Following the conclusion of my university career, I’ve started my journey into the ‘real world’ of employment, rejection, taxes and student loan repayments, and can’t help but feel a mix of nerves and excitement about the future. I left UCLan with a first class Journalism degree, specialised in broadcast; a degree that points towards employment in the Journalism or media industry, or perhaps PR at a push. However, even with the level of my achievement, getting a job in the industry is proving difficult and I still feel an air of uncertainty about where I’ll be in five years time.
I imagine that’s a legitimate and frequent concern of many graduates, but the hardship of finding the right job has got me thinking about all my failed and altered dreams of what I’d be ‘when I grow up’. I’ve managed to compile a list of these, which I suppose could all link to journalism in some manner.
I imagine that’s a legitimate and frequent concern of many graduates, but the hardship of finding the right job has got me thinking about all my failed and altered dreams of what I’d be ‘when I grow up’. I’ve managed to compile a list of these, which I suppose could all link to journalism in some manner.
Football commentator
It saddens me that Subbuteo faded off a little, when I was growing up I was mad on it, although Michael Owen’s Total Action Football did provide a similar concept. For those who’ve never heard of it (shame on you), it was basically a 2 player + game where you flicked little football figures around a blanket pitch in an attempt to score past your opponent.
As an inventive only child, with 2 player matches not always possible, I frequently conducted my own tournaments for which I would be both teams, goalkeepers, referee and commentator. The latter became my reason for persevering alone on the carpet and I’d begin to transfer the commentary onto anything – Crazybones games, TY Beanie Baby football matches and eventually real football on TV. I made my commentary such a thing that my great Gran was certain it’d be my profession when I grew up. Maybe it’s not too late, who knows?
As an inventive only child, with 2 player matches not always possible, I frequently conducted my own tournaments for which I would be both teams, goalkeepers, referee and commentator. The latter became my reason for persevering alone on the carpet and I’d begin to transfer the commentary onto anything – Crazybones games, TY Beanie Baby football matches and eventually real football on TV. I made my commentary such a thing that my great Gran was certain it’d be my profession when I grew up. Maybe it’s not too late, who knows?
Radio Host
Contrary to popular belief, my interest in radio didn’t begin when I got involved with Frequency on the show ‘Danny & Dean’s Happy Hours of House’. That simply rekindled it after a lengthy hiatus; the real interest started back when I was around 8/9 years old, with Tyler – my partner in crime of the era.
Armed with a stereo which recorded tapes, sound and CDs, an entire collection of Now That’s What I Call Music and kid banter – we formed DT Radio (Daniel-Tyler Radio if you hadn’t already concluded). We recorded umpteen tapes worth of this, remind me to dig it out, but needless to say I still find radio incredibly enjoyable and certainly hope to be involved with it again post-university.
Armed with a stereo which recorded tapes, sound and CDs, an entire collection of Now That’s What I Call Music and kid banter – we formed DT Radio (Daniel-Tyler Radio if you hadn’t already concluded). We recorded umpteen tapes worth of this, remind me to dig it out, but needless to say I still find radio incredibly enjoyable and certainly hope to be involved with it again post-university.
Music producer
I’ve never played an instrument, bar a few chords or the odd drum beat – but I was introduced to Dance Ejay on some school activity weekend in primary school. Mixing beats which were probably cheesy and undoubtedly repetitive became a competition between the lads present at least.
I’ve tried my hand at the software at points since, but let’s face it, I don’t have a clue where to begin without considerable assistance. In addition, I’ve even had a bash at making lyrics on a variety of subjects; but alas, I haven’t got too far without at least a melody to put them to.
Still, it couldn’t be worse than some of the stuff that’s churned out these days.
I’ve tried my hand at the software at points since, but let’s face it, I don’t have a clue where to begin without considerable assistance. In addition, I’ve even had a bash at making lyrics on a variety of subjects; but alas, I haven’t got too far without at least a melody to put them to.
Still, it couldn’t be worse than some of the stuff that’s churned out these days.
Forensic scientist
In high school, I was introduced to a career in science which at that age was considered really cool. Pair that with weekends spent at my Dad’s becoming accustomed to watching CSI and NCIS, and I started to see a fairly interesting career path. I went as far as to look at options to study it at college; but then realisation it may not be as glamorous as it’s perceived in TV, the non-transferable nature of the A-Level and a potential lack of jobs crossed out that option.
I think I made the right choice though – I’m no Horatio Caine.
I think I made the right choice though – I’m no Horatio Caine.
Rollercoaster designer
This one stemmed from my interest in physics. I found it easy to comprehend and enjoyed the aspect of calculating forces in operation around us, but couldn’t really envisage a future career path. That was of course with the exception of designing roller-coasters.
Sure, I loved Rollercoaster Tycoon 2 when I was younger, but my proficiency particularly in mechanics made me consider it for the future. Perhaps my unwitting coercion onto Blackpool’s rickety Grand National as a five year old, or my trip to Florida as a ten year year old contributed to enjoyment and lack of fear of them; making it seem a desirable prospect. Going on the rides has to be part and parcel of the job, right?
