Unemployed Maths Graduate, HELP!!!!
Hi,
I recently graduate in summer 2016 in mathematics from a Russel group uni (just stating in case you wonder what sort of uni). I have zero work experience except that of retail which I have tons of. My cv and covering letter have been checked by those working at large financial banks and have said it's great. But have told me the lack of experience is what is stopping me and I am 100% aware that this is the problem.
I have found only a few internships for graduates. Most are for undergraduates so thus making me not eligible. As for graduate schemes Most have closed and of the few left I have applied.
Long story short, I feel my maths degree is useless due to the fact that whenever i apply for jobs they say "maths graduate wanted - but must have programming skills and lists a bunch of them", if I learn them programmes would my chance and if employement increase? Or will they say you still got no work experience?
Agencies have been useless to say the least, most just promise roles but give them to others with experience which I can understand.
Any thoughts ?
I recently graduate in summer 2016 in mathematics from a Russel group uni (just stating in case you wonder what sort of uni). I have zero work experience except that of retail which I have tons of. My cv and covering letter have been checked by those working at large financial banks and have said it's great. But have told me the lack of experience is what is stopping me and I am 100% aware that this is the problem.
I have found only a few internships for graduates. Most are for undergraduates so thus making me not eligible. As for graduate schemes Most have closed and of the few left I have applied.
Long story short, I feel my maths degree is useless due to the fact that whenever i apply for jobs they say "maths graduate wanted - but must have programming skills and lists a bunch of them", if I learn them programmes would my chance and if employement increase? Or will they say you still got no work experience?
Agencies have been useless to say the least, most just promise roles but give them to others with experience which I can understand.
Any thoughts ?
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Sadly work experiance matters so much in the UK.
You need to find internships ASAP or else you'll lose more time that will cut into your monthly maintainence costs without a salary.
Even if this means you'll have to travel to a new city, it really matters mate. During the months of intern, you can also take a part-time job for some loose change and make your work experiance profile more broad and flexible, as a lot of jobs, even banks, look for practical experiance.
You need to find internships ASAP or else you'll lose more time that will cut into your monthly maintainence costs without a salary.
Even if this means you'll have to travel to a new city, it really matters mate. During the months of intern, you can also take a part-time job for some loose change and make your work experiance profile more broad and flexible, as a lot of jobs, even banks, look for practical experiance.
Original post by gshock
Hi,
I recently graduate in summer 2016 in mathematics from a Russel group uni (just stating in case you wonder what sort of uni). I have zero work experience except that of retail which I have tons of. My cv and covering letter have been checked by those working at large financial banks and have said it's great. But have told me the lack of experience is what is stopping me and I am 100% aware that this is the problem.
I have found only a few internships for graduates. Most are for undergraduates so thus making me not eligible. As for graduate schemes Most have closed and of the few left I have applied.
Long story short, I feel my maths degree is useless due to the fact that whenever i apply for jobs they say "maths graduate wanted - but must have programming skills and lists a bunch of them", if I learn them programmes would my chance and if employement increase? Or will they say you still got no work experience?
Agencies have been useless to say the least, most just promise roles but give them to others with experience which I can understand.
Any thoughts ?
I recently graduate in summer 2016 in mathematics from a Russel group uni (just stating in case you wonder what sort of uni). I have zero work experience except that of retail which I have tons of. My cv and covering letter have been checked by those working at large financial banks and have said it's great. But have told me the lack of experience is what is stopping me and I am 100% aware that this is the problem.
I have found only a few internships for graduates. Most are for undergraduates so thus making me not eligible. As for graduate schemes Most have closed and of the few left I have applied.
Long story short, I feel my maths degree is useless due to the fact that whenever i apply for jobs they say "maths graduate wanted - but must have programming skills and lists a bunch of them", if I learn them programmes would my chance and if employement increase? Or will they say you still got no work experience?
