Mature Graduates-- Employment Prospects?

What are employment prospects like for mature students-- those that graduate aged 25+? I've read that its often difficult to get work experience after graduating, having to compete against younger adults in their early 20's. Employers, graduate schemes and internships usually look for the ideal young rectuit, and there are many misconceptions about employing older graduates.

For certain vocational degrees such as pharmacy, dentistry etc i cant see there being a problem, but say for maths, history, science and English and so on. What about the likes of engineering where you'll virtually get nowhere if someone doesnt take you on board?
Has anybody had any such experiences?
I'm concerned about doing an academic degree as employment is a must as soon as i graduate (i'm already in a financial spot at the moment). It features high in my priorities and I cant do something purely because I enjoy it (unfortunately) if it doesnt yield a half decent job, albeit this is never guaranteed.
I think you can do well at something even if you're not totally passionate about it, having an interest is necessary though. So i'm just trying to broaden my horizons in that sense.

Take for example my teacher who graduated with a Maths degree at 28, he couldnt find anything and ended up teaching. I have a friend who's an accountant and he says his company always look for young people, "its a young man's game" he said, and at 28 he is the oldest accountant in the office.

Any thoughts?

Reply 1

ledge

Hey

There's plenty of twenty-one year old graduates who can't get anything

Especially these days with so many unis and so many degrees

I'd say the first step is to choose your course carefully . Make sure it suits your natural abilities and personality and ambitions

After you graduate you will get out what you put in. I know if I was looking to recruit staff then I would jump at a mature graduate...who was also confident, articulate, different from the rest........

Hope that makes sense :smile:

Reply 2

Sephiroth

I would recommend doing a degree that includes a work placement year but I don't know how easy it is to get a placement or if that would make it easier to get a graduate job as a mature student.

Reply 3

silent ninja

Graduate schemes will surely be looking for the younger person. I know the age discrimination law kicks in on 1 Oct this year, but employers can choose whoever they like.

Reply 4

Sephiroth

Let's just hope the law is enforced well. Although I can't see how it could be enforced at all without setting targets to companies. It's a shame such discrimination still exists in today's society.