The UoN Experience - How Good is University?

By Simon Wright – Follow me on Twitter @Siwri88

As the second anniversary passes which signalled the end of my education life and the finale to my journalism degree at the University of Northampton, I have decided to share my own personal experiences from my three years at UoN. This includes a look into how good is the University in general, a critical assessment of the video products I produced and what happened after graduation.

The final article looks at the University’s reputation in general. I ask whether I made the right decision in going to UoN, and summarise everything about the experience as a whole.

Two years have now fully passed and it is amazing to think of the time that just flies. Even in my role today, I sometimes get sudden jolts of memories from the UoN experience. It was a magnificent time and I certainly don’t regret going.

I was a late bloomer. I had the chance to go to University in 2007, two years before I actually did. I dropped out of the UCAS application process quite early on in sixth form because after some iffy AS level results, I knew I wasn’t ready for the challenge. I needed more time to prepare myself, both mentally and even psychologically.

It was the right decision at the time and still is now. If I had gone in 07, I think I might have struggled really badly and not lasted much more than six weeks. By not going until 2009, I think I became a better person. I wasn’t as selfish and greedy as I was in early forms of education.

Is UoN the best out there?

No is the simple answer to the above question, but it shouldn’t be either. There are over 200 universities across the United Kingdom and Northampton has plenty of competition in the Midlands region, let alone the rest of the country. Alternatives include Leicester, Nottingham, UCMK in Milton Keynes, Bedford, East Anglia and Coventry. There is always plenty of choice for the prospective student.

The home of British motorsport is Silverstone, based in Northampton

However, what UoN does is provide a good choice for anyone to study. There is good nightlife, you can’t fault the transport links with many other UK towns and cities, the town is home to the British Formula One Grand Prix (motorsport action from a media day pictured above) and excellent rugby union side Northampton Saints, as well as Northampton Town and Coventry City in the Football League and there is a reminder of both the new, regenerated areas and the more classical, traditional locations.

Sure it might lack some of the character of other places up and down the land but it isn’t as rubbish as some think it is. It is a nice place to settle down into a routine. The University’s Park Campus is an excellent, modern campus to be based at and to study on. Whilst Avenue Campus (where I was mainly based) looks a bit outdated, that still offers decent facilities and students in the School of the Arts have flourished here with excellent work in journalism, creative arts, fashion, literature and computing modules amongst many.

In conclusion, I had other options when I applied to UCAS for the second time. Among them were Middlesbrough (Teeside), Staffordshire and Bedfordshire. I chose Northampton because I felt it could offer me all I wanted in terms of a job outside of Uni, comfortable accommodation and a nice place to study and socialise. I know I made the right decision.

You can’t fault Northampton’s employability record too. It is among the top five in the UK. Over 90 per cent of graduates get a graduate job within the first year of getting that all-important certificate. That is excellent going.

Do I regret going when I did?

If I didn’t go to University when I did, I know I won’t have. I went at the right time for me. It meant I was more mature and probably less wild than what I was in 2007 but that was a good thing. 

Two years at Milton Keynes College was the best choice after sixth form. Not only did I get a BTEC National Diploma and learned plenty about the media industry, it put me in good stead for the future. I became more independent, wiser and more confident without showing a pure arrogance.

If I have a regret about my education, it was not going to MK College earlier than I did, but if I hadn’t, I won’t have got my A Levels in English Literature and General Studies.

Also, if I had made the step to University earlier than I did, I would have never met the people I did on my course such as Ellie, Tamika, Chris, Shane, Josie, Farida and everyone else. I was lucky to meet so many fantastic people and there was no guarantee that would have happened in 2007.

So for me, there are no regrets about going when I did to Uni and no regrets about the Uni I went to. I will always thank the University of Northampton for helping me, giving me a second home and will hold them grateful for the experience.

In summary, not everyone wants to go to University. For some, it doesn’t suit them but if you have a chance, then take the opportunity. It a fantastic experience and that is from someone who knows.

