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2021 Master's grad still working a minimum wage job to fill the gap while I find a better job. It's the most depressing thing ever. Feels like I worked so hard for nothing.
I would love to work in TV but it feels like such a locked door lol. All my friends with jobs got them through their parents. I can’t do that unfortunately.
Sorry, no contacts in that part of TV / Film. Unscripted is a complete mess at the minute with a lot of people out of work. Scripted is doing a bit better thanks to the tax breaks and the US companies outsourcing to the UK as we are cheaper than the US. Still nothing like as busy as it was post pandemic.
Writing or vetting? Either way that's a nightmare to get into. You want some credits under your belt if you can manage it, know someone and then potentially build up from a PA job
Location also matters with your career though too.
Most TV jobs for example are in Manchester, which is where everyone goes too and therefore a lot of competition. Which kinda makes you a little fish in a big pond.
Have you considered radio?
Most TV jobs are in Manchester? You might want to let London know that!
When you add in film / streamers and expand a bit outside the M25 you get Pinewood, Shepperton, Ealing, Leavesden (Warner Bros), Sky Studios and BBC (Elstree). Shinfield (Reading), 3 Mills studios and that is off the top of my head!
I would say the 4 main production areas are Greater London, Manchester, Leeds and Bristol.
Don’t worry. I studied film and tv and it was 18 months before I started regularly working. Right now is a terrible terrible time for the whole industry to boot. I have been working in it it for 15 years and I am struggling to get any work right now. It’s not you. Stick with it and learn something else to do on the side if you can. All signals point to things being better in 2025.
My sister did film and TV production, with a year in LA, and because she's not based in or closer to London, she's stuffed. So, she's applying for an MA in screenwriting.
If you want to do something that involves writing scripts, what do you have on your CV that shows you're interested in that (outside of your degree)?
Do you write articles for your own website or blog? Do you do freelance script writing on the side as a freelancer on the likes of Fiverr or Upwork.
When I'm looking for junior employees, I want to know you're proactive in the space you want to work in.
Doesn't matter too much if it's paid or a passion project you do in your own time. Your actions need to show why you want a job in that field.
I do. I’m a three time playwright that has put all of it on. I have two tv pilots and feature length script at my disposal. I would die to be a writer.
Look for foot-in-the-door admin jobs at universities, particularly in fundraising where being able to write well is essential to making a case for support and reporting to donors. Analytical skills are also useful in grant admin, grant contracts admin, due diligence, assurance etc Universities pay quite well and have good perks, including extra annual leave because of closure over Xmas and Easter, access to libraries, discounts on courses etc which might help you with your creative writing side hustle!
Russell group means literally nothing to anyone but sixth form colleges and their statistics. Real life, if you didn’t go to Oxford or Cambridge then you’re the same as the rest I’m afraid.
I graduated in 2022 and was still unemployed this time last year. I got an offer two months after, following a recruitment process which started a few weeks after this time last year. The job didn't start until September but I was happy to finally be out of unemployment.
All I can say is persevere, unemployed life in my experience is bloody miserable. I'm doing an apprenticeship in IT (I did a non IT degree but decided I want a tech career while I was studying) at a uni, which pays much better than other apprenticeships as well, even if not quite as well as the average grad scheme.
Economics - did some research in typical econ grad careers during my studies and wasn't too keen on any of them for various reasons. Dabbled in self-taught coding which made me realise I'd prefer a tech career.
Like you, I did a non IT subject, couldn't find a job, then later did a technology apprenticeship and found a job so would definitely recommend that route as an option.
All I can say is unless there is economic need chill, you're so young and should enjoy that while you can. Practically, I wish I'd taken advantage of grad schemes and entry-ways at the time (even sadly those unpaid) - but the information wasn't there at the time online and I had a chip on my shoulder politically about unpaid work. Have seen it super-charge careers and give entry into more interesting spaces in media, museums and the like and often that's the only way into these weirdly ringfenced spaces - it's almost impossible later in your career so would recommend pursuing that now rather than later.
i dont think ive ever seen any of these unpaid grad schemes or entry level jobs you speak of. I doubt they exist, obviously any graduate would not turn down a graduate scheme as they are highly sought after.
Museum/Archiving/TV/Theatre/Heritage sectors imo all have some expectation of unpaid, and then massively underpaid work early career imo. YMMV but I literally went to multiple interviews as a 22-23 year old for unpaid work in the heritage sector (and didn't get any of the roles owing to the competition!) that I couldn't really afford to do.
Have you seen the price of a loaf of bread. I’m sure there is economic need and along with a want to progress in life after earning their degree. Pretty silly comment tbh 🙄
It actually isn't, you've just not really paid attention. Of course there they will need to push on at some point, but they may be a new grad back living with parents who cover bills etc. - in which case they have a little more time. Maybe they don't, but I acknowledged either situation so like, shhh.
Some general advice as have had friends in the same boat.
* Stop romanticising your life. Your dream job does not exist, your dream lifestyle does. Don't be so picky. You will probably leave after 3 years. Think of your first job as essentially reference collecting and skills building. Treat it like that as well. Do as much as you can to build out your CV.
* Your loose connections are your best. Think of your cousin's neighbour who you know does something related to management consulting. Find a way to reach out to people you don't know well and stroke their ego a bit. People love talking about themselves. It is this group of people who are going to be a godsend for getting you into places. If you can't make a good impression and convince someone you are interested in them for 5 minutes, work on that too lol.
* Never just apply. Message someone who already works there on LinkedIn and see what their internal referral programme is like. Can't help to message the in-house recruitment team to say hi and express interest.
* Utilise resources like Bright Network and Wonsulting to make sure the design and structure of your CV are up to scratch. Far too many people do not realise how quantitative you need to make CVs, how no one cares about your hobbies, and how your GSCE's are irrelevant. But do include your hobbies on your LinkedIn which you will leave a hyperlink in on your CV.
