Just touched down in London Town

The big smoke, joining the rat race…whatever you want to call it, I love London.

After completing some work experience at BANG! Showbiz last year, I'd got the bug for the London lifestyle. I love the fast paced commute, although my love for being squashed in on the tube isn’t so great, and I adore the excitement of the journalism industry there.  

You only have to look on job websites such as Gorkana and Media Muppet to see that the majority of journalism and media based jobs are located in London.

So, as graduation nears, I've been looking at applying to some London based jobs, with the hope that I'll be able to secure one and move down to London. Easier said than do though as I'm sure you all know, the job market is tough and my dream job is probably the dream job of hundreds of others as well. 

I was lucky enough to secure an interview for one last week- queue sweaty palms and butterflies in my stomach. My nerves were not helped after I realised I'd never actually had a proper interview before either. 

A month or so earlier our department had put on a careers day where we were interviewed by professionals in the industry. This was my first experience of being interviewed and although it was nerve-wracking, I’m glad I got to practice before I experienced the real thing.  I learnt that you have to research the company thoroughly before the interview to know everything about them. There's nothing more embarrassing than getting in to the interview only to be asked the simple question "what do you know about us" and not be able to answer. 

Arrive to the interview with ideas as well. I found that it's always great to tell the interviewer what you liked about their latest work, and what you could bring to the table if you got the job.

Enthusiasm goes a long way as well. That might sound patronising, but when you're trying to control your nerves sometimes you're so busy concentrating on that, you momentarily forget that you're there to show them how much you want the job. 

Surviving my first real interview was a proud moment for me. My interviewer was lovely, and really made me feel at ease, and I hope that I made a good impression. If I don't get the job, I will be disappointed because I'd love to work there, but it's all good experience at the end of the day.

Plus, I got to explore London the following day and be a real tourist, getting my camera out at every opportunity and navigating the tubes. 

I also took the opportunity to meet my editor at The Independent, Tom, who I write articles for to be published on the student section of the website.

It was nice to finally meet him, and to be able to put a face to the name and numerous emails. He gave me some really great advice on the industry as well which was helpful.

I can't wait to go back to London now, whether it's for another interview, or hopefully next time, a job. Fingers crossed.

You can check out my latest article for The Independent here: http://www.independent.co.uk/student/career-planning/getting-job/silver-linings-your-dream-job-isnt-as-far-away-as-it-might-seem-8558006.html?origin=internalSearch