Sure, I loved Rollercoaster Tycoon 2 when I was younger, but my proficiency particularly in mechanics made me consider it for the future. Perhaps my unwitting coercion onto Blackpool’s rickety Grand National as a five year old, or my trip to Florida as a ten year year old contributed to enjoyment and lack of fear of them; making it seem a desirable prospect. Going on the rides has to be part and parcel of the job, right?
Chef
I enjoy cooking at home, for both myself and friends, and that’s pretty much wholly where this idea stems from. I find it somehow relaxing after a long day, especially with a few tunes on in the background – although bopping round to music isn’t really allowed in a Michelin star restaurant.
Whilst working in kitchens before, albeit in a care home and football stadium kiosk, I learnt that there is an intense level of pressure to meet quality and demand. Although I am capable of progressing further with my culinary skills if I applied myself, I think the nature of working in a kitchen would remove the factors which make cooking enjoyable to me.
Besides, I think I’d crumble under the pressure of people like Gordon Ramsey.
Whilst working in kitchens before, albeit in a care home and football stadium kiosk, I learnt that there is an intense level of pressure to meet quality and demand. Although I am capable of progressing further with my culinary skills if I applied myself, I think the nature of working in a kitchen would remove the factors which make cooking enjoyable to me.
Besides, I think I’d crumble under the pressure of people like Gordon Ramsey.
Doctor
Once upon a time I dreamt I’d be able to make a difference to the world – by saving people’s lives and mending the accident prone. Part of my interest in becoming a doctor was fostered by studying medicine through time in my History GCSE. I found it fascinating how far medicinal advances had progressed and was sure the sense of satisfaction of saving lives would be unparalleled. The other part being the pleasure of being known as Dr. Love and the subsequent amount of fun to be had with it.
However, the harsh reality of the intense educational process, training and ridiculous working hours quickly evaporated my ideas of studying medicine. I was bright and achieving high – but not that high. Plus, I learnt you could get a PHD in practically anything and still be known as a doctor.
However, the harsh reality of the intense educational process, training and ridiculous working hours quickly evaporated my ideas of studying medicine. I was bright and achieving high – but not that high. Plus, I learnt you could get a PHD in practically anything and still be known as a doctor.
Pharmacist
Having decided that being a doctor was probably a little too difficult and social life condemning, I realised I could still use my interest in medicine to become a pharmacist – since that involves actually creating the stuff. Initially, I opted to study this at university after much deliberation, but quickly realised the course wasn’t everything I thought it would be.
Don’t get me wrong it was interesting enough and I passed it, but a few factors put me off; including the realisation I’d struggle to get into the manufacturing side with the level and nature of the degree I was predicted. This would have limited my options and subsequently I jumped ship to journalism (although with a bit more thought than that).
Funnily enough, it now looks like I’ll be going full circle as I’ve been offered a job in a pharmacy. Funny old world, eh?
Don’t get me wrong it was interesting enough and I passed it, but a few factors put me off; including the realisation I’d struggle to get into the manufacturing side with the level and nature of the degree I was predicted. This would have limited my options and subsequently I jumped ship to journalism (although with a bit more thought than that).
Funnily enough, it now looks like I’ll be going full circle as I’ve been offered a job in a pharmacy. Funny old world, eh?
Screenwriter
A fairly recent addition to my mushroom cloud of employment ideas, but one I am still considering, is to write scripts for TV shows. We all like a bit of TV and in recent years I’ve become addicted to binge watching series, including: Breaking Bad, Game of Thrones, Sons of Anarchy, Vikings and The Walking Dead to name a few.
But how does this make me think of a career opportunity and how can I compete with some of the legendary shows that are already out there? Well this is where having met a whole host of unique people comes in. I’d forever see or be involved in a whole host of shenanigans which begged the though of: “I wish someone could of filmed this”. Cue me starting to write some of it down.
With a little bit of industry advice on how to structure it and a few character profiles later – ‘The Graduates’ was born. Now I’m not going to tell you any more for fear of corporate leeches stealing the idea, but keep an eye out for the adverts in a few years time.
But how does this make me think of a career opportunity and how can I compete with some of the legendary shows that are already out there? Well this is where having met a whole host of unique people comes in. I’d forever see or be involved in a whole host of shenanigans which begged the though of: “I wish someone could of filmed this”. Cue me starting to write some of it down.
With a little bit of industry advice on how to structure it and a few character profiles later – ‘The Graduates’ was born. Now I’m not going to tell you any more for fear of corporate leeches stealing the idea, but keep an eye out for the adverts in a few years time.
And there we have it! A view into all the dreams, schemes and half-cocked ideas I’ve had about how to earn some money in this life. Although for now, I think I’ll probably try and stick with journalism – my certificate says I'm OK at it.