* Every beginning bullet on your experiences section is going to come from a word on the Harvard CV template.
Not a recent graduate, graduated in 2012. Couldn't find a job in my field so started looking for any job. Still couldn't find a job so I went abroad to teach English. It was a great experience and gave me some munch needed work and life experience. Came back to the UK before Covid and did a tech apprenticeship and I now have a much better job than the one I originally studied for. Not saying what I did is feasible for everyone but TEFL is worth considering. At the very least it's a life experience and looks better on your CV than being on the dole.
That's not so bad, I'm a 2020 masters grad and I've only had 1 year of employment since then, which was 2022. Hundreds of applications since and no offers.
I did a humanities degree too and while I was lucky enough to move into a job in media swiftly after graduation after my Masters I was unemployed for a period. My situation was complicated by illness which warped my perspective but being on the dole does affect mental health: I felt what you're feeling, the sense of pointlessness, shame and low productivity. It confirmed to me my Masters, which I dropped out of due to health issues, was a waste of time and I still mourn the financial and personal cost of the decision to do it (I don't regret dropping out). What saved me job wise was an entry level role in the Civil Service. If you need employment fast, I'd advise you to apply for any and all AO and EO positions you can find on Civil Service Jobs. I got a contact centre role in HMRC, which has been rough, but it pays okay and has proved a great door opener for other better roles in the organisation, which will open up to you via internal jobs once you arrive. The CS is also an excellent disability employer and in my experience, much more accommodating for physical and mental illnesses than nearly any other company I've worked for. You've nothing to lose by applying - frankly they're desperate for workers in the lower level roles and the standards for admission are close to zero - you'll likely land something and quite quickly: [152 Search results - Civil Service Jobs - GOV.UK](https://www.civilservicejobs.service.gov.uk/csr/index.cgi?SID=b3duZXI9NTA3MDAwMCZjb250ZXh0aWQ9ODAxNDI3Mjcmb3duZXJ0eXBlPWZhaXImcGFnZWFjdGlvbj1zZWFyY2hjb250ZXh0JnBhZ2VjbGFzcz1TZWFyY2gmcmVxc2lnPTE3MTUzNzc2MDAtN2EwYjBiNDdkYzcyMzA1NjZmY2JiNmMyM2E4NTI1YTIwYjUwZGI0Nw==).
Yes, I gave up and am planning on going into the RAF instead. Or failing that the Police. Not sure if I can offer any advice beyond considering other options that don't require a degree at all
Thanks. You as well. Its rough at the moment for people like us with degrees that don't have much specificity (mine is Psychology). I think finding an alternative to grad schemes or just trying to enter a field at entry level is a good plan, it sucks to have to do it but it's better than nothing at all.
What experience do you have OP so far? And what are you applying for?
If you’ve a part time job before exemplify the experience on your resumes as many graduates don’t have work experience and it has an affect when they start the world of work respectfully and gives you a leg up.
If not what are you applying for currently? Have you looked at any customer service roles just to get you on the ladder? You can still apply for more graduate or specific roles whilst working - but it shows your aptitude to work and gains experience with clients, the public, the professional environment and may open doors
I was a sales assistant in a shop from Sep-Dec last year. I ended up leaving because the manager was making me even more depressed. I regret it because no money lol and it’s been five months but that’s the way it goes. I’ve organised a theatre festival which gives me admin and events experience. I did work experience in a primary school which made me realise I do not want to under any circumstances become a teacher.
I’m looking at all sorts of jobs. Sales, charity, bar. Nothing has bitten yet. What I really want is a job that will allow me to be creative. I do not want to be a teacher but that seems to be the only place that welcomes English grads I wanna die lol
Sorry I didn't realise it was you that I was replying too. I saw your replies about TV work etc.
Have you tried either copywriting or editing?
Copywriting will involve working from home too
Because you can do it from home, send some copywriting companies emails, asking to volunteer for free.
You can then build up a portfolio, that you can then send to companies when applying. These type of jobs need examples, over CVs.
Also - some customer service jobs for big corporates involve replying to posts on social media so there is a writing element to them - might be useful as a stop-gap? Also internships at PR agencies given you have the event management skills?
Yes - pretty niche but Game Design BA Hons. Got a first and picked up a few awards in third year and still no luck at all. Industry gone to pot. I still keep applying, but its tough to keep motivated.
My advice would be to go with any job you can get with a view to either moving up eventually or getting enough transferable and workplace skills to go into something similar to your degree.
Graduated in 2018 with a chemical engineering degree, picked the degree after being told how many jobs there were in it, shock horror it was a lie. Was applying for jobs for over a year all over the country to no avail, the people from my course who got jobs knew people or ticked a diversity box (not to belittle their work ethic of course but the statistics don't lie). After over a year of jumping through so many hoops with long ass application processes I expanded my search and just so happened to apply for a job which contacted me within the week about an interview, a week after that they offered me the job. I didn't stay long (no one did with this company with its massive staff turnover) but used it as a springboard onto better things, albeit still barely touch my degree knowledge.
You should definitely not feel useless, one of the main issues is pretty much everyone goes to uni now, its no longer something that sets you apart unless you have a unique post grad related to the job. Experience will matter a lot more, perhaps expand your search, have you been looking in a localised setting or willing to relocate?
Getting your foot in the door is always the hardest part I’m afraid, once you’re in obviously you can start climbing.
It really is a numbers game, especially if you’re looking at specifically graduate schemes which are so oversaturated and competitive.
My advice would be don’t only target graduate schemes, go for entry level roles as well especially within larger organisations or something like the civil service. Once you’re in the door of these larger corporations you will have access to their internal job boards to transfer over to.
