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What Now?

I’ve just finished my second year and I’m starting to wonder what the point in all of this is. My degree (Sociology with Criminology) feels like a complete and utter waste of time and I don’t think that I’m going to get anywhere with it.

So I suppose my question to you is - what now? What can I do alongside University in this final year in order to get some qualifications in other areas that will be worth something once I leave? I don’t want to have to scrape by in a dead-end job for the rest of my life, but at this point in time I struggle to see what else there is out there for me.

Reply 1

Teesside University

Official Rep

Hi. I'm really sorry you're feeling this way and hope things pick up for you soon. I understand that sometimes studying can feel like a waste of time but it isn't. Univeristy does have some great benefits such as increasing your earning potential, gaining important skills and becoming more independent.

There are many jobs you could enter with a Sociology and Criminology degree, and careers in areas such as the civil service, local government, social research, policing, housing, welfare services, probation, crime prevention, community safety, journalism and education.

When studying at university your main goals will likely be to have a great university experience and get your degree at the end of it. That doesn’t mean you can’t build on your other skills and enhance your CV whilst studying. Check out this blog on 'How to enhance your CV whilst at university' to learn what else you can get involved in to enhance your employability.

Good luck! Thanks, Emma.

Reply 2

Chester Student

Official Rep

Original post by Anonymous

I’ve just finished my second year and I’m starting to wonder what the point in all of this is. My degree (Sociology with Criminology) feels like a complete and utter waste of time and I don’t think that I’m going to get anywhere with it.
So I suppose my question to you is - what now? What can I do alongside University in this final year in order to get some qualifications in other areas that will be worth something once I leave? I don’t want to have to scrape by in a dead-end job for the rest of my life, but at this point in time I struggle to see what else there is out there for me.

Hi there,

I'm sorry to hear you are feeling this way. It can be tough to picture how everything will play out in the future, but there are definitely things you can do now to help you down the line.

Attending university has helped you develop transferable skills, gain independence, meet new people, and form professional relationships. Even if you don't see yourself doing anything related to your degree - don't worry! So many people have jobs wildly unrelated to what they studied at university, but their degree is still valuable to their experience. I'd recommend doing some research to get an idea of what you could do with the skills you have developed and what is out there for you, and the Prospects website is really useful for this.

Alongside your final year and during the summer, there are many things you could consider. For example, part-time work, volunteering, internships, and work experience. Focusing on doing things that enhance your CV will give you a boost, and will make you more desirable to any employer.

I hope this helps,

Isabella
Third-year Geography with a Year Abroad Student

Reply 3

University of Huddersfield

Official Rep

Original post by Anonymous

I’ve just finished my second year and I’m starting to wonder what the point in all of this is. My degree (Sociology with Criminology) feels like a complete and utter waste of time and I don’t think that I’m going to get anywhere with it.
So I suppose my question to you is - what now? What can I do alongside University in this final year in order to get some qualifications in other areas that will be worth something once I leave? I don’t want to have to scrape by in a dead-end job for the rest of my life, but at this point in time I struggle to see what else there is out there for me.

Anon,

What made you originally choose Sociology with Criminology? What's changed since then? Has the modules in second year been boring or difficult? Have the assignments been okay? A degree is still held in good esteem by employers and it is not necessarily about what you study but what you have achieved over those three years. This means that you can apply for a variety of graduate jobs and be considered.

I would caution against trying to do do too many things during your final year which might affect your studies. It does look great if you have a range of hobbies and skills and can give examples that helps you stand out as a well-rounded individual to an employer, but the most important thing is to get a good result in your degree.

You can build up your CV quite easily (over the summer and post-uni) but you can't go back and change your degree result. You have completed two years already, so there one's more to go. There's time to think about what you might like to do going forward and what experience or skills might be helpful, but for now focus on getting done what needs to be done: third year.

Most people when they finish university don't go into the most amazing job or stay in the same job for the rest of their lives. They are normally figuring out what they want to do and just trying to get some money in while they think about their next steps. So again, don't panic after university if you get a job and it's not the best job in the world or if you are still unsure about what to do – it's just a beginning. Try not to put too much pressure on yourself!

All the best,

Oluwatosin – 3rd year student – University of Huddersfield

Reply 4

UCLan Student

Official Rep

Hello,

My name is Haya and I am a final year medic. First off, I want to start by sharing that most people dont really work in their degrees (except a few courses like medicine) but if you feel like this course is not for you, here are a few things you can do during your years at university to find out what you like and broaden your skillset.

•

Look into courses or certifications that complement your current degree, such as data analysis, research methods, or certifications in related fields like social work or public policy.

•

Consider internships, part-time work, or volunteer opportunities in areas that interest you. This can help you explore your career options.

•

Try to network with people in fields you are interested in.

Finally, try to reach out to friends and family and your course tutors for advice, as they often can provide advice from a different perspective.
All the best,
Haya MBBS V