ECONOMIC SNAKES AND LADDERS

My name is Sarah Bamidele and right now, due to the economic climate, I think that is about the only thing that is assured in my life. The Credit Crunch, Economic Downturn, Recession -- all terms which are now recreating that stomach-churning feeling that I thought I left behind when I collected my A-Level results. But, lo and behold, here I am again, unsure of my future.

Having worked at the Financial Times and Deutsche Bank and visited various other financial institutes, I've always held the belief the world of the financial markets was my Utopia. I'd graduate from university and go straight on to a Graduate Recruitment programme, finally settling into derivative structuring, and by 35 be rich enough to buy a house in Chelsea and a Mercedes C-Class (customised of course). However, on that fateful day when Northern Rock crashed and burned in spectacular style, I knew my chances of achieving my dream on target had started to diminish and three months into 2009 I find myself questioning whether I've been living a fantasy all along. Before the employment markets were fierce, especially in Investment Banking, but in the current downturn the opportunity to gain even an internship at a relatively successful institute is virtually non-existent. That's before we even mention the black abyss that will have replaced the graduate employment market in 2010. Needless to say, my optimism at my employment chances within Investment Banking has slowly waned to an acceptance that my career ladder has just developed some economic-crippling rust.

However, I do consider myself a fighter and I have been trying to diversify my personal application portfolio, dipping into the worlds of consultancy and retail, and I've found that although they're not as well paid, there is still light at the end of those particular tunnels. I've also honed my skill to talk on absolutely any subject by writing for my college newspaper and giving college tours which has actually made me appreciate Durham even more. Although I was saddened by the thought that my planned life (complete with perfect house and car) may not come true, the economic downturn has shown me that in the working world not much is guaranteed and versatility is key if you truly wish to succeed. In future, I probably will try to join the financial sector, but there is no harm in taking a different route and I have to say just like my first day at university, I am excited at the thought of the journey before me.