Well, here we are. I return to writing after rather a long intermission. I can attest this absence to my move to Antwerp, Belgium. This is for my university exchange year and came hard fought and at no small cost. Thus far, I am loving every second. Antwerp is a vibrant, bustling place and it is easy to derive some pleasure from the fact it really is a hidden gem. It feels as though you’ve stumbled into some random side street only to find its filled with bars, cafes, and music. This has been especially satisfying as Antwerp was not my first-choice destination for this extended sojourn, but I now find myself more than glad I’ve been swept off to this particular shore.

The experience of moving abroad at this time in my life has had its highs and lows. A disheartening application process, cumbersome visas, and difficult goodbyes. Of course, as everyone says, these goodbyes are not forever. But, in some ways I disagree. In a world that moves as fast as todays does, you can find yourself being reshaped, even when you didn’t plan for it. So, upon my return home, there may be more introductions than reunions. Although, saying that, there are some people who know you too well to ever be phased by change. Those meant to be part of your journey won’t fall behind, they’ll keep rolling with you, wherever you end up.

Ghent

Another little trip with friends.

Although I may be certain in my social life, my professional life is more uncertain than ever. This move to Antwerp in the third year of my Scots Law LLB, comes at a time of crossroads academically. Internship applications flying out of my email and dissertation plans forming and dissolving daily; it’s an incredibly conflicting time. I enjoy a plan and at this point in time, my plan is dependent on online assessments. There’s nothing more frustrating that knowing it is ultimately outwith your hands. I will not pretend this is an isolated experience, but the realisation that everything you can work for; in university, in your extracurriculars, in your hobbies, can all be summed up into a few words and sent off and then, come to nought.

One experience that isn’t as universal among the older generation are online assessments. God, I can only think how many my friends and I have filled out in the last month and for what? You can never really know what they’re looking for. Obviously, when asked if I am the kind of person that works late to get things done, or someone who will leave it until I have time, I would select the former. But who likes to work late? It feels like you can think and think about what’s best to select, regardless if it’s actually what you think and even then, you’re never sure. It’s taken the humanity out of an already difficult process. It’s taken an already difficult process, and reduced people to numbers – scores, before you even look at their CV. Out of 6 or 7 applications, I sent my CV to one. I would rather be turned down on merit and have wasted a little more time on an application, than think my answers on this assessment were what got me rejected.

So, why push this narrative at university that ‘this activity will be good for your CV’ when, almost inevitably, it will only get looked at a handful of times and skimmed at best. Perhaps they just want to encourage participation – a noble motive to be sure, but one that does not prepare us well for the real world. Although, even with this criticism, what’s the alternative? Online assessment coaching? Then everyone can give identical answers, and all get through to interviews? Doubtful. But in the small chance that an employer might read this, remember that there is a person behind the online assessment scores. It might be efficient to cut the dead weight before interviews or more applications, but I’d advise caution that there are some people out there, with poorer assessment scores, that would be far better employees than the lucky few selected for further screening. The world is becoming more impersonal every day, so when something as important as someone’s career is at stake, give them a little more time to show you who they are, everyone’s got something to give, but not everyone knows how to answer an online assessment.

Anyway, I would rather not rant for this whole piece. In other spheres I have no frustration. Overnight trips to Paris, nights out, engaging lectures, another half marathon under my belt (faster this time too). I would say it’s like being young again, but I fear I’d be under-qualified to invoke that cliché. It’s exciting to meet so many new people from diverse cultures and backgrounds and bond with them over the same idea – “we better, otherwise we won’t have anyone”. Perhaps distasteful but necessary and undeniably effective. There’s also a particular pleasure in contacting friends from home. It almost feels more valuable that you are seeking them out. There’s something reassuring about it. You know you’re not just friends with them because you exist in the same social sphere but because for whatever reason, you like one another. Such a weird and wonderful phenomenon. And I can gratefully say, whatever internship or career worries throw at me I have a few things to throw back. Good friends, an enjoyable course, and real experiences that will last a lifetime. Even if they’re not suitable for LinkedIn, their value means so much more. I know my time in Antwerp will continue to be beneficial to my online assessments, but it’ll mean and give me much more than that.

Studying Abroad: Beyond the CV

Looking Forward, Leaving Behind