Internship or Grad scheme? (Physics Graduate)
Hi there,
I recently graduated with a 2:1 bachelors degree in Physics, and have began with the task at deciding my future.
I initially looked into grad schemes and created a shortlist of over 50 companies to apply to which specialise in areas including mechanical engineering, software engineering and energy (to name a few); however, I am severely lacking in terms of work experience and worry that this issue may prove to be detrimental to my chances.
One solution in my eyes would be to apply for internships instead, where I feel that I would have a larger chance of success in my application.Although that said, I'm rather conflicted right now between putting all of my effort into these rather than the grad schemes, as I'm currently awaiting feedback on my first applications into the latter, and would prefer the extra perks it brings in comparison to the internships.
I've decided to post this on TSR, as I would muchly appreciate any advice that any of you could provide in the meantime, whether it's just an alternative perspective or experience from being in a similar situation to mine right now.
Thank you!
I recently graduated with a 2:1 bachelors degree in Physics, and have began with the task at deciding my future.
I initially looked into grad schemes and created a shortlist of over 50 companies to apply to which specialise in areas including mechanical engineering, software engineering and energy (to name a few); however, I am severely lacking in terms of work experience and worry that this issue may prove to be detrimental to my chances.
One solution in my eyes would be to apply for internships instead, where I feel that I would have a larger chance of success in my application.Although that said, I'm rather conflicted right now between putting all of my effort into these rather than the grad schemes, as I'm currently awaiting feedback on my first applications into the latter, and would prefer the extra perks it brings in comparison to the internships.
I've decided to post this on TSR, as I would muchly appreciate any advice that any of you could provide in the meantime, whether it's just an alternative perspective or experience from being in a similar situation to mine right now.
Thank you!
Original post by Skeptical Apple
Hi there,
I recently graduated with a 2:1 bachelors degree in Physics, and have began with the task at deciding my future.
I initially looked into grad schemes and created a shortlist of over 50 companies to apply to which specialise in areas including mechanical engineering, software engineering and energy (to name a few); however, I am severely lacking in terms of work experience and worry that this issue may prove to be detrimental to my chances.
One solution in my eyes would be to apply for internships instead, where I feel that I would have a larger chance of success in my application.Although that said, I'm rather conflicted right now between putting all of my effort into these rather than the grad schemes, as I'm currently awaiting feedback on my first applications into the latter, and would prefer the extra perks it brings in comparison to the internships.
I've decided to post this on TSR, as I would muchly appreciate any advice that any of you could provide in the meantime, whether it's just an alternative perspective or experience from being in a similar situation to mine right now.
Thank you!
I recently graduated with a 2:1 bachelors degree in Physics, and have began with the task at deciding my future.
I initially looked into grad schemes and created a shortlist of over 50 companies to apply to which specialise in areas including mechanical engineering, software engineering and energy (to name a few); however, I am severely lacking in terms of work experience and worry that this issue may prove to be detrimental to my chances.
One solution in my eyes would be to apply for internships instead, where I feel that I would have a larger chance of success in my application.Although that said, I'm rather conflicted right now between putting all of my effort into these rather than the grad schemes, as I'm currently awaiting feedback on my first applications into the latter, and would prefer the extra perks it brings in comparison to the internships.
I've decided to post this on TSR, as I would muchly appreciate any advice that any of you could provide in the meantime, whether it's just an alternative perspective or experience from being in a similar situation to mine right now.
Thank you!
Internships are typically for undergraduates, so I don't think you will have more success in applying to those.
It's tough getting a job without at least some relevant experience, but as a graduate I still think you're more likely to be successful via that route than applying for schemes that are mainly interested in undergrad students, to evaluate them for graduate positions.
You sound like you already have at least some idea of what you want to go into, which puts you ahead of a lot of other graduates in your position. But are these realistic possibilities? For example, I don't think it's realistic for a physics graduate to go into mechanical engineering any more, and I also think you might have to broaden your horizons to include finance, teaching etc.
Hiya,
I agree with Smack - internships are usually intended for undergrads. That said, I think it'll be good to not place your eggs in one basket and A/B test applications for both grad schemes and internships, to understand which yields more response.
Of course, invest the majority of your efforts in applying for grad schemes, but it'll be good to apply for internships too, as grad schemes are usually incredibly competitive.
I think another thing to note also, is that you may enjoy an internship at a certain firm, more than a grad scheme at another, and the internship may potentially open up more doors for you, due to what you learn/the company name etc, than the grad scheme. So don't dismiss an internship, if it's something you enjoy, due to a shortfall in perks, but weigh the pros and cons.
I think that you have organised your job hunt very well, by creating a short list. I would encourage you to continue to show your passion, and jump at any opportunity that will get your foot through the door. Employers understand not to expect a lot of work experience, at a graduate level, and are often more focused on your skill set and what else you can bring. You can build skills that are required for jobs, through several other activities and commitments. It may therefore be a good idea to build on your skills, be able to demonstrate these through experiences/achievements and make yourself more employable.
If you have any specific questions, or would like more career advice, please feel free to DM us, and we will be more than happy to discuss
Milkround Graduate Careers Team
I agree with Smack - internships are usually intended for undergrads. That said, I think it'll be good to not place your eggs in one basket and A/B test applications for both grad schemes and internships, to understand which yields more response.
Of course, invest the majority of your efforts in applying for grad schemes, but it'll be good to apply for internships too, as grad schemes are usually incredibly competitive.
I think another thing to note also, is that you may enjoy an internship at a certain firm, more than a grad scheme at another, and the internship may potentially open up more doors for you, due to what you learn/the company name etc, than the grad scheme. So don't dismiss an internship, if it's something you enjoy, due to a shortfall in perks, but weigh the pros and cons.
I think that you have organised your job hunt very well, by creating a short list. I would encourage you to continue to show your passion, and jump at any opportunity that will get your foot through the door. Employers understand not to expect a lot of work experience, at a graduate level, and are often more focused on your skill set and what else you can bring. You can build skills that are required for jobs, through several other activities and commitments. It may therefore be a good idea to build on your skills, be able to demonstrate these through experiences/achievements and make yourself more employable.
If you have any specific questions, or would like more career advice, please feel free to DM us, and we will be more than happy to discuss
Milkround Graduate Careers Team
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