to think an internship at 47 is doable?

[wicketty]

I'd want to work for free. I use to work in marketing and I'd love to get back into work after being at home with the kids for the last ten years. My confidence is low and feel I'd have to start off at a low level. Would any company consider taking on a 47 mum to work for free? Or would it all be full of young grads who would laugh me out of it?

Its worth a shot. There's no reason why you can't do whatever you want at whatever age you are, but you may find it tough.

I recently applied for a graduate scheme, I fulfilled all the criteria (as in, I have a degree, its 10 years old but I have one!) only to be told vair politely that the scheme is targetted at new graduates (nothing in the literature to say that - though it was a punt on my behalf).

I'd approach lots of companies directly, maybe even sign up to college at the same time so you gain qualifications and experience (if you can afford that).

Good luck. Its never too late for most things, but your journey will be a longer slog as you'll be battling against pre-conceived ideas of what makes a good candidate.

Don't let that stop you though. I admire people greatly who have a complete life change later in life, its a risk and gamble and a brave thing to do. You can only try.

thanks aldi, that's my feeling exactly. I also think companies should look at older people (gawd, can't believe tha's me) and see how much they can bring especially when they are offering to work for free. I suppose I should get my cv together as a first step and fire them off.

Yup! There's also nothing wrong with hand delivering to smaller companies. I've found they are more open to the old school application process of turning up with CV in hand.

I'm no expert though, and can't even say my advice is good seeing as I'm now into my 18th month of job hunting! (Though to be fair, due to DH's work my time is limited, just can't do evenings or weekends at all).

I'm interested in this thread as I want to return to software development. Software development is dominated by young male twenty somethings.

I think its a great idea to contact a smaller company or prehaps you could approach charities. Many charites would love to have a professional marketing person for free.

This website has details of charities that need volenteers

www.do-it.org.uk/

Where do you live? I have a couple of projects that you might enjoy.

It's me again. I've since changed my name. Have only just seen your response carabos. I'm in the North West. Where are you?