Agencies have been useless to say the least, most just promise roles but give them to others with experience which I can understand.
Any thoughts ?
Internship wise, have you also sent speculative applications to smaller financial firms too, such as a local one?
What kind of job role would you like to do in finance?
Original post by Boreism
Internship wise, have you also sent speculative applications to smaller financial firms too, such as a local one?
What kind of job role would you like to do in finance?
What kind of job role would you like to do in finance?
Yep, i've contacted a lot of companies both large and small for work experience and still nothing. Also im quite broad in terms of applications i have been applying or roles from analytical roles to banking and finance
Original post by Big_Jon
Have you tried GCHQ. I hear they like to employ maths people.
Yeah mate already applied and alas no luck at all. Also most of their stuff is all closed now due to the intakes being filled already
Original post by gshock
Yeah mate already applied and alas no luck at all. Also most of their stuff is all closed now due to the intakes being filled already
Sorry to hear that. Have you thought about teaching? To me a maths degree seems very generic. I have no doubt you are a very clever guy for doing a maths degree. But I think to get a job you need to have it applied to a field of knowledge like engineering. I can't think of anywhere that would just require some one to do maths all day. Have you tried Quientic or BAE systems? They might hire maybe.
Most schemes are closed now - and most operate on a 'first come first served' basis. With that in mind, I'd look to secure an internship over the summer (even unpaid where possible) and apply to graduate schemes when they open in September/October for 2018.
Alternative, you could continue applying for entry level jobs (which make up the vast majority of graduate jobs), apply for a masters (if it makes financial sense) or get a part time job to tide you over in the mean time.
Alternative, you could continue applying for entry level jobs (which make up the vast majority of graduate jobs), apply for a masters (if it makes financial sense) or get a part time job to tide you over in the mean time.
Original post by gshock
Hi,
I recently graduate in summer 2016 in mathematics from a Russel group uni (just stating in case you wonder what sort of uni). I have zero work experience except that of retail which I have tons of. My cv and covering letter have been checked by those working at large financial banks and have said it's great. But have told me the lack of experience is what is stopping me and I am 100% aware that this is the problem.
I have found only a few internships for graduates. Most are for undergraduates so thus making me not eligible. As for graduate schemes Most have closed and of the few left I have applied.
Long story short, I feel my maths degree is useless due to the fact that whenever i apply for jobs they say "maths graduate wanted - but must have programming skills and lists a bunch of them", if I learn them programmes would my chance and if employement increase? Or will they say you still got no work experience?
Agencies have been useless to say the least, most just promise roles but give them to others with experience which I can understand.
Any thoughts ?
I recently graduate in summer 2016 in mathematics from a Russel group uni (just stating in case you wonder what sort of uni). I have zero work experience except that of retail which I have tons of. My cv and covering letter have been checked by those working at large financial banks and have said it's great. But have told me the lack of experience is what is stopping me and I am 100% aware that this is the problem.
I have found only a few internships for graduates. Most are for undergraduates so thus making me not eligible. As for graduate schemes Most have closed and of the few left I have applied.
Long story short, I feel my maths degree is useless due to the fact that whenever i apply for jobs they say "maths graduate wanted - but must have programming skills and lists a bunch of them", if I learn them programmes would my chance and if employement increase? Or will they say you still got no work experience?
Agencies have been useless to say the least, most just promise roles but give them to others with experience which I can understand.
Any thoughts ?
You need work experience, not just a degree and programming skills.
After A levels, went on a gap year in Europe instead of straight to uni where I did loads of jobs (some in IT) to fund the food/rent/travel/fun. Came back in the summer.
I started my IT/Math degree Sept last year, got a job doing IT by Xmas because I have work experience.
Original post by Big_Jon
Have you tried GCHQ. I hear they like to employ maths people.
I think they prefer Applied Maths and languages (like Arabic, Russian) along with coding skills...............and work experience.
