To ask about grad schemes/advice wanted!

[Springfern]

Im looking for some advice from people who hire grads, or anyone who has an experience of grad schemes.

I am 30. At the beginning of next year I'll be finishing up a social science PhD (vague area healthcare, don't want to out myself!)
Prior to my PhD I worked for a women's charity and as a support worker (sort of an IDVA) I also worked as a research assistant during my PhD.

Now I want to move out of academia and am thinking of applying to various grad schemes including NHS, civil service, government in social research stream. My question is would they hire someone who is 30 with a PhD (am I too old or too experienced?) And also does anyone have any first hand experience of these schemes, what are they like? Or any suggestions/recommendations for other schemes or routes in social research?

Thanks! I'm starting to think I'll never get a job!

Probation?

If you look at the NPS there are practitioner roles but also head office type roles (hmpps or MOJ) including research, policy makers etc, look on justice jobs

Thanks! I did consider this but don't think it's for me...

I currently have a 31 year old fast streamer working for me (civil service) who is in her second year so would have been 29 or 30 when she started, I don't think it would be a problem at all

Oh that's really good to hear! Were you involved in hiring her?

The CS fast stream process is set up so as not to discriminate on protected (e.g, age) and not protected characteristics (e.g socio-economic), so definitely go for it.
Many people don’t get through on their first attempt, so don’t let that stop you trying again. Check out student rooms forums for tips!

Hi OP, I did the NHS gradscheme straight from uni, a lot of people my age started same age but also lots of people from various backgrounds and ages, and I helped on the interviews last year and it was the same. They don't discriminate on age just ability :) they recruit for finance, hr, general management and information so it depends what sort of role your after. Let me know if you want more info x

Hi OP in my company they do occasionally recruit someone older but it tends to be younger people mainly because they move you every 9 months into different areas for a couple of years, and older people are more likely to be settled with partners etc. They also expect you to want to apply for jobs at different locations as you progress further. So age itself is not a barrier but age related circumstances can be

You could have a look at the social work fast-track schemes. The IDVA-style experience would look brilliant on your application. I'm on Think Ahead and participants range in age from 20s-50s!

@springfern - the social research FS tends to have a higher age on entry than many others anyway, purely because a lot of people come in with masters/PHDs which take time to get. I can assure you that your PhD (and therefore age) will only be seen as a benefit! I did that fast stream (a few years ago now), so let me know if you have any specific questions, but overall I would thoroughly recommend.

Hi OP, I've done the civil service fast stream and when we were there for the interview part there were many people around your age. My advice is to seriously prep for the fast stream, you could really see those who didn't were well out of their depth.

Also, I know a few other grad schemes which often have an older grad or 2 on them. I don't think it will put anyone off but be prepared to perhaps feel a bit more mature on the grad days out and nights away.

I did a grad scheme in financial services when I was aged 33 and had 2 children. I was older than all the other grads but got on very well with them. It was lots of fun.

I did the NHS grand scheme and there were several people in their 30s :)

As you'll see from pp, it's actually quite common to go for grad schemes a few years after graduating. Some places may be hesitant, if they don't make it clear on their website then you could always contact them and ask.

They may ask questions at interview about why you've chosen to do this now or why a grad schemes instead of a specific job with them, so be prepared to answer and remember they will be asking the 21year olds the same questions!

I don't know if you wanted to stick to a healthcare area particularly, but there are some amazing grad schemes in retail as well, really varied work and well paid (Aldi has a good one)

In the civil service the fast stream recruitment is done through Cabinet Office and then you do placements at different govt departments so I've never been directly involved in recruiting for it, but from those that I've encountered I would say a significant proportion aren't 21-22 and coming straight from uni. Some I know definitely have masters degrees, and I know the civil service won't be concerned about being overqualified.

We regularly get people your sort of age joining as graduates on the graduate scheme at my work, often because they have just finished PhDs or second masters degrees. It’s often a good thing as they have more life experience and are a bit more mature in the workplace.

Civil service fast stream would definitely work for you but it is a very tough process and, in my experience, the people who get through are not necessarily the most academically gifted. As above posters have said, preparation is key and practice the tests as much as possible.

Some individual civil service departments also have bespoke grad schemes so worth investigating- it gets you to a good grade and you can always move sideways when you’re there. Possibly less competitive than the generic civil service fast stream route.

I have a career changing 52 year old on a graduate scheme. She’s brilliant, wise and calm under pressure and working well above her pay grade. I’ve tried to persuade her to apply for next step up but she doesn’t want to at moment. Our win.
We’ve also got a doctor whose 36 but wanted to have a better work life balance with her family and had a teacher who was returning to work after her four children had reached their teenage years. She’s in her early forties. The teacher has since been promoted.
Our grad scheme isn’t amazingly paid (nationally 28k, I think) but most get a job after about 18months to two years.

It’s not about your age and your qualifications - you will undoubtedly find older and better qualified but rather about your attitude and positivity. There are challenges for slightly older people being thrown in with lots of 27 year olds or finding your line manager is ten years younger but if you can cope with that then go for it. The idea you are too experienced would be an attitude I wanted to tease out at interview as it could create problems.

Just wanted to say thanks to everyone for all their v helpful answers. I'm feeling very reassured (was getting third year PhD fear) @Firefretted, I don't know how to start a direct message...if possible could you message me, I have lots of questions about think ahead! Thank you