UK elite-target school -> over 70 graduate job applications -> not a single interview yet
So, I am graduating in 2018 from a super prestigious MSc degree in the UK.
"Go to this school, it is the best", they said. "You will get a job", they said. Whilst it is true that I never thought it would be easy, I am a little bit frustrated with the outcome so far and also concerned in being literally unemployed. I have already applied to over 70 graduate programmes and received a straight-forward rejection from most of them. In some 10 applications, I did manage to reach that insulting HireVue stage (where a robot is supposed to tell the company whether I am worthwhile or not). I failed in all of my HireVue interviews, not progressing to the assessment centres. My CV is okay (reviewed by different people including the careers service of my uni).
EU citizen, speak many languages, 94% GPA in my bachelor's (in finance), short work experience at a major technology company (think Yahoo, Google, Microsoft), top-elite UK MSc programme (also in finance), strong leadership profile, athlete in a sports team. Oh, and also female, homosexual, of a mixed race and from a poor background (so I guess I tick all the minorities boxes which I start to think they may actually be hurting my applications?). My ultimate and serious dream (I am 101% sure that is the career path I want to undertake) is to work in private wealth management but at this point I am literally applying to anything remotely related to finance. However it seems that I am not good enough for ANY job, and not even worthwhile of an interview. I have no banking experience but I thought that should not be a deal breaker for an entry-level graduate programme?
And the $1mi dollar question: what are the UK employers looking for even?
I am also applying for internships (although I am struggling as well because I am a postgraduate final-year student), but the idea of spending almost a year unemployed until the next year's recruitment season is just terrifying.
Any tips on how to proceed on securing a graduate position effectively? Any personal histories to share and keep me motivated (I have to say that my self-esteem is somewhere 7 feet under right now, feeling worthless and afraid of graduating with a massive debt + unemployed).
Out of interest and to complete your question: Have you had any work experience at all? Internships, volunteering work, any industry focused projects during you studies? Any relevant awards, prizes, presentations?
With 0 work experience I could imagine having a more difficult time getting into a company, but with your excellent profile this should still be possible.
Spent about a decade working in London and networking was considered relevant. Which events have you attended? You sound like you would make a great first impression face to face! Also, don't forget to ask for referrals (from professors, your department leads, friends from school, family members, ..)
Hi, thanks for the input! I was self-employed for 7 years (started quite young). Besides that, I did have a short work experience last summer (in IT). I do not have any finance-related internships under my belt (instead I spent my summers travelling, having travelled to over 40 countries - I do not regret, I have to say I honestly thought it would pay off in the future - my mistake).
Also have some 3 years of volunteering, no industry focussed projects (unfortunately), but I did hold a top-performer scholarship during my whole undergrad, was a medalist at a national olympiads and now during my master's I am the main student representative of my degree AND of my entire department (I have been nominated for both).
I have attended the uni's career fairs and networking events, and for some networking events I applied directly in the companies' websites (and was also rejected). I have not say I may not be very good in networking, but I have been at least trying by attending all events I could. However I have the feeling (and I have been told the same by some alumnae of my school) that networking does not really help much when we are trying to get an entry-level job, as nowadays the recruitment process is CV screening -> online tests -> HireVue (the big problem) -> assessment centres... so we basically don't really meet anyone until the assessment centre stage (which I do not even manage to reach).
I have just been wondering if it is just that it is more difficult and competitive to get an entry-level job nowadays overall, or if the industry is really looking for a very specific type of person? Or perhaps both?
Hi linneak, I'm a writer with the Guardian looking working on a project around automated video interviewing and other software based screening for job applicants. We're looking to talk to anyone who has had a difficult or frustrating experience. Would be very keen to hear about how you found it. I'm a new user and can't PM, so shoot me a message if you're willing to help here.
Thanks!
Thanks for details. You have a lot of professional experience, it seems, which is excellent.
When I was a graduate I got several offers for very few applications. I believe it really was a lot easier a few years back. I don't believe that graduates have to be "very specific", more like a "fit" to the existing culture, work ethic and where the company and department are heading. Given the current European atmosphere, even employers might not have all the right answers.
I too did not have relevant work exp and definitely no Finance experience. Your lack of finance internships is definitely hurting your chances.
Though your profile is definitely unique it does not answer the question:
"What are you bringing to the team?"
AND
neither does it show "I am interested in PWM."
You may tick all the boxes on the type of candidates that have the maximum advantage of getting selected but that is not enough.
I applied to 450+ offers before I landed my first internship. So keep at it.
What is the employment rate of your program?
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