Give graduates a go!
November 23rd 2008 08:29
After several weeks of active job searching as I am looking for a role that is in my field of study, I can only say that job searching is frustrating beyond belief.
I sometimes wonder why I bothered with the years of study, I really do. And why I'm doing my LLM this year also. I hope that after that is finished that somehow the road to a job in my field of study will improve but I have my doubts.
I don't know someone who knows someone, who knows someone so no real 'connections' to use to get a job. Pray tell employer, if I'm overqualified to be a paralegal and don't have enough experience for a position as a lawyer then what the heck is my LLB degree? Is there an in-between role where you can fit me in? Or actually give me the opportunity to gain the required experience? How about my journalism degree, that's useless too? Now I know I don't have any actual journalism experience other than my studies, this blog and a stint in community radio but surely the LLB and work experience done in law firms and even a community legal centre must mean something!
How are graduates supposed to gain employment in their field of study if no one wants to take the time to give a graduate a go and let them GAIN experience? I can't do more work experience, there are things to consider like you know, paying the rent, which don't allow for me to offer my services anymore for free. I've done that and am now a graduate in the process of gaining my LLM. What does that really mean though?
What it means is that I'm still stuck in my 'favourite' field of customer service, with the company allowing me to do 'legal' things if they arise. No career progression to really speak of though. But employers in this field love me, I get many calls and interviews but I don't want to do it. I need to get into the legal field. I didn't undertake all these years of study for nothing! I'm apparently overqualified to do jobs such as being a paralegal, but surely I'm more suitable in terms of having actual legal knowledge than the 16 year old school leaver who only finished grade 10 and is sitting in the law firm being a secretary and gaining valuable work experience. I suppose they come cheap and this is why firms prefer them but it still does not mean that employers cannot take the time to give graduates a go. If you can spend resources training a 16 year old then you can spend resources training a future lawyer also.
I've been told that a Masters degree is the new Bachelor's, maybe employers will notice me as a graduate after I've also gained that. As I stated before though, I do have my doubts but I am prepared to be pleasantly surprised.
My frustrating job search led to this rant but now I've said it and will keep looking. It may continue being fruitless or somewhere along the way I may find an employer who does believe in giving an opportunity to a hard-working graduate. I hope so anyway.
Message to employers - give graduates a go!
I sometimes wonder why I bothered with the years of study, I really do. And why I'm doing my LLM this year also. I hope that after that is finished that somehow the road to a job in my field of study will improve but I have my doubts.
I don't know someone who knows someone, who knows someone so no real 'connections' to use to get a job. Pray tell employer, if I'm overqualified to be a paralegal and don't have enough experience for a position as a lawyer then what the heck is my LLB degree? Is there an in-between role where you can fit me in? Or actually give me the opportunity to gain the required experience? How about my journalism degree, that's useless too? Now I know I don't have any actual journalism experience other than my studies, this blog and a stint in community radio but surely the LLB and work experience done in law firms and even a community legal centre must mean something!
How are graduates supposed to gain employment in their field of study if no one wants to take the time to give a graduate a go and let them GAIN experience? I can't do more work experience, there are things to consider like you know, paying the rent, which don't allow for me to offer my services anymore for free. I've done that and am now a graduate in the process of gaining my LLM. What does that really mean though?
What it means is that I'm still stuck in my 'favourite' field of customer service, with the company allowing me to do 'legal' things if they arise. No career progression to really speak of though. But employers in this field love me, I get many calls and interviews but I don't want to do it. I need to get into the legal field. I didn't undertake all these years of study for nothing! I'm apparently overqualified to do jobs such as being a paralegal, but surely I'm more suitable in terms of having actual legal knowledge than the 16 year old school leaver who only finished grade 10 and is sitting in the law firm being a secretary and gaining valuable work experience. I suppose they come cheap and this is why firms prefer them but it still does not mean that employers cannot take the time to give graduates a go. If you can spend resources training a 16 year old then you can spend resources training a future lawyer also.
I've been told that a Masters degree is the new Bachelor's, maybe employers will notice me as a graduate after I've also gained that. As I stated before though, I do have my doubts but I am prepared to be pleasantly surprised.
My frustrating job search led to this rant but now I've said it and will keep looking. It may continue being fruitless or somewhere along the way I may find an employer who does believe in giving an opportunity to a hard-working graduate. I hope so anyway.
Message to employers - give graduates a go!
| 64 |
| Vote |
Subscribe to this blog
Comment by S.L.
The Political Brief
Just a thought. Maybe a government agency?
Good luck and keep trying, theres a job for you out there somewhere!
Comment by katyzzz
Photography Tips
Health Focus
MS Paint Art
Nowadays, everyone (exaggeration) wants to study law. I feel for you. But you are at risk of becoming the perpetual student, at least you are employed and are being given small bights of the cherry.
Timing, now, is especially bad. I wish you well and you are doing well, you just don't recognise that.
Comment by Justicia
A Word From The Wise
Celebwise
Thanks S.L, I have considered a government agency and think that is something I would prefer to working in a firm. I haven't considered the military, I'm not sure it would really be for me. Thanks for your comments!
I know katyzzz, it does seem that everyone these days wants to study law. I know I'm certainly on the path to being a perpetual student and when the LLM is finished I will have to refrain from doing more or I will continue being overqualified! Thanks for your comments!