Meet Lydia reed.co.uks first graduate blogger

Meet Lydia reed.co.uk’s first graduate blogger by Lydia Randall Meet Lydia Randall reed.co.uk’s very first representative exclusively for graduates.Since joining the team in summer 2016, she’s travelled to 15 different cities across the UK and met with over 10,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students, answering their questions, and helping them prepare for life after uni. And there’s much more to come in 2017.We spoke to Lydia to find out more about her role, and she’s using her own experience to help graduates find their perfect post-uni position:The UndergradIn September 2011, I began my ‘fresher year’ by enrolling at Coventry University. For those of you who attended university, you may remember the overwhelming/excited/I am finally free feeling that came as a first year.Well, mine was nothing different, other than the start of my journey had not entirely gone to plan. Why? Because I was not attending any of my chosen universities.Nonetheless, not knowing what to expect, I began my arduous (but most me morable) years of becoming an undergrad.GraduatingIn 2014, what I thought was the end of my university experience came to a swift end. I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts honours degree in International Relations and Politics.Going to university prepared me for the ‘real world’, in more ways than one, by being independent, I was able to understand the full weight and extent of making decisions for myself.I learnt how to respond and rise to challenges; I gained a more comprehensive set of social skills.However, one of the most important lessons I took from university was that ‘everything won’t always go according to plan’, and in instances like these, try not to over-think or panic.As long as you work hard, keep positive, stay focused and remain determined then chances are, though plans may have changed, the outcome may not and it’s likely that things will work out better than you could have planned.Post-university life: travel and fundraisingIn 2015, independent from all my family and friends, I travelled deep into the heart of Africa.Once there I became immersed in the most impoverished parts of Namibia, the slums of Katutura and Okahandja Park. During this time I wrote and delivered a motivational speech to an auditorium of 300+ 1st year students.I raised funds to support 2 kindergartens and a children’s home.  I also had the privilege of writing and performing for a global conference, Ted X. My purpose to inspire and empower people with my words.The postgrad job search(Fun Fact) ‘If you struggle with ‘rejection’ or hearing the word ‘no’ then you will possibly hate the ‘job hunt’I applied for countless jobs, and wouldn’t always receive feedback, but what it taught me was that the job hunt cannot be rushed.Looking for work can be very tiresome and can often make you feel deflated, but you cannot afford to quit. It will not be a quick or easy process, and requires patience, dedication and definitely a double dose of perseverance. One of the major decisions I made when beginning my job hunt, was not to go back into what I was doing before I left for Namibia. I can appreciate that this won’t work for everyone and that it heavily depends on your circumstances.However, I made this decision for a few reasons:1 I wanted to avoid becoming complacent in a job that was no longer benefiting me.2 It would provide me with enough time to look full-time for my next job.3 I had acquired a whole new range of employability skills and felt that it would damage my CV by going into a role that would not improve on what I had learnt.4 I knew that I was more than capable of getting something betterWhere I am nowAfter a few months, I was lucky enough to get a job as a brand manager. Thinking that my travels were now over, I soon realised that they’d actually only just begun.My role was to travel across the UK, attending fresher and career fairs, running campus days and putting on career workshops for all university students . I found this role to be so rewarding that I re-created it for myself here at reed.co.uk. I’ve now been entrusted to head up one of companys biggest projects this year. No pressure…So what is the meaning of all of this? Well, my role has provided me with a platform to impart some of my knowledge from my own past experiences but also share with you some of the current challenges that most young adults will go through at some point.From speaking to many young people like yourselves, and having recently been in your position, I hope to provide you with current, useful information to help with your search for work.Ultimately, I want to help you make more informed decisions, and be a source of motivation, inspiration and encouragement on your career journey.And, if you have any questions, I’m always here to help. Feel free to leave a comment below â€" or tweet me @reedcouk.Still searching for your perfect position?  View all of our current vacancies nowFind a job What Where Se arch JobsSign up for more Career AdviceSign up for moreCareer Advice Please enter a valid email addressmessage hereBy clicking Submit you agree to the terms and conditions applicable to our service and acknowledge that your personal data will be used in accordance with our privacy policy and you will receive emails and communications about jobs and career related topics. Features Graduate advice