So you've got a degree?

So basically it goes something like this...  you've spent the last three/four years studying your ass off and working towards your desired profession..... all to find out that when you finally graduate, that field isn't hiring! or that even though you've done a lot of free work to gain experience... someone else has more experience than you and will be chosen over you for the job. And suddenly you're contemplating every late night library sash or even if your degree was even worth it? Life eh! 

(Gradation was one of the best days ever... but the hard part begins as soon as it is over!) 

I've recently been told by someone close to me that this phase is called catch 22 and that the secret is to keep on trying and never to give up on what you love and know you are good at. Catch 22 is basically like this: You have the right skills and qualities for the job and match all the requirements in job description in which they are looking for however you need more experience to actually get the job. The problem with this is that you need a job to afford survival.... So what do you do next? 

Paying £9,000 a year... and then not being able to gain employment from the field in which you love.. seems a bit ludicrous doesn't it? Depending on your degree, you'll know all to well what i'm talking about it you are a recent post-grad. If you are one of the lucky ones who has gained employment straight away.. i would love for you to comment on this blog or my social media post and tell me your employment story. Your story and experience could really help other readers. 

It is a very disheartening feeling when you're on interview number 100 of the month and you still remain on the same page. I always joke around and tell people that i am a professional at interviews at this stage (because if you didn't laugh you would cry) haha. So the question is, what can you do to stand out? make an impact? and ultimately, to be different than the person who is about to sit in the interview seat after you. 

My poor mum, dad and boyfriend have had to listen to my pre and post interview anxiety all to often these days. A phrase my mum has told me since i was a little girl is: 'If you panic, you're beat' and it has stuck in my mind like glue, I use it for every situation i am faced with. 

I wanted to write this blog post to let other post-grads and current students know the struggles. It is so important to not give up and to take each bit of feedback that you receive and learn from it. Starting early with experience and knowing what you actually want will get you one step ahead of the game. 

Since my graduation in July, i have spent copiuous amounts of time on applications and attending interviews and doing A LOT of free work! All in the hope that someday.. i will be where i want do be, doing what i love. 

Heres a few steps i follow to keep me prepared for any interview. 

1. COMPANY

It sounds simple, but most people don't do it, learn everything you can about the company. Learn who the important people are and why or how they inspire you. Learn the facts and a simple google search will tell you everything you need to know. At almost every interview (and remember, I'm a professional now lol) they will ask you what you know about the company or why you have applied for a job with them. 

2. DO YOUR HOMEWORK

Preparation is key. really, it is so easy to tell someone who knows their shit from someone who doesn't. Just like any exam or test or presentation you have ever done, you must sell yourself to the interviewer. 

3. STAY CALM

This is what lets me down in almost every interview. All to often i slur my words or my mind goes blank because i just freak out at the pressure. BUT, just think, how much do you want the job! Is your nerves really going to get in the way of your future? (i wish i could take my own advice here)

4. EXAMPLES

Always give examples when you are asked any question. No matter what question someone asks you, you can always, always relate it to a time when you have done something. For example, How would you handle the pressure of deadlines? and here you could relate this to university and balancing a number of deadlines and a part-time job all at the same time. 

5. PATIENCE 

Everything worth having takes time. And although it doesn't work out how we like all the times, sometimes everything happens for a reason. Don't give up, just get better for the next time around. 

Writing this blog post has been a therapeutic way to relieve some of my post-interview stress from a recent interview. Ain't nothing worse than sitting after an interview re-thinking every single question you were asked and every single answer you replied.. thinking how you would change it if you could. 

Everything works out and some things take more time than others! I hope this post can help at least one other person who may be feeling the same during their post-grad life! 

Ps. Can we rewind and be students forever please?

Thanks for reading, 

Caoimhe x

Long-distance BFF's.

Long distance friendships are totes emosh. But how far away is too far??

If you're reading this post, you either have a long distance best friend, or are one.. or are going to be one! Truth be told, there is no easy way to prepare for your BFF moving across the sea.... But if your currently preparing for it, or its about to happen, then i'm sure you will be able to relate to this post. 

The well-known quote 'Side by side or miles apart.. Best friends will always be connected by heart' is so true. Distance does not and should not ruin TRUE friendships, if anything it should make them stronger and more exciting for the next time you will see each other again.

 

As we grow older and life finds new paths for each of us, many of us have to face dreaded goodbyes and see ya laters to our most treasured people. It is not always easy, but we must remember how lucky we are to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard. 




I guess after moving away a lot myself,  to Liverpool for university for three years, to Ibiza for a season and now to Dublin to work and live with my boyfriend... I'm pretty good at goodbyes and almost professional at being someone else's long distance BFF. The good thing about being on that side though is that you get to move away to a new place that you've never been before, completely out of your comfort zone, and meet new people and friends. This does not replace your best friends at home, but opens your mind and heart to new people. The bad thing about now being on the other side of the goodbye, is that today, Australia has now gained what i have lost.. my lovely- crazy- funny BFF, Miss Edel Okane. This post is dedicated to you girlfriend, Miss you already.





