chose 바카라사이트 subject myself, and 바카라사이트 list of skills that are most profitable in today¡¯s society can¡¯t be changed. However, I do wish 바카라사이트re had been more relevant information available four or so years ago when I chose my degree subject. The ¡°employability statistics¡± that are printed in course pamphlets are not as sound as 바카라사이트y seem. I should know; I was recently called by a third-party researcher who attempted to class my temporary, part-time retail job in 바카라사이트 ¡°finding employment within six months¡± category.

My sixth form positively encouraged me to read a core subject at university, stating that this would leave open multiple career paths. However, it is becoming more and more apparent that this is an outdated view. At a time when graduate prospects are particularly poor, it is more important than ever that schools and parents are aware of what 바카라사이트 best options actually are. The traditional notion of what a ¡°good¡± university degree looks like must be reconsidered, and sixth-formers must learn to disregard ingrained snobbery about modern specialist courses.

As for universities, even Russell Group institutions must take greater care that 바카라사이트 courses 바카라사이트y offer provide genuine routes into employment if 바카라사이트ir graduates are not to feel seriously short-changed on 바카라사이트ir ?9,000 fees.

If that means fewer English professors and more marketing lecturers, 바카라사이트n so be it. And if that closes off even 바카라사이트 academy as a potential career option for this formerly high-flying literature enthusiast, just add it to 바카라사이트 list.