I have no idea what to say...

Crimsonrage242

I'll get straight to point... I dropped out of uni recently (I do intend to go back this coming academic year or the year after depending on my employment circumstances at that time), and found a full time job.... Luckily I found a job working in a lab that is related to my degree (was not necessarily intentional, I applied for many many jobs - but I'm glad it worked out that way)...

Fast forward to now, I have found job that I'm interested in that is a fixed term contract for a year but several bands higher (again in a lab)... I fit the personal specification perfectly, it does not require a degree, however microbiology experience and knowledge is desirable... I gained my microbiology experience and knowledge at uni...

How do I explain this in my application without putting myself in bad light? Do I mention my partial degree in the education section? I feel a bit lost.

I feel gutted for temporarily dropping out of uni, but I did it because of health issues (anxiety and panic attacks), and that I felt like I had no motivation for the subject I was studying (I was so close to the end too, I only had 80 credits to go)... Now that I'm working in the field I'm loving it and regained my love for the subject.

doodoot

You need to contact your Uni and find out what the latest date is for you to go back without having to pay extra fees - this is assuming you have either had a student fee loan or have paid up your fees privately.

Usually a 3 year course means you have 4 years to complete it by taking a year out, but you need to get that confirmed.

Personally I would apply for the job, but I'm not sure that learning at Uni will be sufficient to fulfill the 'experience and knowledge' requirements - that usually means that you have previously worked in the industry.

State that you are on a gap year and are planning on returning to Uni to complete your studies.

If you want my advice then I would say that you should complete your degree whether you get this dream job or not.

It will stand you in good stead in the long term.

(This comes from a mature student who mucked up her Uni chances 20 years ago and is trying to get back on track now).

Emmzi

call the OU and see if you can finish your degree with them - you may get a general science degree instead of a specialism but it's better than where you are now. They will need a load of bumph from your own uni.

That way you can do the job and finish your studies.

In terms of what you say - I'd go for "family problems" as nice and vague. Anxiety flags as a risk to an employer.

ParkLane

Crimsonrage242 wrote: »

How do I explain this in my application without putting myself in bad light? Do I mention my partial degree in the education section? I feel a bit lost.

I feel gutted for temporarily dropping out of uni, but I did it because of health issues (anxiety and panic attacks), and that I felt like I had no motivation for the subject I was studying ...Now that I'm working in the field I'm loving it and regained my love for the subject.

I went straight from college to university at 18 to study Russian, and after about two months I dropped out. The course was absolutely terrible and I couldn't justify staying on a rubbish course that was costing me so much money (the university was in London).

I spent the rest of the year saving money and then worked in Russia for a few months in the summer. I went back to college again for a year to get better grades, then applied and got accepted to a better university to do Russian. Honestly, I couldn't be happier!

I find that a lot of people have preconceptions about uni drop outs, but you just need to sell yourself. You should explain that you intend to resume your study, but the fact that you can show you've been working in your area of previous study speaks volumes. It shows perseverance and dedication on your part, and personally I think that's really impressive

You can put a positive light on dropping out! I think that as your experience of microbiology comes from your time at uni, you should mention it, but always keep it positive. Don't stray into the reasons of leaving, just say that while university wasn't right for you at the time you've been working in the area since and are really enjoying it, your work has solidified your interest in the area and as a result you intend to resume your study.

Dropping out feels horrible but it's often for the best good luck with the job!

missjy

Ring the OU and ask about "credit transfer" - and you can complete degree with them while working.
Apply for the job, say you're on gap year and gaining valuable practical experience.

xxJudexx

Apply for the job and tell them you hope to complete your degree part time so you don't sound as though you will only work for them short term (it is also a good idea as you only have a little left to do!). They will probably be more than willing to help you complete your studies because it would help with career progression within the company. Good luck!

duchy

It's all good-You took a break from university due to family commitments/cost and found work in your field. You intend to (or better til by the time of the interview are already signed up to) complete your degree either through the OU or in the evenings (You definitely don't need to go back to your previous uni if you don't want to).

Stop worrying -it's all very normal. And ...........Good Luck !!

zaffi

my 2p,

I'd go back to uni and finish, if circumstances allow. As to me it seems your in a catch 22. Univeristy experience of microbiology will only really allow you to be considered for graduate positions, but at the minute, your not. And anything requiring industry experience of micro, you don't have.

Uni experience and industry experience are night and day, no more so than in the sciences.