Categories: 2009, BTEC, Experience, Media, Midlands, Milton Keynes College, Transport, UCAS, University, University of Northampton

Unpaid internships - Is the system fair?

A couple of years ago, the word 'unpaid internships' was not used massively, but now it has become a common starting point for most graduates.

It has now been just over a week since I had to leave my deputy editor position with Total Football Magazine.  To give a short story, a paid freelancing contract which had been agreed on, fell through due to financial issues.

I had to leave, I had no choice.  I had worked unpaid for six months, and while I was annoyed and disappointed with how it all ended, I have still learnt a lot and will take this into future employment.

An opportunity into the working world

So is the system of unpaid internships a fair one?

In my view, it is not fair at all.  What do they offer to graduates?

Admittedly, they do offer upcoming graduates an opportunity to get into the working world.  You do learn some new and valuable skills while in these positions.

In my role, I learnt a lot more about the editing and subbing process of stories, how to use a CMS (Content Management System) and improving my confidence in adapting to communicating with various press agencies and liaising on press releases – deciding if they were worth being turned into a story for the website I worked on.

There were some stressful times, occasions where I doubted myself but as time went on, I did grow in confidence and I did enjoy it.  Working from home as it was an online position did make it easier too.

There was talk of a paid position and it was frustrating to not get official confirmation, despite repetitive requests.

Perhaps deep down, I knew that this could be the final outcome and sadly, this is what happened.

Many senior people are abusing the system, treating new employees very badly.  Perhaps there were some financial issues but I've believed since my second year at University that honesty is the best way forward.  

On occasion, I didn't think this was always happening but that is just my general feeling.  The  experience of running an online football website wasn’t a complete waste of time for me, but I could have done with some cash. 

It would have been more worthy filing papers and making tea in a tedious office job.  At least you will more than likely get paid for that!

Employment law says it all

The guidelines of the CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development) say:

“If someone is expected to undertake ‘work’ for any organisation, they are entitled to be paid the NMW (National Minimum Wage) – even if there is no written contract in place.

“However, the issue of whether an intern classes as a ‘worker’ is made more complicated by the fact that, in some circumstances, they could instead be classed as ‘volunteers.’  In which case, the NMW legislation does not apply.”

However, there is also a difference between work experience and internships.  Work experience programmes often happen for a fortnight and sometimes could last a month.  

If you apply for this, you know that you will be getting experience but won’t be paid, unless there is an arrangement with travel expenses.

Work experience though does not last six months.  It means in my situation and I’m sure in many others, it is wrong.  The system is quite frankly illegal.  

Graduates are being made to do slave labour basically.  Everyone is aware of the economic meltdown on a worldwide scale, but it doesn't hurt to show some equality here and again.  

The experience is valuable, don’t get me wrong but entry-level staff should be paid after four weeks if an employee wants to keep them on for a longer period of time.  

This isn’t just to write one article per fortnight (which you wouldn’t expect to be paid for), this is if you are doing a minimum six-hour day, five days a week.

Filing papers is tedious but you are likely to be paid for it

Under employment law, people who work and do set tasks, which can be as simple as writing notes, making coffee and typing up letters into a Word document should be entitled to being paid.

Unpaid internships are illegal and there are more cons than pros.  Experience is one thing, slave labour is quite another. 

As I am a 2012 University graduate, think very carefully before applying for these positions.  The chances are there is more likely to be sacrifice rather than gain at the end of it all. 

For me, it is now paid positions or I’m not interested, it is as simple as that.  And I might even return to education if that will help.

My experience was testing, valuable and useful, but I got out at the right time.  

Perhaps this is one avenue that should be looked at in future by the coalition government.  Ban unpaid internships – they are immoral and illegal.  End of story!    

Categories: Coffee, Employment, Experience, Freelance, Graduates, Internship, Skills, Unpaid, Website, Writing

Eight steps to enjoy University

For the first time since 1994, I am not in any kind of full-time education and that is an odd feeling to have.  Honestly, it is something I haven't quite got my head around yet.

