Dear Mum and Dad, I'll need even more money when I finish my degree

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Friday 19 August 2011

"All that stands between me and the cutting of the financial umbilical cord from your funds on the day of my graduation is five exams, six Jane Austen novels, a few essays, some French history, the odd bit of Sartre and translation exercises. It's good to know you'll be there to support me, even if existentialism isn't your thing."

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Rachel Hanretty

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A 24-week academic year sounds easy but I know the most difficult and expensive challenge is to come after I get my hands on that French and English degree. They call it "Real Life" and there isn't a module to take on that one.

My parents and I are well aware of the ticking time bomb that will eventually explode to propel me into a swarm of graduates. They see a healthier bank balance and I can see the end of the queue signing on at the job centre. Little do my parents know that when my status changes from student to graduate next year, it is highly likely that I will still need financial support from them, if not more money than before. Among my friends who have just graduated, I struggle to think of any who have secured jobs. Many are turning to masters courses to prolong student life and that is only if they can secure funding.The immediate source of money, our parents, have responded with a heavy: “No, we were only paying for one degree! If you want another you have to pay for it yourself, it's not fair on your brother/sister otherwise.”This conversation, which might sound more suited to a sweetie shop, has been performed in living rooms everywhere. One of the most common exit routes - or “graduate destinations” as university prospectuses indulge in calling it - is to trudge down the path of unpaid stints of work experience and internships. A friend applied for a graduate level job in a creative industry and was told she didn't appear passionate or experienced enough for the position during the interview. But how exactly do you prove passion at an interview apart from addressing everyone as “Daaahling”? Well, the proof of passion is doing whatever you can to get into that industry, no matter what it costs and no mater how long it takes. Six months to two years of unpaid placements is not uncommon in the media and publishing sectors. It is the only way of overcoming the next criticism of not having enough experience. So, to go down to London where most of these experiences take place, you will need to book your train there, find accommodation, feed yourself and perhaps buy a drink if vital post-work networking opportunities arise.If you're very lucky, your company will offer to pay for your zones 1-2 oyster card. They might even give you £5 a day for lunch, but that won't get you far in Hanover Square or Canary Wharf. Way in advance of next year's cut-off date that is graduation, I am already drafting a saccharine note to my parents telling them how nice it was of them to pay for my university accommodation and its lifestyle, and how helpful their support was during the many essay-writing nights. But, Mum and Dad, all the other boys and girls are going to play at being grown-ups in London and I have calculated I will need roughly £6000 for six months of vital work experience so that I can get anywhere afterwards. This is the education of life that comes at a heavier price tag than a university education. And without it I won't get a job. This isn't me playing a guilt trip, this is the sad truth, so can I have even more of your money? Please?

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Dear Mum and Dad, I'll need even more money when I finish my degree

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