Life Updated: Almost There

I just keep my head down, run hard and am always surprised when I look up and see where I am. – Grant

In my (only) post back in January, I outlined some of the goals I wanted to achieve for the year. I used the new year to push myself to tick off as many goals as I could.

One of the biggest goals was to obtain work experience in the form of an internship or year out placement. I partially achieved this back in Easter when I did experience with Diva although not 100% related to my course, I got an insight into working in a professional business environment and even did some hands-on web development which is always a plus!

If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you’ll know that I have had my fair share of rejections and failures. Everything was looking bleak but despite this, my determination to get a year out placement never wavered. Of course, support from my friends, family, centres at university and experience from the countless interview I’ve had helped me stay positive tremendously.

So… I finally managed to secure a “Year In Industry” placement!

It’s a communications and external engagement role within the university, so despite it being quite late in terms of securing a placement, it hasn’t been much of a hassle sorting it all out.

Working in higher education has always been something I wanted to explore so I’m glad that I am given this opportunity to expand my career prospects.

Another plus (out of the many) of taking this placement for me personally is that I can take a break from my intense studies and focus on the non-academic side of myself. I hope to obtain valuable skills that I can apply for a similar role (e.g scientific communications/sales) within a range of different industries e.g biopharmaceutical.

With big changes in the upcoming months – mostly working full time rather than studying at university, I’ve been a little overwhelmed but I can say that the reality has sunk in slowly and now I’m excited to get started to make my mark in the industry in August!

I’m so happy to say that I’ve ticked off another goal from my 2016 list. Naturally, I will share all my experiences on this blog which I’m very excited about!

And since this month so far has just consisted of playing Disney songs 24/7, I found this to be relatable:

Whilst we’re on the topic of achievements, I also recently achieved my Entrepreneur Award at university after attending business-related sessions every Thursday evening last semester. I’m especially happy about this award because I completed the heavy assignment on top of the demands of my degree and I got to expand my knowledge in business and entrepreneurship – both of which I never thought I could fully understand!

Success is walking from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm.

When people ask me how I stay so positive about things despite setbacks, I always turn to the people around me. My friends, family, boyfriend and of course, the positive blogosphere community has always lifted me back up when I’m down. A big thank you to you all!

For those applying to jobs whether that be part-time, full-time or an internship, the biggest advice I can give is something you’ve probably heard before but to summarise in four words: research, confidence, enthusiasm and you.

The last one definitely is one I stand by the most – there are countless people who have the same degree and similar experience. Sometimes, the way to stand out is to be yourself and to find that cutting edge that makes you different.

Now I’m off to celebrate with a lot of Italian food (if this was Disney, probably from Princess Tiana’s restaurant.)

24 responses to “Life Updated: Almost There”

  1. That’s totally awesome :3 Though on that related note: I have yet to see Princess and The Frog, but alas, I heard it was a good movie, but, that’s awesome. You should never let failures get the best of you, no matter what and you didn’t, and that’s good. There is always some acceptance within those rejections.

    1. I didn’t watch it until recently, it’s such a great film! I really recommend it. Songs in it are a favourite too. Thanks Michelle!

  2. Congrats! You certainly earned all this!! And good luck with the internship! Not that you need it!

    1. Thank you Megan! It means a lot. ๐Ÿ™‚

  3. I love the quote at the top! And I am so happy for you! I’m glad you’re able to stick with your goals and not let any setbacks stop you. And of course I love the clip from The Princess and the Frog (I’m a total Disney freak XD). But I loved reading this and it kind of motivated me in a way.

    1. I’m glad that someone loves Disney as much as I do! <3 I'm glad I motivated you, the quote is great, I read it in a inspirational book I'm reading right now ๐Ÿ˜€

  4. Wow, congratulations on your placement! ๐Ÿ˜€ that sounds like a great opportunity. Hopefully you’ll be able to relax more and focus on other things besides studies.

