Brutal grad jobs market

[anotherglass]

Hello, my DS 22 graduated last July with an BEng from a Russell Group uni. Since then he has applied for around 60-70 jobs with no success. The whole process of online assessment, video interview and then rejection / ghosting is starting to grind him down. It is even tough to secure a part-time job in our area - such as a coffee shop or retailer - as he is considered over qualified and a risk, due to the fact he is searching for a full-time role.
I am finding myself worrying more and more about his mental health and future.
He is already less enthusastic about applying for jobs.

Any suggestions on what to do from here? Is it worth considering a Masters to try and ride out the horrendous job market?

Thank you

Yes

@Pinkfluffypencilcase Thank you - I will send you a pm.

The brutality of the graduate jobs market hit home this week when DD said she is still the only student on her course of 50 students who's got a grad job for this autumn. Everyone else seems to have given up for now and are waiting till after graduating; many now contemplating a gap year.

Three young grads I know locally are all working in a call centre after getting degrees in film/TV/music related subjects in the last two years. If you think getting a job in engineering is tough, imagine what it's like in the entertainment sector.

My worry is that the US-Iran war will cause the global economy to take a sharp downturn. The UK is particularly exposed and sadly, I think the graduate job market is going to get a lot worse in the next 2-3 years.

@Dangermouse999 I think students have not read the room either. Far too many think their degree is good enough and this is certainly true of dc from some elite universities too. They need to think much much earlier about a career and yet too often they focus on what era of history matters most to them (as example). There’s no job focus for years! It’s possibly ok for future academics but very short sighted of the majority. Not being commercially aware or have any idea of what are contracting or growth areas is a huge issue.

When I graduated we were told to get grad jobs as soon as otherwise there’d be new competition. And employers wanted fresh grads. I actually don’t think this is the case anymore. Employers want a lot and for them hiring a grad with 2/3 years post graduation experience makes them more likely to get it. I met someone who got into a grad scheme at 26. She had spent time trying different things before committing resulting in a great application.

Interesting. A colleague said to me this week that grads plus a few years work experience are what companies are looking for. Mostly because they don't want or can't afford to spend the time training on basis skills and also because they don't think some Grads have the right work ethic. If they recruit someone with work experience they are less likely to have issues.

Regarding Civil Engineers, definitely in demand as the UK takes in many foreign workers who have the skills however having English as native language is helpful so UK grads should have an advantage.

Current students definitely need to be looking for opportunities to gain experience during their degree - paid/unpaid internships, experience days etc.
Not just waiting until they graduate or until the third year, they need to be on it from day one. That's just how it is now & it seems to be what employers expect because they are asking for relevant experience from the get go.
My DC1 woke up to this a bit late but did get one paid internship during her degree by the skin of her teeth & has secured graduate employment.
My DC2, a first year undergrad, has been aware of this from the beginning because of DC1's experience & is constantly looking for relevant work experience etc.

Interesting what you say re civil engineers. I’ve interviewed a few lately, qualified in other countries with fab experience requiring proof of English. So they have to pause whilst gaining English and possibly residency requirements.

It’s a balance for sure. And I think it’s up to the individual student what’s right for them. For some they have to step up to each stage building confidence. There is no right / wrong way imo.

@Pleasealexa You obviously have not employed any overseas civil engineers then! Their English is often perfect. My DH acquired a red pen to point out grammatical mistakes in the reports written by our grads. Often they have barely written anything since age 16. And if they have, their grammar was never corrected!

@GrumpyMuleFan ive replied x

Just to update, DS has reached final stage interviews a few times but not been successful so still job hunting. I am becoming more anxious about the situation as we roll towards a year since graduating. He is not interested in a Masters, even though doing it could improve the job prospects in the long run, given he has a 2:2. Currently, still in same pattern of volunteering twice a week at charity shop, doing driving lessons and learning a new language.
What are the suggestions on how to proceed from here please. This is a difficult situation.

@anotherglassthr fact he has reached final stage means it’s not the 2:2 holding him back. It is simply there are too many candidates for too few jobs. He can always ask for feedback that may or may not be useful. I think you just need to cast your net wide and keeep going. Perhaps explore different fields and see if he can make a sideways move into what he actually wants to do

What’s he looking for?

anotherglass,

Sorry to hear this. Would he pivot to another engineering area for masters? Perhaps it's worth exploring and might help him to focus on something else.

Getting to final stage is positive but also so much more effort to then get a No.Has the Uni careers been any help?

Would he try a recruitment agency?

second speaking to uni careers about interview coaching.

It’s brutal out there atm

My DS is in a very similar position. He also has a 2.2. He has managed to get a temporary job (in coding rather than engineering) but I don’t know what he’ll so when that’s over. He certainly doesn’t have much enthusiasm for keeping on making applications.

Would your DS look at a job in coding or similar?

My DS is also strongly considering the RAF. I don’t know if he’d get in due to a couple of medical issues, but he’s working hard on his fitness which has to be a good thing. Would your DS think of the forces?

Good luck OP. I absolutely sympathise.

Good call...lots of careers for engineers in the services and I think they would support Masters. Some people have amazing careers and love it however it's not for everyone