However, now that I have a job (which I haven't actually started yet by the way), I've started to wonder if degrees are in fact worth the big bill at the end of the three years. Granted, I learnt how to look after myself and certainly found out my alcoholic limits, but the actual degree has proven to be (arguably) not of much use. Almost every job I applied for that required a degree was never heard from again, or was met with the standard, monotonous, cold response. My personal favorite was 'we were very impressed with your CV and covering letter. However, we regret to inform you that we will not be taking you further in the application process.' Needless to say, I never got a response when I asked for a specific reason as to why I was considered to have an 'impressive CV and covering letter' but not even elected worthy of an interview. In the end, I have settled for a job with prospects, but one that only officially requires 5 GCSE's at grades A*-C. How on earth people who have no interest in continuing their education after GCSE are supposed to find a career with a future I have no idea!
I guess one of the main reasons I encountered such difficulty in finding a 'proper' graduate job is to do with my choice in degree. I'm guessing someone with a degree in any kind of IT subject is much more useful to society than me and my degree in Politics. The most relevant career to my degree sees you working for free for what I understand to be months on end! Unless of course you were brainy enough to get into Oxbridge. This is hardly an option that many would be able to pursue, unless they have well-off parents willing to support them. But it seems getting even an internship requires a first from a top 10 university and an extensive history of political interest and activism. Who needs social representation in Parliament when we've got upper-class people of private education to run the country instead?
So I was left to apply to jobs with a salary that won't be enough to start paying off my student loan. While I most certainly don't regret going to university, as I made great friends and learnt a lot about life, the key reason you're suppose to go now seems to be the least useful aspect if you study a subject that is vague, or extremely difficult to actually pursue a career in. And yet to get onto the course that I studied you now need 320 UCAS points (ABB). It seems that university is only worth the money now if you excel above your peers in your subject area or pick a degree that is particularly sought after. I knew not taking double science at GCSE and pursuing a career as a midwife would come back to haunt me!
If I were asked at the age of sixteen, 'where do you see yourself in five years?' I'm pretty sure my response would not have been 'working at an insurance company on just under 14k per annum'. But despite all this doom and gloom that we see on the news every evening about rising unemployment and the end of the economic world as we know it, I still remain optimistic. I'm sure this job won't be THAT boring and at least I don't have to type a covering letter for a while....