    1. Thank you! I hope to focus on developing myself more through non-academic means. ๐Ÿ™‚

  5. Congrats!!!! ??? For the placement and for the award.

    This is very exciting!!
    Your hard work is paying off and you are achieving your goals. I look forward to hearing all about your new adventures.

    To hard work!!!

    1. To hard work!! Congrats on your job again Kimmy! ๐Ÿ˜€

  6. Yahoo! That’s great, Pauline! I’m so happy for you! I totally understand about all those rejections and stuff, but you hung in there and made it! Sometimes, persistence and patience are the key :3

    I also want to applaud you for wanting to gain all these extra skills and experiences. You’re way off better than I was your age LOL During my breaks, I didn’t do anything like what you’re doing, so kudos to you! You’re going up the ladder of success ^_^

  7. Congratulations on your placement! Also, what a coincidence! I was just listening to “Almost There”! I love that song so much because it gives me a boost- some hope that what I’m doing isn’t for nothing.

    I’ve been undergoing some struggles in my life as well, but I guess it’s really just part of it. Sometimes I wish I could just skip the hard phase and move on to getting where I want to be. But I am realizing it doesn’t work that way. I’m jut keeping my head high because I know one day all these trials will pay off.

    I enjoyed reading this entry and got a boost from it! I really needed it now.

  8. Itโ€™s a miracle when people get the job they want on the first try. Rejections and failures help make the person improve themselves, whether itโ€™s by making them think about how to market themselves differently or learning to never give up :).

    Congratulations on getting a position! Itโ€™s great to see that youโ€™re excited for the new job! Hope youโ€™ll learn lots of neat skills in a business perspective :). Congratulations on receiving an Entrepreneur awards as well! Iโ€™m happy to see you hustling and improving yourself every step of the way! ๐Ÿ™‚

  9. Congratulations Pauline! That is a good achievement. Itโ€™s kinda cool that itโ€™s within the university. I know a few friends who have landed jobs working at university and it is really convenient for them. I am sure your blog will be a great place for you to reflect on what you learn there too ?

  10. Congratulations! Here’s to more blessings and achievements in the future. It really does pay to stay positive and believing that you can do it.

  11. Im so happy for all the success you are encountering right now. Way more to go! I believe one day you can be a good speaker about career growth on your chosen field. I honestly felt down when many companies I applied for turned me down but I still keep on being positive because we dont have choice but to be positive. Right? I believe every success is multiple failures behind it. Goodluck my dear!! I should set you an example because you are really commited to your goal. I am quite lost at the middle when I started a goal. I have a problem with consistency lol.

  12. Yay! Congrats on getting a “Year in Industry” placement and on the Entrepreneur Award! The placement sounds like it’ll be an awesome experience ๐Ÿ™‚ I think that’s great that you’ve been positive the whole time. It’s the best way to keep moving forward!

  13. Congrats on your successes in business and school! “Success is walking from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm.” That’s a really good quote! So often people get discouraged from failures and setbacks, but they don’t know they are close to succeeding unless they don’t give up and keep trying. Not giving up when job hunting is important.

  14. Congrats on your placement and on your award. Your hard work and effort is definitely getting acknowledged and recognized by others. Best wishes to you on your new role!

    I haven’t seen the Princess and the Frog, but I definitely should check it out sometime.

  15. That is really wonderful news! ๐Ÿ˜€ I hope you have a great time and develop a lot of new skills and understanding about the industry and yourself. <3

  16. CONGRATULATIONS !!!! I am soooooooo happy for you ๐Ÿ˜€ All the hard work and perseverance has paid off!

    Super excited to here how you get on, and hope it goes amazing for you ? I absolutely love Princess and the Frog! Hope you’re having a blast in Barcelona ?

  17. That is so awesome! I admire you for not just giving up when things where seeming bleak. Good thing you have such good friends and family pushing you as well. Congrats on all your achievements! I’m going to suck up some of your positivity now. hehe

  18. Congratulations! You’ve achieved so much this year and you deserve all of it because you’re so hardworking and positive ๐Ÿ™‚ It’s great that you were able to do all of this while juggling different tasks too! ๐Ÿ˜€

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