Career advice

[Sinceyou]

Feeling a bit stuck. I’m currently 27 on £40k in a random career. I went to university in 2015 and was removed from my course in 2nd year! Should I try and go back, to get back on my career path? It’s hard now I have bills and responsibilities etc

I can give more context about being removed from my course. It was due to problems with student finance and tbh, my own inaction in sorting it sooner. I think, but not sure, that I’d be eligible for funding another undergraduate course.

After uni, I spent a couple of years employed in retail, then unemployed, but didn’t claim benefits (had savings, but was also selling things online etc). I finally claimed UC for a couple of months in 2021 where my work coach encouraged me to apply for a job at DWP. I got it then was promoted into a job on £40k. So to go from benefit claimant to £40k in the space of those 2 years is good, but I’m also not in the career I want or enjoy so at a cross roads

Hi @Sinceyou , I would say it depends on where you want to go next and if you need a degree to get there.

I went back to Uni when I was 24 and got a degree in business/politics, but I find in the job market, my work experience counts for more than my degree. However my degree was more about fulfilling a personal goal rather than having a particular career in mind. So if you really want a degree, then sure, go for it, as Uni is an experience in itself and a degree is never wasted. Or if you can pinpoint roughly where you want to go and your career choice NEEDS a degree, then again go for it. If neither option feels right, then just look for a more fulfilling job. It sounds like you have good experience and could therefore transfer your skills quite easily.

Would it be possible to look at working for a company who would sponsor you to go back to university?

Could you complete your degree with the OU while working? That’s what it is there for.

it’s definitely a personal goal to get a degree. I previously studied psychology and whilst I wouldn’t mind finishing that course, I’m also open minded to economics. My career goal is to work in data as an analyst/statistician/researcher, but generally these positions require a degree in a statistical field. It’s a bit frustrating as I did get some of that through the time I spent at university, but also through my career since. You can also self teach some of that, eg coding courses, modelling courses. But I can’t easily enter those roles without the degree

Look at graduate apprenticeships in those fields?

First check your eligibility for student finance. The calculation has become more complicated.

Then you’ll know what options you have. And can start to research what degree would suit for your career aim.

Sone good ideas above. Degree apprenticeship is a good option. UCAS.com lists some of the ones available.

So you’re in a civil service job on 40k? That is pretty impressive, to have achieved so quickly.
would you consider looking for a transfer within the civil service? To a different department or job/specialism from which you could develop the skills you need whilst continuing to be paid?

Thanks so much everyone!

@ArghhWhatNext thank you! yes I’m a SEO manager, in a boring subject matter. I sort of work with data but not to the extent I want. I have had a look online, there’s currently a SEO/G7 analyst role out, but I can’t apply due to the degree requirements. So i guess the question is do I finish my degree to open those opportunities up, or just keep trying to muddle on.

Are your priorities to maintain your current income? If so look into the OU options. You might get some credit for year 1 of your degree.

It might also be worth checking how many hours/ week a uni degree would be. It might be possible to reduce your work hours and fit in uni.