A Working Abroad Experience!

Do you need a holiday abroad this summer, but also need to make some extra money? Believe it or not, but there is a way to do both! 

As summer is just around the corner and talks of holidays are on the rise, here is the awesome experience of an alumni student who worked abroad in America. 

Hopefully, this will get you inspired and a little bit buzzed to earn some cash while working abroad this year.

Zoe Lane made lifelong friends in 2015 just through a simple process by applying online to a trusted company called Wild Packs, similar to that of Camp America. Without knowing what it would bring or the memories that she would make, Zoe was able to make money abroad that would also be used as her spending money while exploring America. 

Zoe has said that’s she “loves America and wanted to experience the culture more”. It was handy for her to “earn extra cash” to allow her to enjoy the travel experience without any financial worry. 

Through various roles at camp, you are able to submit an application for the job that you would like to help out with. Now, this isn’t your everyday 9am to 5pm job, it is an awesome experience as you are able to make memories and have a great time with amazing people who also come from all over the world. 

Zoe reflects on her favourite memory as the camp holds their version of The Olympics at the end of camp. Here, at the end of the year, all the fellow workers in camp get to participate together in activities of fun catered just for them. She says that her favourite part of it was “particularly writing and singing the alma mater song at the end of camp altogether”. 

It is noted that summer camp isn’t a way to make money for long term savings. However, the experience is a once and a lifetime opportunity as Zoe states, “the money on camp is great for days off.” She was able to take group trips and tour the area all while enjoying what America has to offer by earning the money to fund her excursions and day to day expenses. 

Because of this, on her days off she was able to explore popular sites while working abroad in America. She would definitely encourage other students to think of working abroad as an alternative way of making some cash while also holidaying abroad! 

Get Your CV Summer Ready

Bikini bodies are so last year. We’re all about getting that money 

Summer is approaching at quite some speed (scary, we know), and that can only mean two things: free time and a desperate need for money. Well, we have one solution for you, yep you guessed it, a summer job (oh, the joys). 

If you’ve already got yourself a job then woohoo, you’re one step ahead. But tailoring your CV is something that applies to everyone, employed or unemployed. 

One way to make sure you’re prepared for moving on to the next phase in your career, whether that be a promotion or a totally new job in general, is making sure that your CV is up to date and reflects your best qualities and attributes in regards to the job you are applying for. Each CV you hand out should differ depending on the job you’re applying for. 

Marleyah Kelly, associate consultant for SEC Recruitment, explains how you should make sure you are not without a job for longer than five months.  “Employers always look for a consistent career history,” explains Kelly. “Gaps on the CV for longer than five months are seen as red flags and often means that another candidate will get the job over you.”

Life After Uni: What Happens Next?

Hurrah, you've finished uni. Now what?

Whether you’re approaching your final deadlines at university or you’re coming to the end of your first year, the thought of graduating and deciding what to do with our lives can be daunting for all of us. Most of the time, the issues lie within not knowing what options are available and where the hell to start…

That’s why we’ve provided some simple and honest explanations of the different paths you can take to get you off on the right foot.

Graduate Jobs

First up: graduate jobs. Now, this one doesn’t sound too tricky, right? Choosing to apply for a grad job after your degree is probably the most common option (but by no means easiest).

Applications for these go on throughout the year, meaning there’s not necessarily any rush to apply during your studies! However, you might want to make note that season peaks are often during May-July and September-November. The application process for a graduate job is a lot like applying for any other job – so make sure your CV is up to scratch and brush up on those interview skills!  

Although the term job can seem quite scary for a lot of us, don’t let that put you off. Graduate jobs still provide a lot of training and support for their employees – they’re just less structured than grad schemes. That means that instead of going through years of preparation, you’ll learn on the job. 

Sounds like your cup of tea? Then check out sites such as graduate-jobs.com and prospects.ac.uk for the latest available opportunities.

Graduate Schemes

If having a bit of structure and guidance in your life sounds more appealing to you, maybe a graduate scheme is your best bet. The term ‘graduate scheme’ seems to be thrown around a lot at university, but you’ll be surprised at the number of people who actually know what one is and what it entails. A graduate scheme is simply a structured training programme within an organisation or business with a set time of usually around 1-2 years. During this time, you’ll be provided with professional training in a sector of your choice as well as the likely opportunity to explore different parts of the organisation, meaning you can get a taste of what you really want to do.

The only problem with a grad scheme is that the application process takes a lot longer and applications usually open a year before you start. So, if you’re a second-year student and are hoping to take part in a grad scheme when you finish, make sure you don’t miss the application process, which starts in September of your final year! 

The reason they start so early is because graduate schemes usually involve a lengthy application process, so be prepared for a lot of interviews and assessments!

Despite this, graduate schemes can provide a lot of useful experience and training which can stay with you for the rest of your career. Getting paid and learning at the same time? Now that’s something we can totally get on board with.

Internships

Now, this is the one we’re probably most familiar with. Most students are advised to take on some kind of internship, whether that be during the summer or even during their studies. 

Internships are all about the experience. So, don’t be shocked if your position is unpaid. That being said, some internships will pay you – meaning you’ll gain valuable experience and earn some cash.

Another bonus about internships is that they’re a lot more flexible. Many internships take place during the summer but there is a wide selection of internships available throughout the year too. 

Internships vary in length, so if you’re really not sure about your future career and don’t want to spend two years in a training programme you’re unsure about, why not try out an internship for a few months? You can even arrange internships around your studies, but they’re great to consider after your degree too.

See… now that wasn’t too daunting, was it? These terms definitely sound way scarier than they actually are - but they’re important to know. Finding out about your possibilities means you’re a step closer to deciding on which path to take to get to your career. And as they say, no one really knows what the future holds – but here’s the first step to deciding yours.