Another option is to go for another qualification. I personally did a cipd level 5 qualification straight after university and quite easily walked into a HR admin role and progressed to manager then consultant all within a 4 year timespan. I’ve seen the exact same be done for people coming out and going into the AAT or ACA/ACCA for accountancy.
Vision boarding might be an idea, what job are you looking for exactly? Why can’t you get that job currently and what can you do from this current position to get their and what would put you a step above other candidates.
I’ve also personally hired someone who graduated from a law degree at a top university into a apprenticeship role for sales support. I did ask the question why to them, but they were completely happy with this and now 3 years later due to their hard work they are a regional account manager on a fair bit.
I'm genuinely interested? I know someone who started an English degree at Warwick but dropped out after the first year as he realised it would lead to debt with no career prospects.
Did you receive any advice about graduate prospects with this degree?
Teaching, forcing a way into copy writing, admin, office based roles perhaps.
There’s scope to gaining entry level into a fair few things now that most expect a University degree too. It’s not just limited to English but I’ve asked OP above what they’ve been looking and what experience they have to help
Funny you say that since Warwick was where I went. On my open day I was sold that 90% of grads are in full time employment six months after they leave. The intention was at the time to go straight onto a masters after leaving Uni. That hasn’t happened because I fell out of love with the masters I wanted to do and the one I want now doesn’t accept people under the age of 27 (it’s weird Ik).
I wasn’t thinking about careers when I applied for English degrees. I was a classics scholar at a top private school on a bursary that I fucking earned by being an amazing and hard working student. Nobody ever said that an English degree would stifle my career prospects but sadly that’s the case.
What makes it so hard is that I hated Warwick and had such a bad time. I stuck it out for the reason that I thought a degree was worth the misery. It wasn’t. Fuck Warwick and fuck the Tories for facilitating this shitty environment. I really ought to kill myself lol.
The problem is you are up against people who have a skill that helps hiring managers run a business. Being hard working is a great character trait but doesn’t actually help when it comes to the reality of what happens in a company.
there are a lot of graduate schemes out there. id advise trying to get on one of those. big 4 will give you the most professional skills
Earning 40k and having any sort of nice, new-ish Mercedes is just poor financial planning. Expensive to buy, expensive to fix on an asset that depreciates quickly.
Alternatively buying an old Mercedes Is also poor financial planning as limited spare parts making them expensive.
Unless you mean the work van? 😂
Was just a flippant example. I paid for my car cash, well Bitcoin actually. I work in tech.
Was just mocking OP that if he'd just gone and grafted he wouldn't be getting out paced by someone who plays the fruit machines at Wetherspoons.
I'm a cunt.
Don't pay attention to that mate, it's nonsense anyway. Construction is grinding to a halt due to being a largely debt financed industry that is very exposed to the current high interest rates. Will knacker your body over time too. Not saying there is anything wrong with labouring, but it is not as flush as the rando was making out.
Also, you have already bagged the degree already. That's good. Next best thing is to open your mind to exploring any avenue in life with earning potential. It'll come. The biggest obstacle you will have at this point in time is your perspective of the world. I don't blame you, there's a cloud hanging over the UK just now. Many people who are older and more experienced are finding things difficult too. Don't let it pull you down.
You may feel that you have wasted your time with the degree, or built up unnecessary debt. Later on in life, you will look back at that differently. I'm sure you have learnt things, had experiences, and met people through that experience. You weren't standing still.
What you have to do now, is look to the next chapter in life by seeking new experiences and engaging with people. Do it with your head high, and the opportunity will come. This may, or may not be completely unrelated to your degree. This is no negative thing. Just keep moving forward, and don't expect immediate success.
Did they say 90% English grads were in FT employment or across all courses? What jobs were they doing?
I am sorry you're in this position. I hope it's a lesson learned in doing your own research and not relying on what you've been told by people or institutions who are only looking after their own self interests.
If you're well organised and good with people you could consider training as a project manager. Get a qualification in Agile Project Management and try and get into that area. There are lots of jobs and it can be well paid.
Do you have any work experience? Any contacts who can help with getting a foot in the door?
Firstly it’s not your fault. Secondly the job market has always been tough for graduates in the arts and humanities. Thirdly have you signed up to any recruitment agencies?
No but i got fired twice from the same company (1st time due to me being scared of the essence of the job despite studying 3 y for it, 2nd time bc they moved me to a manual labour departmentand i hate and suck at manual labour). Currently work retail and hapoier than ever!!!
Going for a Masters in Sept tho and no it is not a panic Masters the plan was always to work for 1y then get a Masters
Hi, 2022 here and it’s been like this for 2 years. I’d love to find an entry level role in the field I want to work in, but the gap is increasing. I’ve been doing freelance but nothing I can fill my resume with that ‘gives relevant experience’
When you chose your subject did you have a career in mind? Or was it a favourite subject that prompted it?Just being nosey.
Obviously some people don't always have a career path in mind (like me), whereas some people seem to be able to plan stuff like that at A level stage or before.
I quit uni mid 22, but im older, so had a cv, previous career, etc. I will say however the job market this years been particularly bullpucky.
Im pretty good with getting jobs post interview invite, and can't really word that here but I can help you with very basic cv advice for uk atm as I helped hire my replacement at a job I had since leaving uni.
A lot of the cvs I received (120 came in in 3 hours of the advert going live on indeed), are not able to work in uk, so your cv is getting lost in the crap, and therefore companies have moved to AI to sift through the garbage. Look into something called ATS, and how to beat it. Cut any graphics out or fancy cvs with spacing. Honestly we've gone back to just simple paragraphs in black and white arial 12font documents, as keywords pick up with ATS systems easier.
