I saw this opportunity as a way for me to experience the world of digital marketing, little did I know it would end up with me having a seat at the SEO and Content table.
I was in a back-and-forth battle with rejection after rejection. During my time at university and the two years thereafter, I have had four jobs: two in supermarkets, one as a Supply Teaching Assistant and the other as a retail assistant at a spa. Not a single one of these jobs offered anything other than simply getting by.
Why was it so difficult to get a job in what I spent three years studying for?
Navigating Uncertainty
I knew I wasn’t alone in this. I also had the COVID-19 pandemic working against me, starting university feeling isolated as opposed to excited. University wasn’t a first choice for me either; my plan was to find a Digital Marketing Apprenticeship after Sixth Form and grow from there – but the year of 2020 had other plans.
A study was completed by Prospect in 2021 titled ‘Nearly half of university students unprepared for employment’. This is an organisation that specialises in guiding students and graduates to a brighter future. What is there to say about the employment pool when a company designed to help students couldn’t?
The results of this study were astounding – 96% of university responders said they ‘faced barriers when looking for jobs’ and ‘having the required work experience was their biggest barrier’. Employees want experience, but you can’t get experience without having a job – and so the cycle continues. Seeing this made me feel less alone, but increasingly more frustrated. It still didn’t answer my question of why no one was hiring me.
When the Degree Isn’t Enough
If I were to look at my Indeed and LinkedIn job applications combined, they would exceed the 150 mark. What should have been an exciting time for me, finding a job, turned into a chore; applying to anything and everything that had to do with my degree. Those who did reply to my applications had the generic response of ‘not the necessary experience required for this role’. Every position I applied for was entry-level. These jobs are defined by TotalJobs as ‘permanent roles that are open to anyone and don’t require extensive relevant experience or a degree’. Despite the fact I held a First Class Honours degree, I still wasn’t qualified enough for these entry-level roles.
A Glimpse Behind the Scenes
I stumbled across Pod Digital on Indeed – there was a job going that sounded exciting, so I went for it. The following day, I received an email about the Open Day and signed up in a heartbeat – what was there to lose?
The open day was more than a tour. It gave me real insight into the company’s values, the way the team worked, and what a typical day might look like. I was able to ask questions directly to current employees, hear about their roles and understand how I might fit in.
What stood out most was the genuine enthusiasm from the team. Everyone I spoke to was open, honest and passionate about what they did. That kind of authenticity is hard to fake – and it made a lasting impression.
It was only when I spoke to the founder and company director, Mike, that I realised this was more than an open day – this was a job offer. Knowing that I had finally been recognised for my passion for the industry, rather than turned away, was unlike anything I have ever experienced before.
Now I am settling in with the SEO and Content team, where I’m continuously developing my skills in digital marketing.
Why Open Days Matter
Attending that open day gave me more than a job – it gave me direction. It helped me confirm what I was looking for in a workplace and gave me the chance to showcase myself in a real, human way.
If you’re considering attending an open day, I’d highly recommend it. Even if you’re unsure of your next steps, the experience can provide clarity, confidence and maybe, like me, a job offer.
Excited to find out more? Explore career opportunities at Pod Digital. Visit https://www.poddigital.co.uk/careers for current openings.
