Possible to still use my degree?

Hi,

I graduated from university in 2018, with a degree in (BA) Advertising & Marketing Communications.

I worked in retail for a little while until 2021, when I became a full time carer. I have a disabled father who raised us on his own.

My other sibling used to look after him but since 2021 he has been studying abroad in Germany, and he is graduating soon.

Recently my auntie has moved near us and has decided to become my fathers full time carer. Furrhermore, I have not worked a full time job for 3 years, and not used my degree for 6 years. I'm really struggling on how to get back into work and whether, it would still be possible to use my degree after so long? Or should I take another career route.

Thank you.

Reply 1

artful_lounger

Universities Forum Helper

Your degree is still "valid" as a qualification - obviously though work experience is very important and so that is probably the biggest thing to focus on. Your experience working as a full time carer though may be very useful background as even outside of caring roles, there are likely useful transferable skills you've developed.

The charity CarersUK has some information for carers returning to work (or pursuing work alongside their caring responsibilities) which may be helpful: https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/work-and-career/thinking-of-returning-to-work/?gad_source=1 :smile:

It sounds like there may also be specific schemes to support carers returning to work through your local jobcentre: https://www.gov.uk/moving-from-benefits-to-work/help-for-parents-and-carers so that may be something to explore too :h:

Those kinds of resources might help you understand how best to leverage your caring experience with your degree background to pursue graduate level employment options!