Reflection: My Final Year of Study

Hello everyone!

I hope you are all doing well. It is that time of the week again when I come to you with a brand new blog post! My previous post was a little more personal as I gave you a sneak peek into my graduation day. To be honest it stills feels so surreal to be able to say I am a graduate! I have mentioned many times on here that I was not sure what routes to take after university, weather going for a masters or finding my dream job. Amongst everything I have still got a few exciting things in the mix and I am still trying to figure everything else out...I am only human after all. I am so glad I have the opportunity to be able to work with the amazing MARC department at the university...it is something I am rather excited about and I feel so proud to have been given an opportunity so close to graduating.

I started my new job this week at the MARC department at the University of Bedfordshire. I am actually guest posting on their marketing blog next week some time so make sure to take a peek at that to see a full break down of everything that went down last week starting my new job role. I thought I would go back to my routs today and reflect on everything that has happened over my final year of studying, what I enjoyed most, what differences I have seen in myself and what I enjoyed most about my Business Management course.

University is a funny thing because I would say I enjoyed everything but the stress and anxiety that you feel when writing your dissertation or preparing yourself for a pitch or presentation is insanely crazy. Over the course of the three years studying my course we had to do plenty of these (mind the dissertation...one was just enough for me!) and doing them so much across the years has helped me to develop my skills and gain more confidence in myself. Sometimes we doubt ourselves but we all have it in us to achieve great things if we set our minds to it. That it a definite change I have seen in myself. My Business Management course offered all aspects of a real business life perspective, from marketing, law, accounting, operations, strategy, e-business and so much more. I really enjoyed that the course offered everything I could possibly need for the future.

Amongst everything I love the fact I had the opportunity to cheer for the university...It was something I have always wanted to get involved in (I blame Bring It On the Move). First year of cheerleading will be something I will always remember, from the amazing competitions, fun training sessions and our captain was so lovely! Second year not so much to be honest...I was voted in to monitor the accounting side of the club and was taken advantage of because of my business contacts. As the only Business student on the squad I wasn't really taken seriously by the club captain and she treated me differently to everyone else which was such a shame but C'est la vie! It really opened my eyes and made me want to focus on my final year even more and move away from cheerleading at the university.

I feel I have definitely developed and grown up so much more as a individual. University has been an experience with ups and downs but I have loved every second of it. I have made some incredible friendships that I know will be life long and I am so excited about what the future might bring. My personal blog is up for two Cosmopolitan Blog Awards, I have some incredible vacations lined up this year, I am currently temping in the MARC department at the university (marketing is something I would love to work in full time), I will be overcoming some personal demands during September and so much more.

I hope you enjoyed today's post!

Speak soon!

Graduation 2014

Hello Everyone,

The last three years has been leading up to this moment and I think the last year of writing this business blog has also been leading to this moment...my Graduation! I thought I would write a post this week about my graduation and also show you a few snaps from the day. I thought I would show you some photographs of my friends and I, one with out lecturer, a family shot of myself and my parents and finally the obligatory throwing your graduation cap in the air style photo.

I can't believe I can finally say I am a Business Management BA (Hons) graduate! I had the most amazing day graduating my degree with a 2.1 and I cannot thank everyone enough for making the day as special as it was. All of the cards, flowers and gifts will be cherished forever...I felt so incredibly spoilt and special. I am feeling so proud of everything I have achieved the last three years at university and the constant support from my family and friends has been incredible! A huge thank you to my amazing parents for being there every step of the way!

Walking up on stage collecting my degree felt so surreal and I must admit I even got a bit emotional. To think I even started my personal blog officially the first year of university and to see how far it has grown today is something I still can't believe. University has opened my eyes and offered me so many amazing opportunities...the last three years have literally flown by but I am so excited for what the future holds. I would like to think that my university journey has been pretty special. I have had the opportunity to do so many things along the way...a student representative and even a cheerleader. I realise I have had some ups and downs throughout my university journey with lots of tears and stress especially with dissertation but I would change anything. So soppy right?! 

Speak to you soon!

A Little Update | New Job, Cosmo Blog Awards, Masters Degree & Graduation

Hello Everyone,

It's Sunday which only means one thing…business blogging time! Although, keep your eyes peeled for some bonus posts this week. I have planned some posts to write up for you all. Before I head into todays post I thought I would update you on a few things that have been going on recently since I finished university. Instead of writing one gigantic story which you would probably find quite boring I've decided to split everything up into four sections.

