Kirstie's job log: 32

The story so far... Kirstie has quit her job in sales to sign up for a Masters in journalism.

Tears and lost connections

I’ve just moved into my new accommodation at university; I’ve had the tearful goodbye with my mum, unpacked all my junk and had something to eat (back to cooking for myself I’m afraid!). I can’t work out how to tune my TV, and I’ve just found out my internet won’t get connected until tomorrow. So I’ve decided to keep myself entertained by starting early and writing my blog now!

The last few days before leaving have been crazy; I’ve had to come down here twice already to register and enrol, and then again to be shown how to use the library. I kept finding excuses not to start packing things up properly so when I finally woke up on Saturday morning I found I had four hours to pack everything before heading off. The result of my procrastination has meant that certain vital items have been left at home and I won’t be able to pick them up till next weekend.

Apart from the TV remote control (which is vital for late night channel surfing), I managed to forget the cable that connects my computer monitor to a plug socket. I was faced with a three-hour round trip to go home and pick it up until my dad came up with a solution; the kettle wire has the same kind of socket. So when no one was around I nicked the wire. There’ll be no tea or coffee for anyone this week, but at least my computer works!

It’s gonna be tough

Fast forward a few days and I can already tell the course is going to be tough; but I keep getting the impression we’re being taught by some of the best. The tutors have already frightened us all into writing blogs on a daily basis (I like to think I have a head start there), adjusting our CVs to meet work experience criteria, writing short stories to contribute to a group website, learning the shorthand alphabet, reading up on defamation, and listening to Radio 4’s ‘The Today Programme’.

In our first class at 10 on Monday morning, we were all warned to be prepared for plenty of late nights; many past students had been known to still be in the computer rooms at 2 in the morning, with a class the following day. All the faces dropped on those who were commuting in, imagining desperate attempts to find floors to crash on overnight.

On Tuesday, we were shown the contacts books that the lecturers had built up over the years. They were full of names and numbers from reporters, politicians, and managers that we all recognised. There was no time like the present, we were told, and we were in a room full of people who we should add to those books.

Wednesday saw most of the group in early, clutching new contacts books as we went round the room getting the numbers off the rest of the class. We started looking at various places to apply for work experience at, and have to research the company we hope to go to. We’ll need to compile a PowerPoint presentation to show to the class on our chosen placement, which will be assessed as part of the course.

No complaints

The work is already piling up and it is barely the end of the first week of classes! Although everyone looks like they’re starting to feel the strain, no one complains at the amount of work that’s to be done. The course is known for its high employment rate for graduates, and everyone is focused on achieving their personal goals. It makes for some interesting conversations at the Students' Union bar!

It still feels as though it’s a bit of a dream at the moment; I’ve been thinking and planning for this course for months now, now its finally started it doesn’t quite seem real. I’m looking forward to everything that’s still to come, and hopefully next time it’ll have become a bit more of a routine!

• See Kirstie's previous job logs.

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