Over the years i learned a ton about the beauty of these relationships and how the require a special set of rules in order to keep them strong. I've learned to really appreciate the few people who have stayed close over the miles and years and through the big, fat, life changes. I've learned that it's worth the work, the calls, the distance travelled in cars and on planes and the incessant texting. 

Although the older generation of our time would disagree... Here's to FaceTime, Snapchat and Instagram direct message! These glorious inventions help us stay connected from worlds apart. They are good ways to let your bestie know that you are thinking of her. I know I'm not the only person who has gotten out of a university lecture or out of work and seen 20 text messages in a row and known not to panic and that its just your BFF updating you on her day. (You shudder to think what it was like to keep a long-distance friendship before the internet) 






Time?
One thing that i know for sure is that no matter how much time you have together to prepare for them leaving it is never enough.
No matter if its all those years throughout school when you leave each other to attend different universities or if they decide to move to a different place for a job or a lover, or if they just want to explore and travel.. when the time comes to leave each other it never seems like you had long enough together. Although you are so excited for the journey they are about to go on, you can't help but feel sad that they won't be a drive away from you. 





The only good thing about goodbyes with your long distance BFF, is that you know it is not permanent. Make the most of all the time you get to spend with your BFF because some people would give anything to be able to see theirs everyday. 






Safe flight Edel, and here's to the next reunion.
Love, Caoimhe x

Cloud NinetyNine

On the day of my final deadline and hand-in date, for my final year at university i embarked on the most amazing and eye-opening journey to date. Right to the moment of my 4pm deadline on May 6th my RyanAir flight was booked to leave on the exact same moment. And it was the best decision i have ever made!

I still to this day don't know how i got so lucky BUT i secured an amazing summer internship in one of the top holiday destinations in the world (and a place i had never been before then), IBIZA! 


 



How it all began!
During my final year at university and mostly when i was in the library completing my dreaded dissertation, i used to procrastinate and search for internships around the world. As i was studying journalism, most jobs that i had been looking at and even applying for, were all about the experience! So i decided it was time to search hard and get something lined up for when my time as a student came to an end. One google search resulted in me applying for a summer internship with the well-known and amazing IBIZA SPOTLIGHT! I hesitated at first, but then i decided there was nothing to lose! A few weeks past and i was amazed when i got word back asking to send some articles that i had written.. a short time following that i was given a date for a Skype interview and it was never in my wildest dreams that i would get to travel to the beautiful island and interview some of the best DJ's in the world whilst also reviewing the amazing clubs and experiencing the island (for the first time) in a way that people could only dream off!

I was finally told yes and was welcomed with open arms by the amazing team spotlight (who i can't thank enough) and was in for the summer of a lifetime. I travelled by myself to the island, lived with people who i know i will be friends with for life and had the best summer imaginable!







Here comes the MAJOR FAN GIRL moment.
(Any aspiring journos dream and defo one for the CV!)


Its definitly not everyday you get asked if you would like to interview HARDWELL (who you listen to alllll the time and adore since you were a teen) and then within a few days following, MARTIN GARRIX (the absolute love of your life and someone who you could only imagine being in the same venue as never mind receiving a kiss on the cheek from him and being told by him that you had a lovely accent.... STILL DYING AHH) and then also on the same week, the very talented 21-year-old, OLIVER HELDENS.... all at Ushuaia Hotel, one of the most amazing open-air venues in the world. I think you can only guess how good that week was. I'm still trying to process it right now writing this.

I had never interviewed anyone 'famous' before so the nerves took over a little! After the interviews i got to attend each of there concerts.. i remember standing in the crowd feeling like the luckiest girl in the entire world!!
 



I want to thank Ibiza Spotlight all over again, and dedicate this post hugely too them!!! Thank you so much James Chap, Abby, Stivi, Aimee, Ruby and David... It was an amazing summer and it was a pleasure working with you all! 


For anyone reading this post.. If you need reviews on clubs, tickets, accommodation or anything... Ibiza Spotlight will have you covered!


What a summer... But,  All good things must come to end. 

Caoimhe x

WELCOME TO MY BLOG

Starting this blog was something that has been on my to-do list for quite some time now. I spent the last three years living in Liverpool studying journalism and i was always advised to blog for the following reasons;Firstly because its a good personal way for people online and even future employers to see your writing skills and what interests you and secondly because apparently if you're a good writer then you shouldn't let that talent go to waste. I have decided to start blogging because it is a therapeutic and fun way to interact with people who have the same interests and thoughts as you.

I always postponed my blog because i was worried and afraid what other people would think. But i know first hand that sometimes blogs really help. They give you inspiration and ideas and if my blog can do that for just one person.. then i'm on to a winner! 

With my student days coming to a close and a new chapter of my life beginning, diving straight into the deep-end of adulthood, i want to include in my blog about life after university. 

This blog will be everything what you would expect of a normal 21-year-old girl, aiming high and trying to achieve her dreams! You can expect to see a lot of travelling posts, fashion inspos, outfit ideas, make-up envy posts and some posts dedicated to my nearest  and dearest! 

And remember, 

Do something today that your future self will thank you for! 

Caoimhe x