New Job

Last week I was offered the opportunity to apply and interview for a temporary marketing assistant job at the University of Bedfordshire. It was a quick turn around as I had to submit my CV the next day so I was literally rushing all day to get my CV up to date and looking how I wanted it to. I then got an email the following day about coming down for an interview the Monday (7th July). It all happened so quick that I didn't have time to extremely stress myself out…always the best way! I went away feeling quite good in myself and they said they would get back to me about the job role. They did in fact get in contact and told me that…I GOT THE JOB! The job role is a Temporary Marketing Assistant and I will be assisting all areas of the marketing team at the university, it is only a summer role but it is still something to do and I feel proud to be able to say I am working so close to finishing university. It is a great opportunity for someone like me who is obsessed with marketing…as my Dad has his own advertising and marketing company so it's in my blood haha. I officially start on the 21st July so yet again I am feeling a little nervous about what to expect and I am also travelling to the town next to mine which is around 30 minutes. I am so excited to get going though and see what it might bring!

Cosmopolitan Blog Awards

Some of you may know that I also write a personal beauty, fashion and lifestyle blog. I have been blogging alongside my Business Management degree since my first year at the university and it has become a huge part of my life. Last year I was very fortunate and luck to be shortlisted in the Cosmopolitan Magazine blog awards. Well, whilst I was on my way back from my Interview at the university of Monday I found out something rather exciting….

I never thought in my right mind that I would be here a year later writing another post about being shortlisted in the #CosmoBlogAwards! I actually completely forgot about when the shortlist was being released! I was on my way back from my interview on Monday when I suddenly started getting all of these tweets saying congratulations with the #CosmoBlogAwards hashtag. I was literally laughing at myself thinking…nahh surely they've got this completely wrong.

I searched for Cosmopolitan and quickly went to read the shortlist myself only to find my name in the first category…Best Established Beauty Blog. There are so many amazing blogs nominated this year so I literally feel so privileged to be considered. Then to top that all off I kept scrolling through to have a little nose to see who else had been shortlisted and I saw some of my lovely blogger friends, found some new great reads and then I saw my name again…under Best Social Media Blog?! Ohh my goodness, at this point I was getting so incredibly emotional ( I have a tendency to cry at everything as you read above haha).

I am still in complete shock, so overwhelmed and feel so blessed. I remember last year when I got shortlisted for Best New Beauty Blog and the emotions I felt. I didn't place in my category last year but I still came away feeling so lucky, motivated and inspired to work even harder for my blog. If you nominated me then THANK YOU so much…it literally means the world that you took the time to do so and even considered me. I really do appreciate it and this means so much to me, my blog has become a major part of my life now and it wouldn't be where it is without all of your support. My blog is my little place on the Internet where I can ramble about all the things I love without being judged or anything. It has been my creative outlet to break away from the reality of everyday life, university, stress and everything else in between. I literally love you all! I really wish everyone the best of luck, getting shortlisted is a milestone in itself for me so anything else that happens along the way will be an added bonus.

I am under the first and last categories in the #CosmoBlogAwards for 'Best Established Beauty Blog' and 'Best Social Media Blog'. You can vote on the Cosmopolitan voting page and I am under my categories as 'Sophia Meola'. If you enjoy my blog then I would really appreciate it if you voted but I mean there are so many amazing blogs in my categories I know it'll be so hard to choose. It only takes a few minutes and a few clicks here and there. You can also click the #CosmoBlogAwards widgets and graphics dotted around my blog which will lead you to the voting page. If you do vote then pretty please let me know…I would love to thank you all for taking the time to do so! Voting closes on the 29th August 2014.

If by any chance you would like to vote for my little ol' blog in the Cosmopolitan Blog Awards you can do so by clicking the links below!

If you like my blog pretty please vote 'Sophia Meola' - 'Best Established Beauty Blog' & 'Best Social Media Blog' in the 2014 #CosmoBlogAwards! 

A Masters Degree

I have been doing a lot of thinking recently about doing a Masters Degree and I think I have finally made up my mind in terms of what niche area I would like to study on. I think Marketing has always been something I have been interested in, even from a young age and looking up to my Dad and his advertising and marketing company. No woth my blogging and keen interest to succeed I think studying a masters level degree in marketing is the way forward for me.

I have been doing a lot of research ont he courses based at the University of Bedfordshire Luton campus, however, it is trying to decided which course to take that is not similar to my Business Management course i just completed.

