Calling all Uni Graduates 2000 - 2003

[Choc Drop]

How is your degree working out for you? I have a marketing degree and haven't been able to get into the field at all. I worked one place in sales, who dangled the Marketing carrot in front of me for almost 2 years, then made me redundant. Since then, I've been an administrator, a lettings admin assistant, and a customer services rep. (All crappy but pay the bills - almost!) Mainly can't get into Marketing because I been told that I'm too overqualified, not experienced enough, or too long a graduate! I'd love to hear any other graduate stories, successful or otherwise?

[nykkieberry]

I have a degree in Sculpture (1997) and now I am a copywriter and graphic designer! It didn't seem to help me get the job I wanted/salary I wanted at first. I fell into Marketing as a temp on 9k a year then got a crappy job in Advertising and I involved myself in everything and anything. I managed to build up my design skills (technical) and I got stuck into all the copywriting work even though it wasn't my job. (I was there to answer phones) It was good, paid work experience that enabled me to get a job in PR. Again I moulded this job to the bits I liked and built up my reputation for copy and design before landing my current job four years ago. I am currently developing web skills so I can build on my design portfolio. My degree as a level of qualification/measure of ability helped me to get interviews and helped me to meet rigid criteria about employing graduates but i doubt that it actually helped me get the job I wanted. I would keep your skills current, your market knowledge fresh and apply for anything in the field that you want to work in - then build it from there. Enthusiasm and willingness to learn, being flexible, adaptable and pushing your way into a role that isn't exactly what you applied for seems to count for more than a degree. I also do a lot of free lance work and art related hobbies that use the knowledge gleaned from my degree to make it all seem worthwhile!

[slimjim]

As an employer (in IT consultancy) I'm happy to share my views on this; though they may not be pleasant reading. I don't care what degree you have. In fact, I don't care whether you have a degree at all. Your attitude and what you have done in the last 18 months is all that I care about. Your attitude has to be a 'can-do' one. You have to understand what our customers are about and what makes them happy. You have to understand the importance of working in a diverse and challenging culture (i.e. can you thrive in any environment?). I need to know that if I put you under pressure, you'll still perform. If you are young, then you WILL start at the bottom. Work your way up - the good ones always do. If I suspect that you expect something extra for having worked hard (or not) at uni for the last three years, then I probably won't employ you. So my advice to you is go and prove yourself (anywhere you can get a job). Be loyal, friendly and willing to learn. Move on once you feel that you have a good story to tell to a new employer. If you can keep doing this, you'll get to where you want.

[OBonio]

I agree with slimjim. I spent 3 months at Uni relearning all I'd learnt at A Level (to bring the people with an E in history up to speed with how double D flip flops worked) and thought I'd chance it in the big bad world. I got a naff admin job and put myself through a few night classes in programming, even one on basic mechanics (I'd bought an old Fiesta that broke down a fair bit). Then I got my break working night shifts as a computer operator. Pretty much the lowest rung on the ladder. Within 4 years I was working as a developer, doing what I really wanted since I was a wee nipper. I think I would have finished Uni 2 months after starting that job.... And my bank balance was healthy ;o)

[darth vader]

got a third in combined sciences (Maths and Computing) in 93. now a senior developer after 8 years so i would say pretty much a success story - though the degree got me the original junior developer job, the clssification didn't mean anything (in fact they never asked).

[darth vader]

ha ha ha gosh don't i feel a burk - i thought you were asking about the 90's!

[Stav's Back]

I graduated last summer with a degree in Manufacturing Engineering (basically all the easiest bits from the proper Engineering Degrees) at Loughborough. Didnt really fancy anything related to this field to start off with, so arsed around for a bit with some part time stuff here and there. Eventually pulled my finger out, and have been working for a Manufacturing company for the last 4 months that design and make bomb disposal equipment. Not getting paid what I wanted (although I was a bit optimistic) but ive started somewhere, its vaguely related to my degree, and hopefully I can work my way up from here. not a great story, but thought id share it anyway.

[SuzeB]

Graduated 2001 in Law. Saw my degree as a means to an ends rather than having aspirations to be lawyer, much like what was said before, it shows a level of motivation and commitment rather than practical ability. Only two things on my list of things to do: travel and have a family. Spent 2 1/2 years travelling and then with resignation joined the rat race. Recently worked as a Legal Editor but just been made redundant (so excuse the negativity). I'm looking for a job flexible enough for me to have children in a couple of years, don't particularly want to mislead my future employer or let them down by spending the majority of the year on maternity leave. Finding my biggest barrier to getting a job is that there are none. Desperately trying not to fall into the trap of eternal temping but beggars can't be choosers especially if I want to tick the next thing off my list. Trying to figure this 5 (or so) year gap into my career development to have 2/3 kids is a further constraint, of my choosing I know, but doesn't make things easier. Again, not a great story, sorry.

[colinsvan]

don't have a particular story to share re my degree... but from looking at your post, in additiion to agreeing with slimjim - i would suggest you look at the skills that you have and in applications /interviews demonstrate how the skills/abilities that you have are transferable... which may not have much truck as far as the 'overqualified' bit goes, but mitigates 'lack of experience' - in my experience sure you know all this already - good luck - i've grabbed my coat and will close door quietly behind me