Advice, MOST GRATEFULLY, needed for a (down and almost out) post-grad.

[restless]

Last summer I finished my (BSc) degree in Biomedical Science, unfortunately I only acquired a Third Class Degree.
I'm probably first to admit that I never really worked towards thoughout my three years in university (due to varied, complex reasons)
I live in London (in fairly secure accomodation), and since leaving universtiy applied for half a dozen posts in the Healthcare environment, and the only thing that came into fruition was one interview for a MLA, in which I was rejected almost instantly.
I hardly have no work experience which also add's to a much negative CV, and also never really got to know my lecturers to give me a good reference.
As you could see I'm in a very low sombre point in my life, I feel like I'm in a void, I honestly do not know what I want to do next, where to go, who to turn to.
I'm left in several possiblities:
-Go back to University (I only owe the SLC �6k)
-Go to a low income job, rendering my degree absolutely relevant.

ANY HELP WILL BE GREATLY APPRECIATED,
JASON

[simms]

You are at a low point and need to pinpoint actions that will make you feel positive. You say your accommodation is secure. Do you need money on a daily basis? If so then take an 'ordinary' job to meet your needs. All experience counts and so your next CV will show this job and how well you did what you were paid to do. There's no point moping over the degree stuff. It won't change anything. If you've got the guilts over it, then do voluntary work or charitable work in a field that appeals to you - for example in a hospital. Another alternative is to do either / both these, but plan in a working holiday such as grape-picking or whatever to broaden your horizons. Look on the bright side, so many people are worse off.

[Octavius]

It sounds like you will need to start at the bottom whatever course you take, so you need to be proactive on getting your foot on a ladder.  Perhaps you could start out by registering with an agency and get in some temporary experience in a variety of areas, who knows maybe one of these placements will lead to a permanent position with training.  It is important that without experience, you demonstrate that as a person you are capable of working within your chosen environement and perhaps focus on experience gained through your course.  Your course leader should at least be able to provide you with a character reference - pick up the phone and ask (nicely)!  Here is a link which should get you started, you have to start somewhere so don't expect big things straight away.  Good luck.

 

  http://www.careerscene.com/agencies.asp

[Miss Zippy]

I agree with Octavius that you should look to  gaining some useful work experience, rather than heading back to full time education. Employers value relevant work experience as much as academic qualifications and if you put in the extra effort in a job now, even if it�s just doing routine office admin, you know you will have a glowing reference you can rely on to help you out with securing your next job.  Perhaps you could take a non-relevant paid job and combine it with some relevant voluntary work? You may think that your short term prospects do not look fantastic, but you have to take a medium and long term view of your career. If you work hard now there is no reason why you cannot be in a great position in 3 or 5 years� time.  Do you actually know what it is you want to do?  Are there further relevant qualifications you could do part time so you can combine some further study with gaining work experience? Try not to get too down about your situation and don�t panic and make hasty decisions.

[undercovers]

why not do a masters (and do it well) then with this apply to do a phd - you get paid for these and still get long holidays and they can be very interesting research projects - especially in your field. From then on the worlds your lobster (or something like that)

[undercovers]

i've though of a good one - join a charity that conducts reseach in your field for the betterment of people in less developed countries, you see the ad for this group on the underground all the time - offer them your services, go help where you can - no money admitidly but a good why to spend your time and get experience... be positive

[MORELLO]

Be a bus driver.

[Sandstorm]

Hey, I'm sure you learnt something from your degree! But, try the pharmaceutical industry. They like people that have a familiarity with the language of science and medicine, not neccessarily the 1:1 degree! You'll have to start at the bottom perhps even doing datantry for a datamanagement team, but it'll get you working and give you space to think. Most importantly it sound like you didn't really like your degree. So just use what you have and look in a different direction.  Try this and see - www.inpharm.com Don't be put off by the'experience' required as entheusiasm, practicality and knowlege of terminoligy, and the fact you can use a computer / database will go a long way! Do a search on 'Datamanagement' or medical information or comething along those lines. have a look. Good luck. Remember choose something that'll give you a job to re-study as that'll definitely have to be done anyway. I don't know anyone that doesn't have several qualifications! you can only improve..

[Ivankafka]

"Look on the bright side, so many people are worse off."

This is true; I'm one. I'm a post-grad, and I think you'll find you are a graduate, but anyway, the point is you are not alone. I can't find a graduate job and I have a 2:1 and a M.A. Someone said take a Master's degree. Well for one, you won't get in with a 3rd, that's for sure. But to my dismay and despair, my M.A seems to count for nothing. So in my opinion it is almost a waste of time and money anyway. 

Do you think that you might be able to now or a little later do better in a degree course? If so, you could find an ordinary job for a year or two and save some money up for an Open University course in a subject you feel will give you better prospects. Or do what I am doing. Desperately trying to keep my spirits up and hope that things will change. There are many out there in the same boat, unfortunately. That might be of little comfort, but at least you know you are not alone. Keep trying.