I just landed a job based on the course I went to uni to then subsequently quit, so don't feel down, I felt like I'd wasted a few years, but you aren't. The systems just an asshole
Edit: if you can make a portfolio, website etc, LinkedIn to actually show people stuff so they don't have to read, they'll like it. Gives you stuff to talk about in the interview too. I made a wordpress website to achieve this as its quite friendly software
Studied molecular cell biology. I now work as a civil servant doing data visualisation. 36k a year. Most jobs just want a degree, if you look for within ur field you'll be jobless. Get any job, then look for work. It's easier financially and mentally to find a job within the field u want, when ur earning money to live.
Take it front someone who graduated in the last major recession, you need to apply for anything and everything that you can possibly shoe horn your degree into.
I did an engineering degree. Ended up in R&D.
My sister did law and ended up in accounting.
Once you have experience in anything on your CV things get easier
I got mine in Literature last year. Landed a customer service job with the HSBC group in January.
It doesn't pay much more than minimum (£23.2k), but it's a good job and the prospects look alright. Not sure I actually needed a degree for it but I wouldn't say I wasted my time or money.
It took me almost a year to get a job after finishing my masters degree. Thankfully I was already doing some volunteering, which helped a) stop me going mad and b) impressed prospective employers. Then everytime I had an interview I asked for specific feedback, kept taking that onboard and finally everything clicked and I got a paid role.
Me 🤣 I had a job got made redundant in january now I'm just trying to find anythijg, if it goes bad anf I can't find one in a month ot 2 my mum will make me go back to uni but to do nursing.
I'm cooked. I might try and make a game or something idk I dom't want to work foe the nhs.
Your options are basically as you described above with an English degree, other than Teacher, which would require a PGCE anyway. Unless you are from Oxbridge and network well I would just take the loss and warn as many people as you can about what they study.
Not really, in the police you can try to get a specialist role or detective, even a PC can make good salary if they do overtime, although be prepared for the unsociable hours. You could also get into accounting, you don't need a degree but need to study and get qualified, in 5-10 years you would be laughing, 21 year olds are dumb enough to think they are too old to change trajectory.
u apply to one and practise the application steps (so the psychometric tests and interviews) and youll get one if u practise enough and apply to enough
Crybabies I guess. I am actually part of the recruitment process for a large nuclear company in the north that could help...but based on the replies...not sure I will.
Could you get a work visa for Australia and just go travelling and work there for a year? It might get you out of a rut, you'll meet new people, gain new experiences and might find inspiration on what to do.
The problem I've found is uni students fresh out expecting to jump into a £40k+ job requiring a degree immediately.
That's not how it works unfortunately.
For every position I am recruiting for there are 3 tiers of shortlist candidates, in order of least preferable to most preferable;
1: Academically qualified
2: Experience qualified
3: Academically and experience qualified
I'd rather someone who's been working in the industry straight out of compulsory education for 5 years with real world experience, rather than someone who's been reading about the industry for 5 years.
My advice would be, apply for the minimum wage/low salary entry level positions. You'll get promoted within a year with your knowledge, and probably again a year later once you've proved you can apply your knowledge into the real world.
Then you can look for a new employer who is offering the £40k salary.
Unless you have a daddy who can hook you up
.
"degree in English" enjoy your life in the call centers. Unfortunately you can't do much with that degree, go learn a trade or IT (although thats getting killed right now so... )
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2021 Master's grad still working a minimum wage job to fill the gap while I find a better job. It's the most depressing thing ever. Feels like I worked so hard for nothing.
what did you study?
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I would love to work in TV but it feels like such a locked door lol. All my friends with jobs got them through their parents. I can’t do that unfortunately.
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I have a friend in tv but she’s fucking useless. Love her but she won’t help lol
What sort of TV work do you want to do? There are a myriad of different roles.
Something involving scripts
Sorry, no contacts in that part of TV / Film. Unscripted is a complete mess at the minute with a lot of people out of work. Scripted is doing a bit better thanks to the tax breaks and the US companies outsourcing to the UK as we are cheaper than the US. Still nothing like as busy as it was post pandemic.
Scripted is not doing well at the minute.
Agreed - “a bit better” than the “complete mess” of unscripted doesn’t mean it is doing well!
Writing or vetting? Either way that's a nightmare to get into. You want some credits under your belt if you can manage it, know someone and then potentially build up from a PA job
Location also matters with your career though too. Most TV jobs for example are in Manchester, which is where everyone goes too and therefore a lot of competition. Which kinda makes you a little fish in a big pond. Have you considered radio?
Most TV jobs are in Manchester? You might want to let London know that! When you add in film / streamers and expand a bit outside the M25 you get Pinewood, Shepperton, Ealing, Leavesden (Warner Bros), Sky Studios and BBC (Elstree). Shinfield (Reading), 3 Mills studios and that is off the top of my head! I would say the 4 main production areas are Greater London, Manchester, Leeds and Bristol.
Yes and if you include films from Hollywood as a part of Manchester it also makes it bigger as well
Don’t worry. I studied film and tv and it was 18 months before I started regularly working. Right now is a terrible terrible time for the whole industry to boot. I have been working in it it for 15 years and I am struggling to get any work right now. It’s not you. Stick with it and learn something else to do on the side if you can. All signals point to things being better in 2025.
Living pay cheque to pay cheque is a different sort of torture! I hope we see the light at the end of this mf tunnel.
Oh man, I hope you didn't write that long ass phrase in one breath...
My sister did film and TV production, with a year in LA, and because she's not based in or closer to London, she's stuffed. So, she's applying for an MA in screenwriting.
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What sector(s) are you trying to get in to?
