Yana Miladinova
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My quarter-life crisis or what's next?

18/2/2019

2 Comments

 
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Yes, this exists (I Googled it, must be real). I am at the point in my life, where I can do whatever I want, but I am scared to do anything.

The past 23 years have been planned for me – elementary school, high school and then university. I knew what’s next and I knew what I had to do to achieve it. But now I have so many choices for the future that I am not sure which one is the right one. Do I continue my education and enrol for a master’s degree? Do I apply for a graduate scheme? Do I apply for a normal entry level job and start climbing up the career ladder?

So many questions and I do not have the answers for them. I know that many students experience my issues and have similar worries. And I understand that this anxiety about the future is a normal stage of everyone’s life. But I cannot help but wonder if I am making the right decisions.

There is one thing that I know for sure – PR is the career for me. I have no doubt in that. I loved my placement and I love my current job (although, it’s quite difficult managing studying and working at the same time). I love the feeling when I secure a coverage in the media. I like meeting new and exciting clients. It’s an industry that changes every day and I cannot wait to be part of it, but first I need to decide – what’s next?
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Master’s degree
After three years at university, I am not running with open hands towards another degree. But I cannot get rid of the feeling that this might be a good option for me. In Bulgaria, my home country, having a master’s degree opens so many doors, so I might be partly biased. And my parents are keen on me continuing my education. I am considering a master’s degree only because I am not sure that I will ever go back to a university once I start working. I know that I cannot foresee the future, but I have this feeling that one dissertation in a lifetime is enough. But on the other hand, having a master’s degree gives you this additional expertise that you might need to go to a managerial position later. I am not saying ‘No’ to this option yet, so I have chosen few degrees to apply to just in case.

Graduate Scheme/Job
I think that graduate schemes that are 12 months, just like placements, are fantastic option for students like me. Students, who have no idea what to do with their lives. I like the rotational schemes, where you get the chance to work across different departments and gain knowledge about a variety of PR sectors. This way, you find out what you like and what you hate. But, unfortunately, there are not many companies offering these schemes. And I am not sure if a normal graduate job is for me. Of course, if I find some amazing opportunity in an agency that I really like, I will accept it. But what if I start working and then I never go back to university to do a master’s degree. My fear from the previous point will come and haunt me.

I have experience only in B2B PR and media relations. I haven’t worked in Consumer PR or any other sector, so I would love to try a different area of PR before choosing a master’s degree.

Around the world
I know that students take the time after university to travel and see new places. I would be lying if I say I don’t want to travel the world, but I don’t want to have that gap on my CV. It might be stupid, because you learn new things while visiting different places, but taking time off is not on my list. I would prefer to get a job at a global agency that will allow me to go and work at one of their offices in another country. Every day can be an adventure in the PR industry!
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Although, I am extremely happy that Harvard referencing might not be part of my life after June, I am scared. I am excited for the new challenges ahead, but I just hope that whatever decisions I make, they will turn out to be the right ones. But as soon as I choose an option, my life crisis might be over and a new chapter begins. 
2 Comments
Richard Bailey link
18/2/2019 15:51:43

Good questions.

A further degree might be a good choice - but probably not now. As you say, you don't need to prove that you've mastered how to learn.

What you need is to know how to evaluate your choices. So you need more experience.

You're clearly a strong candidate so I would advise you to apply to some of those graduate schemes that are still open. They will challenge you and teach you - and make the next choices easier to make.

Best wishes for whatever you do. And congratulations for writing a 'what next' piece without even mentioning Brexit uncertainty...

Reply
Yana
18/2/2019 15:57:09

Thank you Richard. Brexit is definitely a big uncertainty, but I believe that I can have a future in the UK despite of it. Worst case scenario, I will apply for a visa, but it won't stop me from having a career in the PR industry!

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    Hi there! Welcome to my blog about PR and things that I find fascinating. 

    I work at Crowd as a PR & Marketing Executive while being in my final year at Bournemouth University.

    Show me a penguin, and I will laugh. 

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