July 2024 graduate who’s fed up & tired

[u/Intelligent-Rest8405]

Soo it feels like I’m going through a mid-life crisis at 21. Which is insane.

I graduated last summer from a UK university with a 2.1 (which is sort of similar to a 3.6 GPA in US i think). I have applied to just over 100 jobs since then, and still haven’t been able to get one. It’s honestly so draining.

I’ll admit, at the start I had no idea what to specifically apply to, I just go on good engineering companies website, check their careers list and apply to an open role I think sounds ok. I still feel lost in the job application process, like it feels like I’m doing something wrong.

Graduate jobs/ 2025 graduate schemes opened up in August 2024 so that was my main focus. Finding available ones to apply to, not just entry level listed roles. For graduate schemes/jobs they have a process [different stages] like 1. application, 2. psychometric assessments, 3. video interviews & tests, 4. assessment centre days. So for a few of the companies (PwC, Unilever, GSK, etc) I actually got all the way up to stage 3 but didn’t progress to stage 4.

I can’t believe I’m still unemployed & it’s so frustrating. It’s not so much about the pressure I put on myself anymore, cos I sort of understand it’s difficult nowadays to get a job & I’m tired of stressing tbh. But it’s my PARENTS and other external pressure tbh and the thought of being at home ‘doing nothing’ for much longer. It’s so draining and exhausting.

Now I’m practically being pushed to look for masters courses to apply to for August/September entry, UK or US. That was NOT my plan or my idea, I feel like i suffered enough in undergrad so idkk if I can handle a masters degree- plus idk what I’d do it in.

Honestly idk where to go from here. I need a job asap so that I don’t have to jump into masters as an assurance. I’m literally open to working in UK, US, anywhere idk. Idk where else to apply, or what specific roles to apply to, if I should apply for a masters just incase, idk. Advice?

[u/[deleted]]

Sadly, you live in the UK. It’s got problems that aren’t unique to it compared to other western countries. Your government hates you and thinks good wages for citizens are a problem. So it’s dumping visas all over the world to import cheap labor. You are competing against ppl who will work for half what you will for jobs. You are going to struggle but do not give up. Do not let them break you. You must do everything to get that first job and get experience.

You are going to have to be exceptional and perfect. Resumes and interviews must be tight. Clean up appearances, hit the gym, control everything you can control. Mediocre isn’t going to cut it for any native in the UK anymore sadly.

Good luck.