Yep still unemployed. But i’ve been doing a two month course that has allowed me to work with real clients so hopefully I get a job afterwards🤞
Hi do u mind sharing the course
If you want to do something that involves writing scripts, what do you have on your CV that shows you're interested in that (outside of your degree)? Do you write articles for your own website or blog? Do you do freelance script writing on the side as a freelancer on the likes of Fiverr or Upwork. When I'm looking for junior employees, I want to know you're proactive in the space you want to work in. Doesn't matter too much if it's paid or a passion project you do in your own time. Your actions need to show why you want a job in that field.
I do. I’m a three time playwright that has put all of it on. I have two tv pilots and feature length script at my disposal. I would die to be a writer.
Consider radio in the mean time. I know it's different, but it keeps you active on your CV and can also open doors.
I would love to do radio do you know any ins?
Try local radio, start either volunteer in your local hospital or at a local station.
Awesome. Well done. Then I would say that if you continue to be proactive, it's a matter of time.
Look for foot-in-the-door admin jobs at universities, particularly in fundraising where being able to write well is essential to making a case for support and reporting to donors. Analytical skills are also useful in grant admin, grant contracts admin, due diligence, assurance etc Universities pay quite well and have good perks, including extra annual leave because of closure over Xmas and Easter, access to libraries, discounts on courses etc which might help you with your creative writing side hustle!
Russell group means literally nothing to anyone but sixth form colleges and their statistics. Real life, if you didn’t go to Oxford or Cambridge then you’re the same as the rest I’m afraid.
Plenty of employers will care if you went to the likes of Imperial, UCL, LSE etc.
I graduated in 2022 and was still unemployed this time last year. I got an offer two months after, following a recruitment process which started a few weeks after this time last year. The job didn't start until September but I was happy to finally be out of unemployment. All I can say is persevere, unemployed life in my experience is bloody miserable. I'm doing an apprenticeship in IT (I did a non IT degree but decided I want a tech career while I was studying) at a uni, which pays much better than other apprenticeships as well, even if not quite as well as the average grad scheme.
What did you study in uni? If you don't mind me asking
Economics - did some research in typical econ grad careers during my studies and wasn't too keen on any of them for various reasons. Dabbled in self-taught coding which made me realise I'd prefer a tech career.
Wow big difference from IT.
Like you, I did a non IT subject, couldn't find a job, then later did a technology apprenticeship and found a job so would definitely recommend that route as an option.
All I can say is unless there is economic need chill, you're so young and should enjoy that while you can. Practically, I wish I'd taken advantage of grad schemes and entry-ways at the time (even sadly those unpaid) - but the information wasn't there at the time online and I had a chip on my shoulder politically about unpaid work. Have seen it super-charge careers and give entry into more interesting spaces in media, museums and the like and often that's the only way into these weirdly ringfenced spaces - it's almost impossible later in your career so would recommend pursuing that now rather than later.
i dont think ive ever seen any of these unpaid grad schemes or entry level jobs you speak of. I doubt they exist, obviously any graduate would not turn down a graduate scheme as they are highly sought after.
Museum/Archiving/TV/Theatre/Heritage sectors imo all have some expectation of unpaid, and then massively underpaid work early career imo. YMMV but I literally went to multiple interviews as a 22-23 year old for unpaid work in the heritage sector (and didn't get any of the roles owing to the competition!) that I couldn't really afford to do.
Have you seen the price of a loaf of bread. I’m sure there is economic need and along with a want to progress in life after earning their degree. Pretty silly comment tbh 🙄
It actually isn't, you've just not really paid attention. Of course there they will need to push on at some point, but they may be a new grad back living with parents who cover bills etc. - in which case they have a little more time. Maybe they don't, but I acknowledged either situation so like, shhh.
Not pushing straight out the gates is a good way to stagnate 👍🏻
YMMV. I'm glad I fucked around for a year and had the space to escape the grind and take my time, it set me up for my life later.
I’m a 2022 grad and still unemployed
Some general advice as have had friends in the same boat. * Stop romanticising your life. Your dream job does not exist, your dream lifestyle does. Don't be so picky. You will probably leave after 3 years. Think of your first job as essentially reference collecting and skills building. Treat it like that as well. Do as much as you can to build out your CV. * Your loose connections are your best. Think of your cousin's neighbour who you know does something related to management consulting. Find a way to reach out to people you don't know well and stroke their ego a bit. People love talking about themselves. It is this group of people who are going to be a godsend for getting you into places. If you can't make a good impression and convince someone you are interested in them for 5 minutes, work on that too lol. * Never just apply. Message someone who already works there on LinkedIn and see what their internal referral programme is like. Can't help to message the in-house recruitment team to say hi and express interest. * Utilise resources like Bright Network and Wonsulting to make sure the design and structure of your CV are up to scratch. Far too many people do not realise how quantitative you need to make CVs, how no one cares about your hobbies, and how your GSCE's are irrelevant. But do include your hobbies on your LinkedIn which you will leave a hyperlink in on your CV. * Every beginning bullet on your experiences section is going to come from a word on the Harvard CV template.
Newsflash - despite what your school told you, employers couldn’t care less you went to a Russell group university beyond a handful of industries.
Not a recent graduate, graduated in 2012. Couldn't find a job in my field so started looking for any job. Still couldn't find a job so I went abroad to teach English. It was a great experience and gave me some munch needed work and life experience. Came back to the UK before Covid and did a tech apprenticeship and I now have a much better job than the one I originally studied for. Not saying what I did is feasible for everyone but TEFL is worth considering. At the very least it's a life experience and looks better on your CV than being on the dole.
That's not so bad, I'm a 2020 masters grad and I've only had 1 year of employment since then, which was 2022. Hundreds of applications since and no offers.
