Fed Up and Wasted 3 years for nothing?

Dunroamin

wantsajob wrote: »

Yes. Certainly most degree courses for Psychology specify a requirement for at least a grade C in both. I think the reason they do is that statistics usually forms part of Psychology degrees. Also, writing essays forms a large part of the course.

Did statistics form any part of your course? I know most people who study Psychology don't expect it to be on the course and loathe it, but if you enjoyed it it could be a potential career path.

The ironic thing is, having studied Psychology, you should have greater insight into Psychometric testing The problem with Psychometric testing, is that often they're looking for a type of person, rather than someone with a certain skill set (though creators of the test would argue the reverse). The number one major thing such tests look for is ability to work with other people and in teams.

I'm really surprised that someone was accepted on a Psychology degree without a GCSE in Maths; many universities require at least a B grade.

wantsajob

mildred1978 wrote: »

As an ex senior civil servant, I would be amazed if the OP could a) get onto the fast stream and b) get in as a statistician with a degree in psychology.

They certainly specify Psychology as one of the numerate degree disciplines they consider acceptable. I myself, as a Psychology graduate, have applied and attended various assessments and interviews at the ONS and Fast Stream.

Reasons for rejection are usually not showing enough evidence of working in a team or in managing work. I believe these are largely manifestations both of my disability (Asperger's) and the difficulties the disability poses in interviews. I must add that once I did apply without mentioning my disability, and was still offered an assessment - so it's not the guaranteed interview scheme that's getting me through the door.

There are countless books devoted to the statistics in Psychology. E.g. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Discovering-Statistics-Introducing-Statistical-Methods/dp/1847879071/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_1 is one of the best. I'm probably one of the few Psychology students who went to the effort and expense of purchasing http://www.amazon.co.uk/Using-Multivariate-Statistics-Barbara-Tabachnick/dp/0205465250/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1340479733&sr=1-1 which is far more involved with statistics than most undergraduate and postgraduate masters courses go. I used it to read up on multiple regression methods, principal components analysis, and probably some things I've forgotten since I studied so long ago and am yet to get hired.

Perhaps you have never studied Psychology, and are unaware of the statistical content in Psychology courses?

patman99

I'm looking to do a degree as I have set myself the goal of getting one before I am 50. Looked on the OU and they let you do a degree without any other qualifications. That I find amazing.

mildred1978

wantsajob wrote: »

They certainly specify Psychology as one of the numerate degree disciplines they consider acceptable. I myself, as a Psychology graduate, have applied and attended various assessments and interviews at the ONS and Fast Stream.

Reasons for rejection are usually not showing enough evidence of working in a team or in managing work. I believe these are largely manifestations both of my disability (Asperger's) and the difficulties the disability poses in interviews. I must add that once I did apply without mentioning my disability, and was still offered an assessment - so it's not the guaranteed interview scheme that's getting me through the door.

There are countless books devoted to the statistics in Psychology. E.g. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Discovering-Statistics-Introducing-Statistical-Methods/dp/1847879071/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_1 is one of the best. I'm probably one of the few Psychology students who went to the effort and expense of purchasing http://www.amazon.co.uk/Using-Multivariate-Statistics-Barbara-Tabachnick/dp/0205465250/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1340479733&sr=1-1 which is far more involved with statistics than most undergraduate and postgraduate masters courses go. I used it to read up on multiple regression methods, principal components analysis, and probably some things I've forgotten since I studied so long ago and am yet to get hired.

Perhaps you have never studied Psychology, and are unaware of the statistical content in Psychology courses?

I didn't study psychology, no.

I happen to know the HR Director of ONS very well, and I can't imagine anyone without a stats, maths or economics degree would get near their fast stream - especially with the competition being stronger than ever at the moment.

dizzyrascal

The fast stream is not a practical suggestion for the OP as they really need to spend time planning a career that suits them. It is also one of the most competitive programmes to apply to and you are up against some very strong candidates.
I wouldn't want to put someone off if they were really convinced this was the career path for them, but this is not the case here.

Savvy_Sue

Have you checked with your own company how their graduate trainee scheme works, and whether you'd be eligible for it (and if not why not?)

chanie

OP, I remember feeling the same way when I left Uni (in 2001), but you only graduated 9 months ago, which in the grand scheme of things, isn't a long time ago.

When I left Uni, despite having a reasonable amount of work experience, I struggled to get interviews and when I did, I wasn't offered the job because there were candidates (without degree's) who had more demonstratable work experience. I don't know anybody who was accepted onto a graduate training programme.

Anyway, I got a lowly paid job in the NHS, but I proved I was competent. By the time I left, 4 years later, I had been promoted 3 times, completed by Masters (through employer sponsorship) and doubled my salary. I achieved this through hard work and a supportive employer.

I'm not boasting, but the point I'm trying to make is that it took my 4 years before I started to see a return on my investment (studying) and there were times when I did feel disheartened, but it did pay off in the end, so you need to stop being to hard on yourself.

My advice is to grab every opportunity you have for career development - maybe attend training courses or do some voluntary work in the community, as they often train you up. In addition, approach your managers and tell them you are looking for development and you want to prove yourself.

duchy

patman99 wrote: »

I'm looking to do a degree as I have set myself the goal of getting one before I am 50. Looked on the OU and they let you do a degree without any other qualifications. That I find amazing.

It makes sense as not everyone has traditional qualifications but has other skills that are equally useful like perhaps years in industry. HE is tending to look at transferable skills. I took the OU route originally and then switched to a decent traditional university and found the standard of teaching and effort required was far higher with the OU.

OP the Math compency test on your access course would be considered as equivilent to GCSE C in most cases and can be expressed this way on your CV in many cases. It may be worth contacting the college where you did the Access to find out if this is the case.

Have you considered combining your degree subject with your current experience and looking for roles in recruitment or HR within the retail sector ?

Lizling

Could you apply for head office jobs with whichever supermarket you’re working with at the moment? It’s often easier to move internally.

I wonder if a career in retail analysis might suit you. A mixture of research skills, analysis and understanding shoppers sounds like a good combination for it. There’s analysis if your stats skills are good enough, data planner or something in market research if you prefer organising things.

No need to list your GCSEs on your CV when you’ve got a degree if you go for junior level jobs instead of graduate schemes.

A shame the OU fees are now £5,000 per year.