I am in a complete career rut....help!!

[Elliex88]

Hi,

I feel so down recently, I have no idea where to go from here!

I did a degree in Environmental Health a few years ago, in order to become qualified- i need to complete an extensive log book, an interview and an exam. Although i have experience, I do not have enough experience to complete all of the above, therefore the only jobs i can apply for are technical or trainee jobs- however they really are very limited!!

Part of my degree was learning modules in 'public health' in particular health improvement strategies. I would also absolutely love to have a career in Public Health, however the majority of the jobs require a nursing degree, which would be another 3 years at university, as I am now 26 years old, I really want to start work and build myself a career and some savings.

I particularly was interested in being a health visitor, but again this required a nursing degree.

I am currently earning 15k in an administration job and I am begininng to feel really disheartened that I can't find a job in the areas i have great interest in. (I appreciate I have a job and i know many people have difficulties even finding work!)

Does any one have any advise where I could go from here? I haven't felt myself lately and i know this is a big factor!!

Thank you :)

[winchester1]

I work in a similar ish sector HSQE . Are you talking about getting your chartership? Are you associated iema already, if not have you looked into it? Are you keeping / creating evidence of what you do so.you cam work on getting to the next level, do you go to iema etc meetings have you asked for a mentor so you know what you need to do?

Tbh in this type of work environment you need to really push to get anywhere and it may mean retraining. It will at the least mean networking and doing extras t weekends and taking low paid jobs until.you are fully qualified.

[winchester1]

Sorry if I sound harsh but if you want it you will need to put in the effort if you don't want it then accept its not for you and carryon with your current role.

[Elliex88]

Hi thank you for your response!

I would love to become qualified. This would be with the charted institute of environmental health. I have done a 6 month unpaid placement with a council (sandwich degree and a 6 month internship in a health and safety role. (It was in an industry that I really do not want to go down, but I felt the experience would still look good on my cv) however I am only 1/2 way through my logbook!! As the placement was so long ago, I do not feel confident I would pass the exams and interview to become qualified yet!

I have also got a nebosh certificate to supplement my degree.

What industry do you work in, if you don't mind me asking?

I am really determined to get into environmental health/public health but the lack of jobs is making it extremely difficult.

[winchester1]

I'm in wind energy /,construction but did my safety health env mang degree alongside an env health degree group with lots of shared lessons. I also did while already working full time and got my chartership ( and my building and quality chartership) while working ft.
That's what I mean really you have to really decide if thus is for because its hard work for the early yrs.
Are you still looking for related jobs? Do you go to cieh meetings to network and look for any opportunities?

Don't get me wrong if you don't want it just move on to something else put it doesn't sound like that's the case.

[winchester1]

Have you got nebosh general cert h&s or env?
Id get quality qualifications (look what gets you charters hip - I did an open uni short course) and loon for env and quality jobs. Of course from there you cam start to look at hsqe jobs too.

[winchester1]

Sorry sp are so bad I'm.a bit drunk

[yeOldeTrout]

I wonder about a masters in psychology.

[Elliex88]

I did the nebosh General certificate! I'm not sure I want to specialise in health and safety tbh, I thought it would help me during inspections, if I ever did qualify as an eho!

Yeoldetrout- interesting, what makes you say that?

[winchester1]

Just wanting to be an eho is pretty restricted that's why I suggested getting some quality quals as in industry qual and env tend to together.
But basically you will need more study if you really want to be health visitor etc go for the nursing degree you've 40 yrs of work that's a long time to do something you don't like.