Yes it is quite common for employers to pick those with experience rather than solely looking at qualifications. At the minute, I say the most important thing is to get experience, better in the field that you want. Apply for internships, work experience or volunteering placements which will help you. In the meantime, try and get experience in other areas, for example, part time jobs would show evidence of teamwork and communicating with customers, even if it is not directly related to the field you are looking for. Evening classes will help you socialise (maybe make more connections) and can provide you with skills, such as learning a new language - something to show you are filling your time well and make you stand out from others.
If you're applying for the banks and big 4, you've got very little chance without any work experience.
If you're applying for anywhere else, you've got very little chance with nothing to separate yourself from everyone else.
As you say, internships are mainly for undergraduates rather than graduates, so what I would advise doing is showing the employer you're willing to specialise in an area and give yourself an edge over all the other candidates with a Maths degree.
The way to do this would be to save up to do a Masters. I don't know if there's specific roles you'd like to go into, but it may be worth doing a Financial Mathematics masters to improve your programming, apply your numeracy in real-world based projects and give yourself a different experience to be able to refer to in an interview setting.
You can then start to look at pretty much any graduate role with either a problem solving, numerical or computational aspect to it and get your foot in the door.
Everyone has a Bachelors these days, but not everyone has a Masters.
(Source: got masters, got a job)
If you're applying for anywhere else, you've got very little chance with nothing to separate yourself from everyone else.
As you say, internships are mainly for undergraduates rather than graduates, so what I would advise doing is showing the employer you're willing to specialise in an area and give yourself an edge over all the other candidates with a Maths degree.
The way to do this would be to save up to do a Masters. I don't know if there's specific roles you'd like to go into, but it may be worth doing a Financial Mathematics masters to improve your programming, apply your numeracy in real-world based projects and give yourself a different experience to be able to refer to in an interview setting.
You can then start to look at pretty much any graduate role with either a problem solving, numerical or computational aspect to it and get your foot in the door.
Everyone has a Bachelors these days, but not everyone has a Masters.
(Source: got masters, got a job)
(edited 7 years ago)
Well, my situation matches with yours mate. However, I have been working within finance now. You can try to get into customer service, retail etc and then try to get into a finance role by making an internal application. For instance, first getting into a retail assistant role at ASDA and then making an internal application for a finance entry level role at ASDA when opportunity arises.
Original post by Big_Jon
Have you tried GCHQ. I hear they like to employ maths people.
yeah.. with first class degrees and research exposure.
Hi, original q is a bit old now, hopefully you have got sorted 
For any other people in similar situations, a few things spring to mind:
- Try and reach out to people 5 years older than you, if you don't know any, type a few job titles and banks into linkedin and ask can you chat to them for 5-10min about ways to get experience/get involved. Maybe try and focus on the smaller / mid sized banks as you might find the people working in those have more varied backgrounds and got their start in different ways, instead of having stacks of work experience and awesome CV's
- Are there any jobs you could apply for that will be stepping stones to the role/grad scheme you are after i.e. Could you do 1 yr working for a risk management company, then get a job as a risk analyst in a bank and get your start that way. Try and think a bit creatively if you can.
- What can you do to differentiate yourself from other candidates i.e. there are very short intensive programming courses you can do now, that may make your CV one of the best if you do one of those.
- Use your network, and extended network, Do your parents know anyone in Banking that could get you work experience? Do their friends know anyone? even friends of aunts and uncles, talk to your lecturers, do they know people? Again, be as creative as you can!
I've just interviewed 100 graduates 10 years out of university on their career paths and advice for a younger generation. The interviews are part of a book called '1000 Years of Career Advice'. The book includes 16 different professions, media, science, finance, creative etc. Two of the interviewees are now Investment Bankers but they did chemistry degrees at university. Their routes into investment banking were really unconventional but now they are very successful guys - one of their interviews is on my blog 1000 Years of Career Advice. Anyone trying to get into Investment Banking I'd really encourage them to read it as it's a great example of how you can do anything if you want it bad enough!
