Graduate unable to find work - could I create my own job?

lexilex

paddyrg wrote: »

And don't think any job is beneath you because you got a degree (I don't know you personally, this isnt a dig, it's just a fact that many graduates feel entitled and need a taste of reality), you will be surprised what avenues can open up before you.

Oh believe me that's not me at all. The events job I got last month was in a community centre on a council estate, on NMW, but I was thrilled to get it!

The replies are really helping, I did think I was maybe a bit deluded even considering it but it is a real possibility now. The only thing that worries me is the lack of money. JSA may only be £50 but it's the only thing keep me going at the moment.

Drea

paddyrg wrote: »

It is all about spreadsheets and being organised - but you also need to know what the budget headings are and make contacts. Work as a runner/production assistant and learn as you go along - nobody sane would trust their wedding/tour/event to someone with no experience, no matter whether they have a 'qualification' or not.

I don't think that's a fair comment. Everyone starts somewhere and I have known people in the past to trust parts of their wedding to newbies for a very discounted (or sometimes free) rate, which is all about getting the experience.

I've been volunteering at hotels, etc to help with events, they don't want to know. Going to wedding fairs, getting contacts with venues and suppliers and getting your name out there starts the ball rolling.

Drea

And technically you do have experience lexi, even if it is just personal rather than professional.

paddyrg

Drea wrote: »

I don't think that's a fair comment. Everyone starts somewhere and I have known people in the past to trust parts of their wedding to newbies for a very discounted (or sometimes free) rate, which is all about getting the experience.

Heh heh OK, no worries. But I would still want the planner I hired to know about the usual ways and plans for weddings, and have contacts at suppliers (better still, ones who would do a discount for all the business the planner brings in), and to be actively prompting the plan (eg bringing up the subjects of coaching, accommodation, rehearsals, creche/kids activities, etc. If they are going in cold, they will not have the experience to think through all those details, so will not be offering a premium experience.

Drea

paddyrg wrote: »

Heh heh OK, no worries. But I would still want the planner I hired to know about the usual ways and plans for weddings, and have contacts at suppliers (better still, ones who would do a discount for all the business the planner brings in), and to be actively prompting the plan (eg bringing up the subjects of coaching, accommodation, rehearsals, creche/kids activities, etc. If they are going in cold, they will not have the experience to think through all those details, so will not be offering a premium experience.

Fair point, but I think anyone going into it seriously would have done their research (and qualification which teaches all of the above) and know to get those things sorted out.

lexilex

Drea wrote: »

And technically you do have experience lexi, even if it is just personal rather than professional.

I suppose you are right!

I've spent the afternoon doing a bit of research. I've struggled to find a single company in the local area which specialises in events, not sure if that's a good or bad thing!

paulwf

OP I hope you don't mind me saying this but trying to set up your own business because you can't find a job isn't a good motivation to me. Setting up your own company should be because you have a passion and drive for something and want the freedom to do it your own way and be better than any of the competition. It took me 14 years of hard work to get my own business but nearly every day I knew what goal I was working towards and I constantly knew I could do better than the competition.

Wanting to be your own boss is one of the perks of having your own company but it sounds like you've only had one bad employment experience, don't let that put you off working for others as it does sometimes take a few jobs to find the right fit (I've walked out on a job after less than a week before).

On a positive note though a very broad skill set is much more useful than a single speciality for lots small business owners as you need to do everything. One minute I might be fixing the broadband and printer, the next I might be up a ladder sorting lightbulbs...I don't have an IT or maintenance department to call on like in a large office

Horace

Drea wrote: »

Like I said, it's something I'm looking into and I have no experience either. As for the qualification, it isn't necessarily something that's needed but I'm hoping to get a grant and then complete courses from http://www.theweddingplannerschool.co.uk/ (I know it sounds a bit dodgy but a lot of planners have listed they have done these courses). They have a mixed Wedding Planning course and normal Events Planning so it could be something that'd suit you too. Problem is it costs around £1k to do both parts!

I've looked at other planners around here and there are a couple but only seems to be one that'd be serious competition. Just have a google and see what you find

I just need the guts to go for it!

Wedding planners are two a penny, I went down that route and studied and got a qualification and some fancy letters after my name but folks don't want to use wedding planners, they want to do it themselves. I have about 30 years experience of organising events of all kinds because it was part of my job as a PA and now I do it for a living:j As a wedding planner no-one wanted to pay my fee (£8-10 an hour which is fair for the qualification etc) they only wanted to pay £4 an hour and I am not getting out of bed for that! I would avoid the wedding planner route.

I am following an event planning course (although I have only submitted 4 assignments in 18 months) because I want another qualification more than anything. Right now I am too busy organising my own networking events and events for other people to even bother with the course so gawd knows when it will be finished. I had to laugh last year because I was asked to be a tutor on a wedding planning course, all I had to do was to get some certificate or other to allow me to teach but I decided against it.

OP, have you thought of registering with some graduate recruitment agencies such as Redbrick Recruitment? Even though you left University last year you can still use their careers service as they will be able to assist your quest for work.

It is also possible to start a business from scratch with no money behind you, I did it although it seems to be a lot harder because I have to make every penny count but it can be done.

lexilex

paulwf wrote: »

Wanting to be your own boss is one of the perks of having your own company but it sounds like you've only had one bad employment experience, don't let that put you off working for others as it does sometimes take a few jobs to find the right fit (I've walked out on a job after less than a week before).

I can see what your saying, but I have not been put off working for others at all, it's just the fact there are no jobs, and I hear nothing from 99% of the jobs I do apply for. I have always been into organising, so this does seem like a good path to go down. Yes, I would be starting this up because I can't find anything else, but it is an area I am interested in anyway, whether self employed or as an employee.

Horace wrote: »

I am following an event planning course (although I have only submitted 4 assignments in 18 months) because I want another qualification more than anything. Right now I am too busy organising my own networking events and events for other people to even bother with the course so gawd knows when it will be finished. I had to laugh last year because I was asked to be a tutor on a wedding planning course, all I had to do was to get some certificate or other to allow me to teach but I decided against it.

OP, have you thought of registering with some graduate recruitment agencies such as Redbrick Recruitment? Even though you left University last year you can still use their careers service as they will be able to assist your quest for work.

It is also possible to start a business from scratch with no money behind you, I did it although it seems to be a lot harder because I have to make every penny count but it can be done.

I am so glad you replied, I had seen your name mentioned in another topic when I was searching for events info. I am registered with everyone, it's no use. Everyone wants experience which obviously as a recent graduate I don't have, and with 100's of people going for every job there is always somebody more qualified and experienced than me.

Can I ask what course you are doing? I have been trying to find an events management diploma or something along those lines but I'm struggling to find anything that doesn't look dodgy.

lucky_me_2

Just wanted to say that I know exactly how you are feeling and i know how hard it is when you are applying for every single job out there but still no luck!

I have over 5 years experience in admin and I thought it would be easy to find work but it's not! There's lot of people applying - probably more experienced and willing to work for a smaller wage than I am, I too have considered starting up my own business but my fear is that people will just not trust someone who is just starting out! The only experience I have is in admin and would love to go into business even if it started as an evening job and progressed further i'd be willing to put in the hours as I don't do anything with my evenings but it's finding the resources and getting yourself out there that is the hardest part!

I'm very qualified in my field - have had regular training throughout my whole admin career and yet no one wants me! It's tough out there at the moment and I really do feel for you - I don't blame you for wanting to start up your own business. Maybe consider a part time role where you can dedicate your spare time to starting up or further your training.