Lost and demotivated
I currently am in my third and final year of university at Oxford and I took a year out- so I start third year this September mainly for my mental health and so I know what to do when I go back as I’ve had a very stressful two years and I’m trying to learn to take a break.
I study biochemistry but I no longer feel I have interest in sciences as in research anymore. Last year I was predicted a 2.1/1st but due to some circumstances I got a 2.2.
I have spent most/all of my break so far trying to secure an internship for the summer and I’ve been rejected from pretty much everyone that I applied to - I went mainly for consulting/tech roles. Sometimes rejected before interview mainly. I feel I have a good cv with some good experience on there so I’m not sure why- last year grades maybe?
But now I am interested still in pharmaceuticals or consulting but can’t seem to secure anything. I have no clue what to do/where to go from here and I haven’t really achieved the goals I set for my break at all with my mental health and moving away from academia as I feel I’ve still been working the whole time- with planning and job applications constantly.
At this point I feel a little lost- if I stop applying then what if I don’t get a good grad job and if I don’t stop and try to take a break what if I go back to university burnt out again?
I’m not too sure where to go from here and would love some advice from anyone that’s been in a similar situation.
I study biochemistry but I no longer feel I have interest in sciences as in research anymore. Last year I was predicted a 2.1/1st but due to some circumstances I got a 2.2.
I have spent most/all of my break so far trying to secure an internship for the summer and I’ve been rejected from pretty much everyone that I applied to - I went mainly for consulting/tech roles. Sometimes rejected before interview mainly. I feel I have a good cv with some good experience on there so I’m not sure why- last year grades maybe?
But now I am interested still in pharmaceuticals or consulting but can’t seem to secure anything. I have no clue what to do/where to go from here and I haven’t really achieved the goals I set for my break at all with my mental health and moving away from academia as I feel I’ve still been working the whole time- with planning and job applications constantly.
At this point I feel a little lost- if I stop applying then what if I don’t get a good grad job and if I don’t stop and try to take a break what if I go back to university burnt out again?
I’m not too sure where to go from here and would love some advice from anyone that’s been in a similar situation.
Reply 1
Original post
by AnonymousI currently am in my third and final year of university at Oxford and I took a year out- so I start third year this September mainly for my mental health and so I know what to do when I go back as I’ve had a very stressful two years and I’m trying to learn to take a break.
I study biochemistry but I no longer feel I have interest in sciences as in research anymore. Last year I was predicted a 2.1/1st but due to some circumstances I got a 2.2.
I have spent most/all of my break so far trying to secure an internship for the summer and I’ve been rejected from pretty much everyone that I applied to - I went mainly for consulting/tech roles. Sometimes rejected before interview mainly. I feel I have a good cv with some good experience on there so I’m not sure why- last year grades maybe?
But now I am interested still in pharmaceuticals or consulting but can’t seem to secure anything. I have no clue what to do/where to go from here and I haven’t really achieved the goals I set for my break at all with my mental health and moving away from academia as I feel I’ve still been working the whole time- with planning and job applications constantly.
At this point I feel a little lost- if I stop applying then what if I don’t get a good grad job and if I don’t stop and try to take a break what if I go back to university burnt out again?
I’m not too sure where to go from here and would love some advice from anyone that’s been in a similar situation.
I study biochemistry but I no longer feel I have interest in sciences as in research anymore. Last year I was predicted a 2.1/1st but due to some circumstances I got a 2.2.
I have spent most/all of my break so far trying to secure an internship for the summer and I’ve been rejected from pretty much everyone that I applied to - I went mainly for consulting/tech roles. Sometimes rejected before interview mainly. I feel I have a good cv with some good experience on there so I’m not sure why- last year grades maybe?
But now I am interested still in pharmaceuticals or consulting but can’t seem to secure anything. I have no clue what to do/where to go from here and I haven’t really achieved the goals I set for my break at all with my mental health and moving away from academia as I feel I’ve still been working the whole time- with planning and job applications constantly.
At this point I feel a little lost- if I stop applying then what if I don’t get a good grad job and if I don’t stop and try to take a break what if I go back to university burnt out again?
I’m not too sure where to go from here and would love some advice from anyone that’s been in a similar situation.