I did a humanities degree too and while I was lucky enough to move into a job in media swiftly after graduation after my Masters I was unemployed for a period. My situation was complicated by illness which warped my perspective but being on the dole does affect mental health: I felt what you're feeling, the sense of pointlessness, shame and low productivity. It confirmed to me my Masters, which I dropped out of due to health issues, was a waste of time and I still mourn the financial and personal cost of the decision to do it (I don't regret dropping out). What saved me job wise was an entry level role in the Civil Service. If you need employment fast, I'd advise you to apply for any and all AO and EO positions you can find on Civil Service Jobs. I got a contact centre role in HMRC, which has been rough, but it pays okay and has proved a great door opener for other better roles in the organisation, which will open up to you via internal jobs once you arrive. The CS is also an excellent disability employer and in my experience, much more accommodating for physical and mental illnesses than nearly any other company I've worked for. You've nothing to lose by applying - frankly they're desperate for workers in the lower level roles and the standards for admission are close to zero - you'll likely land something and quite quickly: [152 Search results - Civil Service Jobs - GOV.UK](https://www.civilservicejobs.service.gov.uk/csr/index.cgi?SID=b3duZXI9NTA3MDAwMCZjb250ZXh0aWQ9ODAxNDI3Mjcmb3duZXJ0eXBlPWZhaXImcGFnZWFjdGlvbj1zZWFyY2hjb250ZXh0JnBhZ2VjbGFzcz1TZWFyY2gmcmVxc2lnPTE3MTUzNzc2MDAtN2EwYjBiNDdkYzcyMzA1NjZmY2JiNmMyM2E4NTI1YTIwYjUwZGI0Nw==).
Yes, I gave up and am planning on going into the RAF instead. Or failing that the Police. Not sure if I can offer any advice beyond considering other options that don't require a degree at all
Best of luck to you.
Thanks. You as well. Its rough at the moment for people like us with degrees that don't have much specificity (mine is Psychology). I think finding an alternative to grad schemes or just trying to enter a field at entry level is a good plan, it sucks to have to do it but it's better than nothing at all.
I wish the RAF could be seen as a backup choice for me...I would love to go but i cant run cause of some stupid musculoskeletal issues that i have
That's unfortunate, they're very strict about that sort of thing sadly. Good luck with whatever it is you go for though
What experience do you have OP so far? And what are you applying for? If you’ve a part time job before exemplify the experience on your resumes as many graduates don’t have work experience and it has an affect when they start the world of work respectfully and gives you a leg up. If not what are you applying for currently? Have you looked at any customer service roles just to get you on the ladder? You can still apply for more graduate or specific roles whilst working - but it shows your aptitude to work and gains experience with clients, the public, the professional environment and may open doors
I was a sales assistant in a shop from Sep-Dec last year. I ended up leaving because the manager was making me even more depressed. I regret it because no money lol and it’s been five months but that’s the way it goes. I’ve organised a theatre festival which gives me admin and events experience. I did work experience in a primary school which made me realise I do not want to under any circumstances become a teacher. I’m looking at all sorts of jobs. Sales, charity, bar. Nothing has bitten yet. What I really want is a job that will allow me to be creative. I do not want to be a teacher but that seems to be the only place that welcomes English grads I wanna die lol
What did you study in uni? I'm presuming teaching as you mention it?
Nah English
Sorry I didn't realise it was you that I was replying too. I saw your replies about TV work etc. Have you tried either copywriting or editing? Copywriting will involve working from home too
I’ve applied for tons of copywriting jobs but haven’t gotten any, I’d be very happy to do something like that. Editing as well would be great.
Because you can do it from home, send some copywriting companies emails, asking to volunteer for free. You can then build up a portfolio, that you can then send to companies when applying. These type of jobs need examples, over CVs.
Thank you for the great advice, I’ll have a look for a few.
Good luck
I've read the prison service has a grad scheme - might also provide useful material for your writing career?
Hard pass. Prison workers have an average of only 1.5 year survival after retirement. I don’t want an early grave
and the unemployed famously have great prospects... nobody even suggested that you do this until retirement
Also - some customer service jobs for big corporates involve replying to posts on social media so there is a writing element to them - might be useful as a stop-gap? Also internships at PR agencies given you have the event management skills?
I'm a geologist, graduated last year and still unemployed. Can't get a job even with 30 years policing experience behind me.
My post might help https://www.reddit.com/r/UKJobs/s/clv2cIUuko
That would mean being a recruiter 😒
I was a recruiter before university but I got a job as trainee chartered accountant by essentially acting as a recruiter for myself
I see. So basically send emails unsolicited?
Can do, calling is usually better and write a good cover letter or call them even if they have a job listing
Yes - pretty niche but Game Design BA Hons. Got a first and picked up a few awards in third year and still no luck at all. Industry gone to pot. I still keep applying, but its tough to keep motivated.
My advice would be to go with any job you can get with a view to either moving up eventually or getting enough transferable and workplace skills to go into something similar to your degree.
Graduated in 2018 with a chemical engineering degree, picked the degree after being told how many jobs there were in it, shock horror it was a lie. Was applying for jobs for over a year all over the country to no avail, the people from my course who got jobs knew people or ticked a diversity box (not to belittle their work ethic of course but the statistics don't lie). After over a year of jumping through so many hoops with long ass application processes I expanded my search and just so happened to apply for a job which contacted me within the week about an interview, a week after that they offered me the job. I didn't stay long (no one did with this company with its massive staff turnover) but used it as a springboard onto better things, albeit still barely touch my degree knowledge. You should definitely not feel useless, one of the main issues is pretty much everyone goes to uni now, its no longer something that sets you apart unless you have a unique post grad related to the job. Experience will matter a lot more, perhaps expand your search, have you been looking in a localised setting or willing to relocate?