Five Books To Get You Motivated AF

We all need a kick up the @$$ sometimes, whether we like it or not. A plan for self-improvement and productivity is something we should be doing on a daily basis, so why don't we? 

We all take the blame for being stuck in the mud when simply put, all it takes is a change of perspective and priorities. May it be in your career, your relationships or even down to sticking to your New Years resolutions. 

Now before you start to think: “I can’t or don’t know how to do that” or “That already sounds too complicated”... you’ve unknowingly already begun to procrastinate and self-doubt. 

Hands up if you’ve ever been personally victimized by laziness, procrastination or self-doubt? Have you ever spent too much time thinking or questioning that assignment you have to do — rather than spending that time on productive thoughts on how to tackle it? Because, same...

As exemplified in the 2018 book “The Rise of Victimhood Culture” (It’s more a dynamic book based on societal thinking of moral conflicts). Its framework can really be practiced on an individual when it comes to self-doubting and just doing. 

Self-doubt is the main issue when it comes to achieving and overcoming goals, which we all play the victim. 

Below are Gold’s top 5 self-help books and reviews to get you in the right mindset to get yourself motivated. 

1 The Discomfort Zone - Farrah Storr

Honestly, just look at Mrs. Storr. Need we say more? 

This impeccable book is the antidote to overcome a time of anxiety when facing new life challenges. In a nutshell, your best achievements are when you step out of your comfort zone and aim to not just survive but thrive. 

Even Tess Holliday herself said about The Discomfort Zone:

“The Discomfort Zone is a book that we all so desperately need. Farrah has a way of lighting a fire inside of you with her words, her journey, and her spirit. I urge you to read this book, deal with those feelings that are holding you back and thrive in the discomfort zone”

2. How To Own The Room - Viv Groskop

Viv Groskop is an inspirational woman and comedian, she includes a range of foolproof tips and tricks, not only for public speaking but building self-confidence. 

Daisy Buchanan, author of “How To Be a Grown Up” reviewed the book as:

“An excellent, truly useful guide to getting more women front and center, encouraging us to take part, noisily, in public life. (The podcast is also fabulous.)’"

3. Girlboss - Sophia Amoruso

A personal favorite of mine after watching the Girlboss Netflix show. Just how Sophia Amoruso was relentless in establishing her career as founder of NastyGal. She is not like any other CEO, she has sass and humor and style. She explores her individual path to success, with brilliant pointers tucked in the pages, this is definitely one to keep in your back pocket. 

4. How To Be An Overnight Success - Maria Hatzistefanis

This book doesn’t get as much credit as it should. It's quite the hidden gem, if I may so myself. Not only is Maria Hatzistefanis founder of Nip + Fab, but she liaises with Poppy Delevigne and Kylie Jenner. She truly believes any women has the potential to be as successful as she can be. 

5. Bloody Brilliant Women - Cathy Newman

Don’t feel like getting down into the nitty gritty yet of completely changing your life around?Or maybe you just need some inspiration? 

The title says it for you. Cathy Newman delves into the past and highlights the greatest heroines of all time, and really examines how these brave women through history have achieved and overcome so much. 

So... What are you waiting for. We're in 2019 now and have the power to do anything we put our minds to. If you're feeling motivated but need that extra push, grab one of these books in a Waterstones or WHSmith near you!

How To Finesse Your Way Into The Fashion Industry

Fashion. Probably one of the hardest industries to finesse your way through. We know it’s tough, that’s why we’ve put together a list of ways to help make your dreams a reality…

1.   Let’s get real, girl!

First of all, let’s put all the ‘devil wears prada’ idealisations to bed. Yes, a job in fashion may seem like you’ll be living the life of luxury, but it’s simply not the truth, especially when you’re just starting out. You won’t just walk into a job either, get ready for competition, and lot’s of it. Be prepared for early starts and late nights, strict deadlines and tea-making opposed to champagne drinking.

source: Buzzfeed

     

2.   Internships, Internships, Internships!!!

One of the most vital things when trying to break into the fashion industry is experience. Without it, you won’t be hired. It doesn’t matter if you have studied something related to fashion or not, real experience is something that can’t be matched. Not only is it a way to move on to applying for real paid fashion jobs in the future, you could also land yourself a permanent position if you really prove yourself! Volunteering is also a great way to get yourself into the industry and show that you have real initiative and passion. Also remember to ask questions! You want to learn as much as you can as well as network.

Source: Pinterest

3.   Stay connected online

Keep your social media profiles updated and show how inspired you are by the fashion industry. Social media sites are also a great way to keep up to date with the latest trends and find fashion companies offering jobs and internships. LinkedIn is also a great way to add connections and even potentially get offered paid opportunities when you have the experience behind you! It may seem like a long shot when you’re first starting out in the industry but it’s important to keep an open mind as you don’t know where it could land you!

Source: Pinterest

 4.   Get creative…

In relation to our last point about keeping a social presence, think about ways in which you can get yourself noticed online. Maybe start a blog, writing about new trends or your favourite fashion icons, or even put yourself in the spotlight and tell the world what you’re wearing. Instagram is also great for getting yourself noticed in the fashion industry and for promoting your blog or showing off your photography or illustrations. Employers will most likely look out for things like this so what’s stopping you?!

Source: Pinterest

 5.   Don’t worry!

One thing that many people worry about when trying to make their dream career in the fashion industry is how they look! At the end of the day employers are looking for passion and dedication rather the superficial things such as the labels each candidate is wearing. As long as you stand out in what you have to offer, there is nothing to stop you getting what you want, not even the invisible Gucci belt on your waist or Prada handbag on your shoulder. Also, if it doesn't work out in the first interview, don't give up! People have usually got to go through dozens of interviews before finding a job.