DC taking time out of uni

[itwillbealrightpromise]

I'm just after a bit of reassurance/guidance from those whose DCs have taken time out of university - for any reason, really, but particularly for illness.

All being well from now on, DD will be 24 by the time she graduates, having initially started uni at 18 in 2015. She has had lots of time out for illness, which, although getting better, is a long term condition which needs careful management (which she has coped with brilliantly). She is keen to go back, (hopefully in September but more likely in January to repeat the remainder of last year) but is also full of anxieties about what it means for her CV/job prospects, whether she'll cope once back, and just explaining to people day in day out. I've told her I couldn't give a shit what other people think; I love her and am immensely proud of her no matter what, she is a tough, feisty young woman and any employer worth their salt will be able to see her strengths. At the same time, I do understand her worry, particularly as I know some of her original friends have graduated this year.

Any advice or experience would be greatly welcomed.

I ran a grad programme for a large corporate until a couple of years ago, and we had plenty of applicants who were a bit older for various reasons, and it really didn't matter as no-one is really focusing on the age, just on how suitable they are for the job. No one puts date of birth on their CVs these days and most won't notice a longer period spent at university or may assume this is due to study abroad or a work placement. She may be asked about the time so should be prepared with a response, just in case.

So I wouldn't worry, she just needs to make sure she has a good CV and can talk about what she has achieved.

The friends thing always seems to loom large, but really all my friends are from later in life than those I went to school with. She will actually have the opportunity to make MORE friends than most, is one positive.

Thanks both. Evalina, that is really encouraging, thanks. So if the dates for uni were 2015-2021, that wouldn't necessarily be a problem? Her degree already includes a compulsory year abroad.

Au79, I hadn't thought of it like that, thank you - I will try and put it to her like that. I don't think the isolation is helping her, as none of her uni friends are local, and her closest friend from home has moved away. She is finally well enough for a part-time job, so hopefully that will give her a boost.