I’m now in full swing of the Faststream application. I’ve spent the last few weeks refreshing my memory on how to do basic maths – percentages, fractions and graphs have haunted my dreams! The biggest problem I had was trying to find a ‘quiet and relaxing’ place to complete the tests. My laptop wasn’t ‘compatible’ and the uni library was never quiet no matter what time of day or late night I went. But I managed to find a time and a place, and completed them, now I’m just waiting for the results.
I thought I would count my chickens and think positively that I would get through far enough to the assessment centre. So, I took the careers service up on their offer, and ‘had a go at an assessment centre’. It was really good, an intensive day – I needed a nice cold Diesel afterwards to make my head better! 😉 It gave me a good insight into what to expect, which I think for most of these things is the most difficult part. You fear the unknown. Although, I would still pee my pants when I eventually do get to an assessment centre, but in the words of Gary Barlow on X Factor, ‘if you weren’t nervous, there,d be something wrong; … inspirational!
The hardest part about pursuing a career in the public sector, is work experience… so I’m looking for experience around my area of interest; international relations; so I’ve taken up a volunteering project with the refugee service. It’s really interesting; lots of knowledgeable people and a great way to learn about new cultures and issues facing asylum seekers and refugees both in our country and their home country. Not only is it adding weight to my CV, but its also a chance for me to figure out if this is something I’m interested in and want to have a career in for the next 40 or so years! Always good to check beforehand!