to be sad dd still isn't in a graduate job 5 years later?

[tinyelephantlargeant]

Dd is 27 and did her degree in biology, with a placement year in a chemistry based laboratory.

She has been working in retail ever since. She has been looking and applying, but says nothing much comes up and when it does there is no luck.

I'm aware she is a grown adult and can do what she wants, but me and her dad financially supported her the whole of university and we are a bit sad that she is still just in retail, it's not as if she is overjoyed with it either.

Have only read op posts, but I don’t think she necessarily has to work on people skills. Would people be saying that if she were a guy? There are plenty of roles that don’t depend on that and she obviously gets by fine. Could she be a little depressed? The job market is tough, even though we hear about loads of vacancies, they are not the jobs people want. Did a quick google for lab tech posts, I’m sure there are more specialist sites too: https://uk.linkedin.com/jobs/search?keywords=Lab%20Technician&location=United%20Kingdom&geoId=101165590&trk=public_jobs_jobs-search-bar_search-submit&position=1&pageNum=0

She should look for jobs in Germany, loads of biology and chemistry jobs there. She can look online.

I would discourage teaching, it’s in crisis and for someone quite self-contained it’s very draining.

The jobs your dd likes the idea of are the ones that most people go into science go for unfortunately. I've worked in medical device companies and pharmaceutical companies and if you ask people in any lab I worked in they all planned on doing something more thrilling before they ended up doing the same repetitive test a thousand times a week or preparing solutions. It's unfortunate but they're better paying than retail. Is she definitely applying for all roles or is it just in the two ares you said she'd like? Because if not she should definitely go for any lab attendant jobs (she'll be able to work her way up), diagnostic technologist, solution prep, testing jobs etc. (If she is actually trying for all jobs apologies

My niece is 27, has a degree in criminology and a masters in forensics....she works in an admin role at a university. I don’t think it’s unusual to not ‘use’ your degree although it seems a complete waste to me.

I saw that you said that autism was suspected when she was in school and I think it is definitely worth you looking into that with her more. I was diagnosed when I was 25 and when my little one is older I am going to try and get some support with getting a job that I can do as I’m also not very good with people but fine with children 🤷‍♀️

Has she looked at police forensic or lab roles?

JudgeJ Golf course design ??? Why on earth is that even offered. I suppose the world is crying out for golf course designers. FFS. Yet another made up course to rob mugs and make universities rich.

https://policecareers.tal.net/vx/mobile-0/appcentre-External/brand-0/candidate/so/pm/6/pl/1/opp/3552-Forensic-Examiner/en-GB

I’ve been trying to fill band 4 and 5 NHS clerical jobs in my team for months and getting no applications. That might be worth a look, many trusts are in the same position and at least it’s got a bit more by way of relevant progression opportunities than retail.

What's her CV like? What are her cover letters like? Could you get a coach to help her for a couple of sessions?

That's probably because lab technician pay is absolutely shocking!!!

Where are these types of jobs advertised?

It's so hard nowadays. It sounds as though she could do with a bit of help and support too identify and target appropriate opportunities. Has she talked to her university careers service? They normally have an offer for alumni. There are also other mentoring and support opportunities, I mentor young people though this scheme, it's free and sounds like it could be a good match - maybe have a look at what other opportunities are out there to get a bit of advice. https://www.cipd.co.uk/about/cipd-trust/steps-ahead-mentoring

Try NHS Professionals as a starting point.

Are you serious?

Only suggest teaching if she really wants to help people learn

The job is awful! The workload mad - most trainees don't make it past 2 years.

One of my brothers friends did it (in his mid 40s now) so it’s been offered for many years.
It was lucrative for him he moved to USA to design courses.

OP I am not getting a sense of what she actually wants. Is she happy plodding along as she is? Does she actually want ‘more’ out of life? Is she bothered about achieving more? Is she even interested in science eg reading about it, watching talks on YouTube etc? How is she managing on her income? Do you subsidise it?

It is lovely you are helping her. But does she have any intrinsic motivation to change?

@MabelMoo23 please don't give up on yourself.

@bellswithwhistles Keep an eye out on here. Can be refined geographically. NHS Jobs

Why do people keep suggesting teaching if she's not a people person? It's bizarre. What do you think teaching is about? Building good relationships is at the heart of teaching; being good with people is the most important quality to being a good teacher.

@WomanFromTheNorth

I agree wholeheartedly with what you’ve just said BUT, and this is a big but. Those types often don’t last, they care too much about children as individuals. They often went into teaching for all of the right reasons. Seeing kids as just numbers and tick boxes is mentally hard for them.

The people I’ve seen succeed in teaching and going on to secure senior leadership positions are those who lack real people skills, whilst being great at data. Sad, but true.

@Silentmama

Yep, I was being deadly serious. In the current climate teachers who can really detach from it all and care less definitely do better. Or are at least able to sustain it for longer, particularly without children. Plus, it’s often not a job for life now. You can teach for a couple of years and then move. That, unfortunately seems to be the model.

I also suspect OP she's looking for jobs on the doorstep or close, whilst this may work in some areas or home based jobs, I don't think this will work for her. There are many jobs that are non science too that are quite self contained- IT can be one , accountancy, data science etc- teaching isn't a great option unless you really want to do it and personally I ideally want people persons into teaching or nursing etc -had she thought about looking for medical secretary jobs? That science knowledge would come in handy at least

@Crikeyalmighty

Plenty of people do succeed at nursing and teaching even if they’re not overly “peopley”. You don’t have to be overly nice either to be good at these professions. You have to care to an extent. Young people often teach for a couple of years and then make their way into other fields, nuts or crannies. It’s not a career for life anymore.