Graduation

Some of you may know that I have officially finished university. I studied a Business Management BA (Hons) degree and I will be officially graduating on the 15th July with a 2.1. I was literally points away from a 1st degree but that is basically the story of my life…always points away from something! Graduation is under two days away (omg) and I think all of the emotions have just started to sink in, I am super excited but I am also quite nervous. I mean we have to get up on stage and collect our degree and then do a lap of honour…I can be quite clumsy and I am praying I don't fall in my heels…or flats as I might change into my heels when it's a lot safer after the ceremony haha.

I am feeling very proud of myself with everything I have achieved over the last three years at university and the constant support from my family and friends has been incredible. I mean even when i was down in the dumps stressed out to the max I would always get such lovely tweets from you guys just motivating me. It hasn't been long since I finished university the end of May and I already have some exciting opportunities in the works and you will notice one in specific down below. I am just counting my blessing at the moment and keeping my fingers crossed…life is exciting!

I hope you all enjoyed this little update post, as you can see I have had a busy few weeks.

Speak soon!

Keep Calm and Study Hard

Hello Everyone,

I am actually in a position now where I can say that I have been there and done that when it comes to University. I have absolutely no regrets but a tone of advice to students who are going through final exams, assignments or assessments and I thought I would shed some light and wisdom to help you approach this busy and stressful time.

Below are some top tips...

1. Give yourself enough time to study

I think we have all been in that situation where you've put off revising for an exam and then 'poof' the exam miraculously is the next day! Don't leave it until the last minute. I mean if you have studied steadily throughout the year then last minute cramming might be ok for you but from experience breaking down the exam topic over a few weeks is the best way to go at revising. Set out some kind of timetable for studying and then organise yourself around that. I found in my final year making brightly coloured posters with notes worked great! You may want to give some exams more study time than others, so you have to find your own balance between everything!

2. Use charts and diagrams

I briefly touched on this in the paragraph above but it is such a great way to visually set out your work and study materials. At the start of your revision really challenge yourself to write down everything you already know about a topic and then highlight any gaps that might need a little more work. Closer to the final exam, condense your evasion notes into a one-page poster and try and use acronyms or funny phrases to help you memories more. Getting your ideas down in this particular way can really help you to quickly recall everything you need to know during the exam.

3. Organisation 

I am quite and organised person anyways but something I cannot stress enough also is keeping your study area organised and clear. You want to make sure you have enough room to have all your books out on your desk, your notes and posters (see above).

4. Past exam papers

One of the most effective ways to prepare for exams is to practise with past exam papers. This is something I have been utilising since my GCSE's back in middle school. This helps you obtain a fuller understanding on the type of questions, how many points they might be worth and also the format, whether they are essay type of multiple-choice questions. Something I always stubble with in exams is using my time efficiently...you always think 2 hours would be plenty of time but I can assure you now in most cases it is not enough!

5. Study groups

This is something I did with my University friends this year and we had an amazing time! We all said that our final year was one of the best revision we had ever done. You can get together with friends and study and test each others knowledge on the topic.

6. Take regular breaks

Studying for hours on end can be great but it can also have it's disadvantages and be counterproductive. Everyone is different. so develop a study routine that works for you. This year my friends and myself would study one topic up until lunch, then take a break for lunch and re-coop with some yummy food and then finish the afternoon with another topic. If we were feeling extra brainy one day we would do some extra studying at home that evening also.

7. Plan your exam day

Make sure you get everything read well in advanced for the exam. Do not leave it till the morning of the exam and suddenly discover you are missing something you were supposed to bring etc. Check all of the rules and requirements and please make sure to bring you university ID. First year I went to sit my Marketing exam and I forgot my ID. All was not lost as I managed to prove my identity with my driving licence and university athletics union card (cheerleader) but it could have all gone wrong.

8. Drink plenty of water

This is a no brainer to be honest and a total Mummy point but it is so true. Keeping well hydrated is essential for your brain to work at it's best. Make sure to drink plenty of fluids throughout the revision process and also the exam. If you do bring a water bottle into the exam, remember to take the label off the bottle!

9. Brain food

During exam revision sometimes all I would want to eat is easy and quick junk food but I felt so much better when I reached for something a lot healthier. At the moment I have been going to the gym every single day and I can honestly say that I can see a huge difference in my energy levels with getting up early and working out. The same applies with food! Keep your body and brain well-fuelled by choosing nutritious food that have been proven to aid concentration. The same applies on exam day - eat a good meal before the test, based on foods that will provide a slow release of energy throughout. Sugar may seem appealing, but it won't help when your energy levels crash an hour or so later.

10. Try your best & good luck! 

I hope you found these tips useful! I totally understand what you are going through with final exams and everything to do with university. Keep strong because you are almost at the finish line!

Speak to you soon!