It sounds like you’ve been under a lot of pressure, and it’s completely understandable to feel lost when things haven’t gone as planned. Rejections can be tough, especially when you’ve put in a lot of effort. A 2.2 might play a role in some cases, but companies also consider your experience and skills. If consulting and tech roles aren’t working out right now, it might be helpful to explore other avenues into those industries—like graduate schemes, networking, or roles that could serve as stepping stones.
It seems like you haven’t had a proper break, even though that was part of your plan. Taking a little breather, even for a short while, could help you recharge before jumping back into applications. But finding that balance can be a bit tricky. Instead of applying constantly, try setting smaller, more achievable goals, like focusing on a few high-quality applications instead.
I know you’re not alone in this journey. There are many different paths to success, and it’s important to find what works best for you. Maybe you could talk to a career advisor at Oxford? They can give you personalised advice based on your background and interests.
Hope that helps, and all the best!
Mercy
BCU Student Rep
Reply 2
Hi Mercy,
Thanks a lot for this- my main concern is missing out on a good opportunity by taking a break - This was very useful advice.
Thank you
Thanks a lot for this- my main concern is missing out on a good opportunity by taking a break - This was very useful advice.
Thank you
Reply 3
Just jumping in to second what Mercy suggests. If you feel you need to take a break then take a break. Whether in work, or acaemia, burnout is a real thing and can be harder to recover from than it is to avoid, so don't be afraid to step back and take some time to rest. You can use that time to revaluate your career aims, get some planning done and then come back stronger than ever.
As someone who reviews and interviews candidates for where I work.... you can always spot the applications where the person has tailored it to the job/scheme requirements and really prepared well. It looks a million times better than a generic mass aplication.
Use the Oxford Uni careers service (there will be one somewhere) and take advantage of what they can offer (CV reviews, interview help, finding strategies for applying) and also consider touching base with some of your tutors for advice. They are human and will remember what it was like to be starting out
A STEM degree opens doors, whtever the industry you end up in, and involves a lot of skill sets that you can apply in so many walks of life. Be kind to yourself, and best of luck
As someone who reviews and interviews candidates for where I work.... you can always spot the applications where the person has tailored it to the job/scheme requirements and really prepared well. It looks a million times better than a generic mass aplication.
Use the Oxford Uni careers service (there will be one somewhere) and take advantage of what they can offer (CV reviews, interview help, finding strategies for applying) and also consider touching base with some of your tutors for advice. They are human and will remember what it was like to be starting out
A STEM degree opens doors, whtever the industry you end up in, and involves a lot of skill sets that you can apply in so many walks of life. Be kind to yourself, and best of luck
Reply 4
Throughout history some of the greatest minds have all spoke about the healing powers of going for walks to find clarity.
Try find a park near you and get a walking routine perhaps in the morning.
That can change your perspective and get you out of your though system.
Sometimes it can seem like the end of the world but sometimes the universe is closing doors to open others.
We live life forward but it only makes sense looking back.
Don't be so hard on your self - I have had about 40 jobs and been declined on 10000
It's a numbers game and you learn from every interview and knock back. Its better to do something then do nothing -
An idle mind is the worst crime so take control of your thoughts otherwise your mind will and it will only focus on bad stuff
Relax aswell its not that serious - its not what happens to you its how you perceive the situatiuon
one guy sees a knock back as end of world - one guy sees it as a new opportunity to start
every day is a fresh page to a wise man
Try find a park near you and get a walking routine perhaps in the morning.
That can change your perspective and get you out of your though system.
Sometimes it can seem like the end of the world but sometimes the universe is closing doors to open others.
We live life forward but it only makes sense looking back.
Don't be so hard on your self - I have had about 40 jobs and been declined on 10000
It's a numbers game and you learn from every interview and knock back. Its better to do something then do nothing -
An idle mind is the worst crime so take control of your thoughts otherwise your mind will and it will only focus on bad stuff
Relax aswell its not that serious - its not what happens to you its how you perceive the situatiuon
one guy sees a knock back as end of world - one guy sees it as a new opportunity to start
every day is a fresh page to a wise man
Reply 5
Original post
by UniverseloveThroughout history some of the greatest minds have all spoke about the healing powers of going for walks to find clarity.
Try find a park near you and get a walking routine perhaps in the morning.
That can change your perspective and get you out of your though system.
Sometimes it can seem like the end of the world but sometimes the universe is closing doors to open others.
We live life forward but it only makes sense looking back.
