Busy

It has been too long since my last post here, it's not that I've forgotten or decided to abandon the blog. I've just been really busy. (That must be the world's most used excuse.)

In my two week 'holiday', I spent a lot of time learning more about how to write a good cover letter, how to answer applications, and completing oh-so-many practice psychometric tests. I actually discovered an entire market on the internet selling packages dedicated to practice tests, interview guidance and tips and tricks for getting into the Big Four. Did I buy them? No, not necessarily due to the price but because I was already pressed for time with all the time I was spending researching companies, looking at their social media, and tailoring my resume.

People really underestimate the time it takes to apply for jobs. For me, it was not necessarily the hunt for jobs as I already had a good idea of which companies I wanted to work for. But I wanted to give myself the best shot at applying for these companies so I dedicated a significant amount of time to these companies (possibly too long). At the end of the day, even though university is one of my highest priorities, getting into a great advisory position in a company I like is my dream. I feel that as soon as I at least gain experience with a big four company (or another great accounting company), half my worries are over. Regarding university or a career-wise anyway. Getting into an internship at these companies just meant that much more to me because I had no employment history, other than my volunteer experiences.

It also gave me the chance to see whether I really liked accounting earlier on, than being stuck in a position that I had worked over three years for and tried so hard to get into. So far, I have been rejected by two companies, no news from most and today I had just completed a video interview for one of them. I was so excited when I found out because I was convinced that I did pretty average in the last test I completed for the company. Maybe there weren't too many applicants for the location and area I applied for? Regardless, I was really happy that I had made it that far. I think after the video interview, the next stage is the partner interview or assessment centre, so it's getting pretty close. I would be a little crushed if I made it to the partner interview and got rejected as I had invested a lot of time and energy (especially emotional energy) into applying for the company.But it's all part of the learning process, right?

During the application process, I constantly told myself that all this time I was putting in, even though it may have seemed like it was 'all for nothing', was all contributing to making me better at the process. After all, when you make investments, more often than not, the results aren't always immediate.

I think the interview didn't go particularly badly? I mean sure, it started off awkward and right now, I can think of a couple of points that I should have mentioned but it wasn't a total disaster.. I really don't know. I think a good skill to have is being able to present yourself well on camera. That is definitely not an area of strength for me.

Didn't apply for as many places as my friends did. My one friend applied for over ten graduate positions, so I can't imagine how they were able to manage their time so well. While the process is somewhat exciting when you find out more about a company and what it's like to work there, at the same time, there is something just draining about it.

Anyway, onwards and upwards. Next week is a huge week for me, got an in class test, the CIMA Case Study Report due, a groupwork assessment, homework and some catching up to do. Somehow ended up making plans with two different people which right now, I am not really looking forward to.