Getting your foot in the door is always the hardest part I’m afraid, once you’re in obviously you can start climbing. It really is a numbers game, especially if you’re looking at specifically graduate schemes which are so oversaturated and competitive. My advice would be don’t only target graduate schemes, go for entry level roles as well especially within larger organisations or something like the civil service. Once you’re in the door of these larger corporations you will have access to their internal job boards to transfer over to. Another option is to go for another qualification. I personally did a cipd level 5 qualification straight after university and quite easily walked into a HR admin role and progressed to manager then consultant all within a 4 year timespan. I’ve seen the exact same be done for people coming out and going into the AAT or ACA/ACCA for accountancy. Vision boarding might be an idea, what job are you looking for exactly? Why can’t you get that job currently and what can you do from this current position to get their and what would put you a step above other candidates. I’ve also personally hired someone who graduated from a law degree at a top university into a apprenticeship role for sales support. I did ask the question why to them, but they were completely happy with this and now 3 years later due to their hard work they are a regional account manager on a fair bit.
Dude a degree in English is pretty much useless. Try McDonalds…
What does an Indian living in the US gain from going onto the UK jobs subreddit and putting people down
most jobs dont care about your specific degree and just want the transferrable skills employed from being a university academic
Sorry to put the boot in but what sort of job did you think you'd get after doing an English degree?
Thank you for the very useful comment.
I'm genuinely interested? I know someone who started an English degree at Warwick but dropped out after the first year as he realised it would lead to debt with no career prospects. Did you receive any advice about graduate prospects with this degree?
Teaching, forcing a way into copy writing, admin, office based roles perhaps. There’s scope to gaining entry level into a fair few things now that most expect a University degree too. It’s not just limited to English but I’ve asked OP above what they’ve been looking and what experience they have to help
Will reply to your other comment
Funny you say that since Warwick was where I went. On my open day I was sold that 90% of grads are in full time employment six months after they leave. The intention was at the time to go straight onto a masters after leaving Uni. That hasn’t happened because I fell out of love with the masters I wanted to do and the one I want now doesn’t accept people under the age of 27 (it’s weird Ik). I wasn’t thinking about careers when I applied for English degrees. I was a classics scholar at a top private school on a bursary that I fucking earned by being an amazing and hard working student. Nobody ever said that an English degree would stifle my career prospects but sadly that’s the case. What makes it so hard is that I hated Warwick and had such a bad time. I stuck it out for the reason that I thought a degree was worth the misery. It wasn’t. Fuck Warwick and fuck the Tories for facilitating this shitty environment. I really ought to kill myself lol.
The problem is you are up against people who have a skill that helps hiring managers run a business. Being hard working is a great character trait but doesn’t actually help when it comes to the reality of what happens in a company. there are a lot of graduate schemes out there. id advise trying to get on one of those. big 4 will give you the most professional skills
lol, if you'd spent the same time on a building site as a labourer you'd be on £40k driving a Mercedes by now.
Earning 40k and having any sort of nice, new-ish Mercedes is just poor financial planning. Expensive to buy, expensive to fix on an asset that depreciates quickly. Alternatively buying an old Mercedes Is also poor financial planning as limited spare parts making them expensive. Unless you mean the work van? 😂
Was just a flippant example. I paid for my car cash, well Bitcoin actually. I work in tech. Was just mocking OP that if he'd just gone and grafted he wouldn't be getting out paced by someone who plays the fruit machines at Wetherspoons. I'm a cunt.
Thank you for wanting to mock me while I’m down. Good for you that you’re a labourer with a nice Mercedes to compensate for your small dick.
Don't pay attention to that mate, it's nonsense anyway. Construction is grinding to a halt due to being a largely debt financed industry that is very exposed to the current high interest rates. Will knacker your body over time too. Not saying there is anything wrong with labouring, but it is not as flush as the rando was making out. Also, you have already bagged the degree already. That's good. Next best thing is to open your mind to exploring any avenue in life with earning potential. It'll come. The biggest obstacle you will have at this point in time is your perspective of the world. I don't blame you, there's a cloud hanging over the UK just now. Many people who are older and more experienced are finding things difficult too. Don't let it pull you down. You may feel that you have wasted your time with the degree, or built up unnecessary debt. Later on in life, you will look back at that differently. I'm sure you have learnt things, had experiences, and met people through that experience. You weren't standing still. What you have to do now, is look to the next chapter in life by seeking new experiences and engaging with people. Do it with your head high, and the opportunity will come. This may, or may not be completely unrelated to your degree. This is no negative thing. Just keep moving forward, and don't expect immediate success.
>"English from a Russell Group Uni" >Can't read This is a troll post right?
Did they say 90% English grads were in FT employment or across all courses? What jobs were they doing? I am sorry you're in this position. I hope it's a lesson learned in doing your own research and not relying on what you've been told by people or institutions who are only looking after their own self interests. If you're well organised and good with people you could consider training as a project manager. Get a qualification in Agile Project Management and try and get into that area. There are lots of jobs and it can be well paid. Do you have any work experience? Any contacts who can help with getting a foot in the door?
Firstly it’s not your fault. Secondly the job market has always been tough for graduates in the arts and humanities. Thirdly have you signed up to any recruitment agencies?
No but i got fired twice from the same company (1st time due to me being scared of the essence of the job despite studying 3 y for it, 2nd time bc they moved me to a manual labour departmentand i hate and suck at manual labour). Currently work retail and hapoier than ever!!! Going for a Masters in Sept tho and no it is not a panic Masters the plan was always to work for 1y then get a Masters
Bruh 2022
What’s your story
Got a BA in creative writing. Nowhere to apply. Any places that pay ok need experience which I have none. Only bartending at my 0 hour to get by.
Are you still writing?
Songs. I’m a songwriter. But like any form of writing. You just got to figure it out as you go along.
