Graduate Claiming JSA

ferien_uk

A lot of graduate jobs would like you to have graduated within five years, so even if you don't get one straight away, your degree won't necessarily be to waste. A lot of companies have put their graduate schemes on hold this year due the current climate. Don't put too much pressure on yourself to get an amazing job straight away.

Whatever job you do will give you skills that graduate (and other) employers look for. For example, I worked in retail after graduating, and I gained communication skills, leadership skills, team working etc etc which all look good on a CV.

Meepster

ncfcstar wrote: »

Yes plenty of people out there with degrees, but it's not like my degree is in hair colouring or something, it took a lot of work, and like I said I don't want it to go to waste.

My ex got a masters degree in statistical analysis. When she left uni, there were very few jobs going around. She worked in McDonalds for a few months and then get a job in Tesco on the checkouts, where she stayed for nearly two years.

All the while she was applying for statistical vacancies. She then got offered a job, after WASTING her degree for 2 1/2 years, she now earns over £70k a year.

Get over yourself, get a job, ANY job and when the right opportunity comes along, take it. It is a LOT easier to get a new job whilst you are employed than your dream job whilst sat at home doing not a lot...

Almo

ncfcstar wrote: »

Yes plenty of people out there with degrees, but it's not like my degree is in hair colouring or something, it took a lot of work, and like I said I don't want it to go to waste.

Shame really, hairdressing is on the skills shortage list in Australia - you could have got a job here easily!

Look, I sympathise with you being unable to find work but I do think you need to stop thinking exclusively about jobs which to you match your skills. What are your skills beyond generic university skills? You're competing with every other graduate, a fair few of whom will have a first.

Do you know what you want to do? If yes, can't you take anything while you try to get into the industry? If no, you might find it worth while experimenting anyway - getting a retail job will help you decide if you want to work in a customer facing kind of role or not etc.

blue_ashleigh

I've just graduated and I'm applying for anything and everything whilst also (fingers crossed) doing weekend and eve part time voluntary work in an area that WOULD use my degree to gain experience so when the economy picks up I'll have experience etc.

What you want to try and avoid, if you can, is not doing anything at all. Even if you do a little bit of unpaid work (or paid work in an area not of your liking) at least you won't have to explain employment gaps in the future.

Good luck!

hr100

My hairdresser (who is only 23) earns about 40k a year so I think the less sneaky comments about that please.

I find that my degree comes in more useful now in my late 20s as I have experience AND a degree.

When I worked in financial recruitment the grads used to make me laugh, they would have a degree in accountancy but had never worked in accountancy, not even as a summer job yet they would say "oh I want 19k min" - sure love!

Most would end up with basic accounts jobs whilst they learnt the ropes.

I have just employed a graduate, great degree and a postgrad degree but she is earning a lot less than 19k whilst she builds up her skill set. From my point of view she needs far more assistance than my other staff without degree but with 3 years experience. However, long term she will probably get higher up the career path than the other two.

ncfcstar

For heavens sake, I'm not appreciating the snide comments.

I said I have been applying for anything, and yes I do know what I want to do, it was just a throw away comment about not wanting my degree to go to waste which I am sure you can all understand.

Perhaps some of you think I feel I have a god earned right to earn more because I am a graduate, I assure you now that is not how I feel, so try not to be so sharp in future. If many of you had put a lot of hard work in for 3 years and then realised that perhaps the skills you had gained were not going to be utilised I am sure you would feel similar.

Blimey, wish I had never said anything, I appreciate the people who actually answered my question.

ncfcstar

hr100 wrote: »

My hairdresser (who is only 23) earns about 40k a year so I think the less sneaky comments about that please.

Sorry to hear you get so hurt about comments regarding hairdressers....jeez. It wasn't a complaint against her, just that people were making comparisons about degrees in general, it's not like I have any old degree, from any old (NEW) uni. I apologise profusely that I had to pick on hairdressers.

bitsandpieces

If you can't find paid work (horrible, but it happens) it's well worth looking for some voluntary work: to gain some more experience. You should be able to find plenty of voluntary opportunities (and to find work that's relevant to your degree).

You could also consider postgrad study, if this would interest you. However, this is hard work and expensive - not something to do unless you want to pursue studies of a particular subject further, and have a plan for how this will help you in future.

Have you spoken to a careers advisor? You can probably still use your uni careers service at this point (you could also get them to check over some of the CVs/covering letters you're using, if you haven't already done so).

dmg24

ncfcstar wrote: »

Sorry to hear you get so hurt about comments regarding hairdressers....jeez. It wasn't a complaint against her, just that people were making comparisons about degrees in general, it's not like I have any old degree, from any old (NEW) uni. I apologise profusely that I had to pick on hairdressers.

The skills of tact and diplomacy are highly desirable in a potential employee. Perhaps you could learn them?

ncfcstar

dmg24 wrote: »

The skills of tact and diplomacy are highly desirable in a potential employee. Perhaps you could learn them?

Very true, but this is an internet forum not a job interview, others should learn not to judge so quickly and perhaps be more polite. As I have said I take on board what people have said, and I have made it clear that I do not intend to just sit around waiting for things to happen. My question was answered, and that is what I wanted. The condescending remarks from others were not appreciated.