Hope the above helps in some way!!
For any other people in similar situations, a few things spring to mind:
- Try and reach out to people 5 years older than you, if you don't know any, type a few job titles and banks into linkedin and ask can you chat to them for 5-10min about ways to get experience/get involved. Maybe try and focus on the smaller / mid sized banks as you might find the people working in those have more varied backgrounds and got their start in different ways, instead of having stacks of work experience and awesome CV's
- Are there any jobs you could apply for that will be stepping stones to the role/grad scheme you are after i.e. Could you do 1 yr working for a risk management company, then get a job as a risk analyst in a bank and get your start that way. Try and think a bit creatively if you can.
- What can you do to differentiate yourself from other candidates i.e. there are very short intensive programming courses you can do now, that may make your CV one of the best if you do one of those.
- Use your network, and extended network, Do your parents know anyone in Banking that could get you work experience? Do their friends know anyone? even friends of aunts and uncles, talk to your lecturers, do they know people? Again, be as creative as you can!
I've just interviewed 100 graduates 10 years out of university on their career paths and advice for a younger generation. The interviews are part of a book called '1000 Years of Career Advice'. The book includes 16 different professions, media, science, finance, creative etc. Two of the interviewees are now Investment Bankers but they did chemistry degrees at university. Their routes into investment banking were really unconventional but now they are very successful guys - one of their interviews is on my blog 1000 Years of Career Advice. Anyone trying to get into Investment Banking I'd really encourage them to read it as it's a great example of how you can do anything if you want it bad enough!
Hope the above helps in some way!!
Original post by paulkevinmurphy
Two of the interviewees are now Investment Bankers but they did chemistry degrees at university. Their routes into investment banking were really unconventional but now they are very successful guys.
If you mean unconventional by them studying chemistry.. Then it's not unconventional at all.
Posted from TSR Mobile
Original post by Princepieman
yeah.. with first class degrees and research exposure.
Not all ways. If you are that good, or show really enthusiasm instead of expecting it.
Original post by gshock
Hi,
I recently graduate in summer 2016 in mathematics from a Russel group uni (just stating in case you wonder what sort of uni). I have zero work experience except that of retail which I have tons of. My cv and covering letter have been checked by those working at large financial banks and have said it's great. But have told me the lack of experience is what is stopping me and I am 100% aware that this is the problem.
I have found only a few internships for graduates. Most are for undergraduates so thus making me not eligible. As for graduate schemes Most have closed and of the few left I have applied.
Long story short, I feel my maths degree is useless due to the fact that whenever i apply for jobs they say "maths graduate wanted - but must have programming skills and lists a bunch of them", if I learn them programmes would my chance and if employement increase? Or will they say you still got no work experience?
Have a look at this and thank me later http://future-builders.co nowadays it is all about coding
Agencies have been useless to say the least, most just promise roles but give them to others with experience which I can understand.
Any thoughts ?
I recently graduate in summer 2016 in mathematics from a Russel group uni (just stating in case you wonder what sort of uni). I have zero work experience except that of retail which I have tons of. My cv and covering letter have been checked by those working at large financial banks and have said it's great. But have told me the lack of experience is what is stopping me and I am 100% aware that this is the problem.
I have found only a few internships for graduates. Most are for undergraduates so thus making me not eligible. As for graduate schemes Most have closed and of the few left I have applied.
Long story short, I feel my maths degree is useless due to the fact that whenever i apply for jobs they say "maths graduate wanted - but must have programming skills and lists a bunch of them", if I learn them programmes would my chance and if employement increase? Or will they say you still got no work experience?
Have a look at this and thank me later http://future-builders.co nowadays it is all about coding
Agencies have been useless to say the least, most just promise roles but give them to others with experience which I can understand.
Any thoughts ?
Have a look at this and thank me later http://future-builders.co nowadays it is all about coding.
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