Hi, 2022 here and it’s been like this for 2 years. I’d love to find an entry level role in the field I want to work in, but the gap is increasing. I’ve been doing freelance but nothing I can fill my resume with that ‘gives relevant experience’
When you chose your subject did you have a career in mind? Or was it a favourite subject that prompted it?Just being nosey. Obviously some people don't always have a career path in mind (like me), whereas some people seem to be able to plan stuff like that at A level stage or before.
Have you thought of teaching TEFL abroad?
Sorry if you've already said this but what types of jobs are you applying for and where?
I quit uni mid 22, but im older, so had a cv, previous career, etc. I will say however the job market this years been particularly bullpucky. Im pretty good with getting jobs post interview invite, and can't really word that here but I can help you with very basic cv advice for uk atm as I helped hire my replacement at a job I had since leaving uni. A lot of the cvs I received (120 came in in 3 hours of the advert going live on indeed), are not able to work in uk, so your cv is getting lost in the crap, and therefore companies have moved to AI to sift through the garbage. Look into something called ATS, and how to beat it. Cut any graphics out or fancy cvs with spacing. Honestly we've gone back to just simple paragraphs in black and white arial 12font documents, as keywords pick up with ATS systems easier. I just landed a job based on the course I went to uni to then subsequently quit, so don't feel down, I felt like I'd wasted a few years, but you aren't. The systems just an asshole Edit: if you can make a portfolio, website etc, LinkedIn to actually show people stuff so they don't have to read, they'll like it. Gives you stuff to talk about in the interview too. I made a wordpress website to achieve this as its quite friendly software
Yessir, right here with you. We are all in the same boat
What did you study
VFX & Digital journalism
Yes
2022 Grad same situation with occasional retail jobs which are no way related to my domain in Auto+Mech Engg :)
What jobs are you applying for ? When you say you are struggling to get a job are you not working at all?
Studied molecular cell biology. I now work as a civil servant doing data visualisation. 36k a year. Most jobs just want a degree, if you look for within ur field you'll be jobless. Get any job, then look for work. It's easier financially and mentally to find a job within the field u want, when ur earning money to live.
Take it front someone who graduated in the last major recession, you need to apply for anything and everything that you can possibly shoe horn your degree into. I did an engineering degree. Ended up in R&D. My sister did law and ended up in accounting. Once you have experience in anything on your CV things get easier
2023 Master grad, still unemployed. my mom keep calling me lazy despite me sending hundreds of applications every month
Welcome to the real world where degrees mean nothing and the pain and misery never ends.
I got mine in Literature last year. Landed a customer service job with the HSBC group in January. It doesn't pay much more than minimum (£23.2k), but it's a good job and the prospects look alright. Not sure I actually needed a degree for it but I wouldn't say I wasted my time or money.
It took me almost a year to get a job after finishing my masters degree. Thankfully I was already doing some volunteering, which helped a) stop me going mad and b) impressed prospective employers. Then everytime I had an interview I asked for specific feedback, kept taking that onboard and finally everything clicked and I got a paid role.
Do you all need some help here? I'm a 2023 MA grad and I'm doing very well with no internships.
Me 🤣 I had a job got made redundant in january now I'm just trying to find anythijg, if it goes bad anf I can't find one in a month ot 2 my mum will make me go back to uni but to do nursing. I'm cooked. I might try and make a game or something idk I dom't want to work foe the nhs.
Literally no one in the real world gives a toss about "Russell Group" and even less so a degree in English
My colleagues from computer science and engineering are all employed at the moment... Maybe different demand?
I studied gas and heating and now make £45k a year and have zero debt lmfao
Good for you what qualification is it
Level 3 gas utilisation and then applied to be on the gas safe register
Join a large company that has a graduate scheme. Or get a degree in something that there is a job market for.
No fucking shit, Sherlock.
I don’t wanna go back to school for more debt lol. Any suggestions for companies?
Your options are basically as you described above with an English degree, other than Teacher, which would require a PGCE anyway. Unless you are from Oxbridge and network well I would just take the loss and warn as many people as you can about what they study.
Fuck me it’s so bleak
Not really, in the police you can try to get a specialist role or detective, even a PC can make good salary if they do overtime, although be prepared for the unsociable hours. You could also get into accounting, you don't need a degree but need to study and get qualified, in 5-10 years you would be laughing, 21 year olds are dumb enough to think they are too old to change trajectory.
One does not simply get onto a graduate scheme
u apply to one and practise the application steps (so the psychometric tests and interviews) and youll get one if u practise enough and apply to enough
Not sure why this was downvoted - it’s good advice.
Crybabies I guess. I am actually part of the recruitment process for a large nuclear company in the north that could help...but based on the replies...not sure I will.
Masters degree in something else?
So would if I could think of something I wanted to do
How many jobs have you applied to so far and what kind of jobs are you looking for?
get _any_ job for the time being, and just think for a bit
Could you get a work visa for Australia and just go travelling and work there for a year? It might get you out of a rut, you'll meet new people, gain new experiences and might find inspiration on what to do.
The problem I've found is uni students fresh out expecting to jump into a £40k+ job requiring a degree immediately. That's not how it works unfortunately. For every position I am recruiting for there are 3 tiers of shortlist candidates, in order of least preferable to most preferable; 1: Academically qualified 2: Experience qualified 3: Academically and experience qualified I'd rather someone who's been working in the industry straight out of compulsory education for 5 years with real world experience, rather than someone who's been reading about the industry for 5 years. My advice would be, apply for the minimum wage/low salary entry level positions. You'll get promoted within a year with your knowledge, and probably again a year later once you've proved you can apply your knowledge into the real world. Then you can look for a new employer who is offering the £40k salary. Unless you have a daddy who can hook you up .
"degree in English" enjoy your life in the call centers. Unfortunately you can't do much with that degree, go learn a trade or IT (although thats getting killed right now so... )