A lot of people have just started University and trust me, freshers is the best experience when starting out.  So, from my own experience of three years which saw me finish with a 2:1 degree, here are eight steps to enjoy your first year at University.

This includes feeling happy, being successful and becoming well-liked.  These steps worked for me and it might not work for everyone but some could be useful to take on-board.

1. Never forget your roots

Going away from home for the first time on your own can be a daunting experience.  However, it is essential to never forget your roots.

Always keep in touch with your family, whatever form you feel comfortable.  Taking a photo from home of the family will help in any battle against feeling slightly homesick.

2. 'Ring of Fire'

In my view, this is the best drinking game ever!  You have to do some daft things, like drink the dreaded dirty pint! (I somehow managed to avoid this!)

Build up relationships with everyone you live with, get contact details, go out on the town and enjoy yourself. During 'Freshers Fortnight,' make sure to play this game.

3. Budgeting

Keep a budget, it does help especially with new fees to deal with.

Now this is vital, even if you don't like doing it.  Work out a rough weekly/monthly budget and try not to go over it.  

That's easier said than done for sure and most will get a student account with a nice, chunky overdraft.

However, you don't want to get into a bloody mess and the last thing you should be doing is asking friends for money.  Resist temptation if possible, don't go and spend £100 on designer shoes you don't have if you can't afford it.

Most students will leave University with debt, so don't add to it...

4. Decorate your room at halls

Wherever you stay in first year, it can't be much worse than sleeping and staring at blank, plain walls which can look as dull as dishwater.

So buy some posters, make a mural like I did of your family and friends and turn your place into your own personal space.

Struggles will occur, so when they do, look around the room and make it inspire you.

5. Get into a routine

Whenever timetables get published, I would try and get into some kind of routine plan throughout.  It is better being organised than disorganised at University.

Don't get too distracted by online gaming, Facebook etc.  Set time aside for these luxuries of course but it’s always handy to have a rough idea of getting work done before the last minute.  It really helps being organised.

6. Useful electrical equipment

To get you through first year, you will need to have some useful electrical equipment at your disposal.

Have a decent laptop is essential for any course you study.

First, all students must have a decent laptop to get through first year.

I survived with Windows Vista but Windows 7 is probably the best form of laptop to get.  Also, keep an eye out for Microsoft Office deals which are fully licensed and offer discounts.

I got the full Microsoft Office package in first year for £35, instead of the usual £200 - an 85 per cent student discount deal.

There are torrents of course, but this is a safer option than picking up a virus which could destroy the laptop.

Have plenty of DVD's to watch, get a decent alarm clock and some form of music player.  Listening to music often kept me motivated throughout first year.

7. The good morning wake-up boost

Trust me, 9am lecturers are the worst thing to have and I had that for the first term at Uni on a Monday morning.  The worst possible start!

Early mornings can make you sleepy, see a lack of concentration and dozing off in lectures is seriously not a good idea.

For me, having a coffee in the morning really helped, as it gave me that boost to be far more awake in the mornings.

I never liked coffee until I started Uni but it became a necessity to have.  It is a nice caffeine boost to have first thing in the morning and it usually worked.  

However, having a Red Bull energy drink at 9.30am in the morning is not a good idea.  I know a couple of people who tried this and it didn't give the best results.

8. Enjoy it!

You are going to have some tough days and stressful experiences because everyone does.

Remember though, this is what you want to do for the next three years, so persistence is the key to be ultimately successful.  

Giving it up after six weeks is useless and makes you look like a quitter.  Once you are committed, you should remain committed.

Have a social life of course and get the right balance between working and meeting assignment deadlines, in regards to some wild and much-needed partying.

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity, so embrace and enjoy the University experience.

I wish everyone the best of luck across the country to all first year freshers who are just starting out with the University experience.

Categories: 1994, Caffeine, Coffee, Debt, DVD, Education, Experience, Freshers, Microsoft Office, Monday, Red Bull, Social Life, Student, University, Virus, Windows