As thousands of students found
out their A-Level results this week, I can’t help but reminisce over my results
day. It seems like only yesterday that floods of tears were streaming down my
face as I read my results, which meant my mother thought that I had failed. How
wrong she was!
Compared to 2012, the number of
students scoring an A or A* has fallen by 0.3% but there was a rise in the
number of students taking what are considered to be more academic subjects.
This doesn't surprise me as much as the news that the number of people going to
University is rising, despite the £9,000 tuition fees.
Its five years since my results
day and I’d like to think I have a better understanding of my career path, than
I did back then. During my school years, I hadn't the faintest idea what I
wanted to do but fortunately through work experience and University I have come
to discover my strengths. If I could give advice to 18 year old me, I would
probably say:
‘Don’t worry about not knowing
what you want to be in the future. You are most definitely not alone. Take
everything in your stride, enjoy yourself, join University societies and with
time, you’ll discover a bubbly, creative, confident side of you that you never
knew about.’
If these past five years have
taught me anything, it’s that life isn’t black and white. Yes, thousands of
students go to University but there are other options too. Apprenticeships are
a fantastic way to learn on-the-job. In Germany, students who don’t plan on
going to University are offered a two to three year work placement – something
similar to what is slowly being introduced in the UK.
This week I’ve been very
fortunate to have been working at Target PR, helping me gain an insight to the world
of PR. From day one I knew this was a sector I’d enjoy. From drafting press
releases to editing a newsletter for the UK’s most trusted opticians, this work
experience has certainly broadened my understanding of PR. I am extremely
grateful to the team for welcoming me in and showing me the ropes.
To all those A-Level students
worried about what awaits them, I cannot emphasise enough the importance of
networking and researching. Talk to people, look on the web or visit your local
Jobcentre and slowly but surely you’ll come to know what you want to do after
studying.
A huge thank you to the Target PR
team for this fantastic opportunity!
Lourizza Ball
Intern
