We asked Louisa, a graduate of Oxford Media & Business School, how she got her first job after graduation.
Why did you choose OMBS?
When I left school I was unsure of what my next step in life would be. I had always intended to take a Gap Year and use the time to gain some work experience, fill my pockets and spend some time travelling.
Deferred uni
Having deferred my offer to university to study Events and Marketing, I realised that I didn’t want to spend another three or four years in education. Prompted by my Mum, who somehow knew that university wouldn’t be right for me, I decided to look at other options.
Having looked at a couple of events and business courses, I came to the conclusion that Oxford and OMBS would be just what I needed. I also had some friends going too. Being a country girl and having never spent more than four consecutive days in a city, Oxford was also a great introduction to city life before moving to London!
When you graduated from OMBS did you know what you wanted to do?
I knew that I wanted to work in a small, intimate company where everyone knows each other. In terms of sector, I was pretty open. I did know that I wanted to work somewhere where I could use and develop the skills that I learnt at OMBS as well as doing something that I have an interest in.
How did you get your first job?
I had a few temporary jobs and holidays lined up over the summer after graduating which meant that I couldn’t really start looking for a permanent job until mid-August plus, living up in Scotland, it was quite hard to arrange interviews.
Straight away I registered with Joyce Guiness, one of the recruitment agencies OMBS works with. We discussed the sort of environment and role I thought I would like and would match my personality. This was so helpful as it made it clear to me which jobs I should apply for and which jobs would definitely be wrong for me. It means you don’t waste time on applications and disappointing interviews.
What are you doing now?
I spent one and a half years in my first job as Office and Social Media Coordinator with a recruitment agency in London and I am now doing something a little different. I am working for a small construction company which build semi-permanent structures, generally theatres, as well as taking on some new residential re-fit projects.
We are currently working on a multi-million pound house in Chelsea for which I am helping generate quotes and ordering the bathrooms, tiles, kitchens, etc. All this whilst managing the office and payroll as well as taking a book keeping and auto-cad course at the same time. OMBS taught me the value of training and essential multi-tasking skills!
What advice would you give to people looking for jobs?
Take your time. If you are graduating from OMBS, there is no huge rush to move to London or wherever it is you are going. There are always jobs available and it can take time to find the right one. It can be a long process, but enjoy your summer, and temping is a great way to gain first hand on the job experience whilst also getting to know which role and which business sector suits you.
What type of interview?
I interviewed at smart, suited and booted financial firms as well as for roles in smaller more casual companies. See which culture you feel most comfortable in, as you might surprise yourself! It is stressful enough moving to a new place and starting your career. Make it easier on yourself by not rushing and choose the perfect role for you. Remember, your first job is just a stepping stone. It’s not where you start, it’s where you finish.
And finally?
Try something that you like, what you are good at.
It doesn’t matter if you change your mind.
Discover yourself.
Ask people for their ideas about you and your strengths and challenges (this takes some courage). Take some online personality profiling tests. They sound cheesy but they will give you a starting point.
Don’t be disheartened if you don’t recognise yourself. You will begin to have an idea of what avenues to try and which routes to definitely not follow. You want to avoid disappointment.
Have courage to take a risk.