Don't be so hard on your self - I have had about 40 jobs and been declined on 10000
It's a numbers game and you learn from every interview and knock back. Its better to do something then do nothing -
An idle mind is the worst crime so take control of your thoughts otherwise your mind will and it will only focus on bad stuff
Relax aswell its not that serious - its not what happens to you its how you perceive the situatiuon
one guy sees a knock back as end of world - one guy sees it as a new opportunity to start
every day is a fresh page to a wise man
Try find a park near you and get a walking routine perhaps in the morning.
That can change your perspective and get you out of your though system.
Sometimes it can seem like the end of the world but sometimes the universe is closing doors to open others.
We live life forward but it only makes sense looking back.
Don't be so hard on your self - I have had about 40 jobs and been declined on 10000
It's a numbers game and you learn from every interview and knock back. Its better to do something then do nothing -
An idle mind is the worst crime so take control of your thoughts otherwise your mind will and it will only focus on bad stuff
Relax aswell its not that serious - its not what happens to you its how you perceive the situatiuon
one guy sees a knock back as end of world - one guy sees it as a new opportunity to start
every day is a fresh page to a wise man
Really Appreciate this!
Reply 6
Original post
by AnonymousI currently am in my third and final year of university at Oxford and I took a year out- so I start third year this September mainly for my mental health and so I know what to do when I go back as I’ve had a very stressful two years and I’m trying to learn to take a break.
I study biochemistry but I no longer feel I have interest in sciences as in research anymore. Last year I was predicted a 2.1/1st but due to some circumstances I got a 2.2.
I have spent most/all of my break so far trying to secure an internship for the summer and I’ve been rejected from pretty much everyone that I applied to - I went mainly for consulting/tech roles. Sometimes rejected before interview mainly. I feel I have a good cv with some good experience on there so I’m not sure why- last year grades maybe?
But now I am interested still in pharmaceuticals or consulting but can’t seem to secure anything. I have no clue what to do/where to go from here and I haven’t really achieved the goals I set for my break at all with my mental health and moving away from academia as I feel I’ve still been working the whole time- with planning and job applications constantly.
At this point I feel a little lost- if I stop applying then what if I don’t get a good grad job and if I don’t stop and try to take a break what if I go back to university burnt out again?
I’m not too sure where to go from here and would love some advice from anyone that’s been in a similar situation.
I study biochemistry but I no longer feel I have interest in sciences as in research anymore. Last year I was predicted a 2.1/1st but due to some circumstances I got a 2.2.
I have spent most/all of my break so far trying to secure an internship for the summer and I’ve been rejected from pretty much everyone that I applied to - I went mainly for consulting/tech roles. Sometimes rejected before interview mainly. I feel I have a good cv with some good experience on there so I’m not sure why- last year grades maybe?
But now I am interested still in pharmaceuticals or consulting but can’t seem to secure anything. I have no clue what to do/where to go from here and I haven’t really achieved the goals I set for my break at all with my mental health and moving away from academia as I feel I’ve still been working the whole time- with planning and job applications constantly.
At this point I feel a little lost- if I stop applying then what if I don’t get a good grad job and if I don’t stop and try to take a break what if I go back to university burnt out again?
I’m not too sure where to go from here and would love some advice from anyone that’s been in a similar situation.
Hi there,
I thought you might find it helpful hearing lots of opinions so I thought I could give mine too and hopefully reassure you a little bit.
It's very common to feel this way, especially before your third year when you are nearing the end of your degree. Lots of people end up feeling demotivated or worried about life after uni so try not to worry too much.
Firstly, I would say that something will come up when the time is right. You will find something that you are interested in and is right for you so try not to put too much pressure on yourself to find this straight away as it might not happen right away and you don't want to demotivate yourself from your studies. If it is helpful for you, maybe take a little break from looking at jobs - job hunting can wait.
I would say to enjoy the rest of the break you have - when you come back in September you will like have a lot of work to be getting on with, so just enjoy the time that you have now and try and work on feeling more relaxed rather than burning yourself out with stress. You will find something and there will be plenty of time to find something when you go back to uni so do not worry.
When you go back to uni, I think it would be a good idea to make an appointment with a careers advisor at your uni as they will be able to talk you through some of your options and see what is the best thing for you to do and any career paths you can go down. They are also usually quite good at looking over CV's/helping with applying to jobs and internships so it is definitely worth a try.
I hope some of this helps,
Lucy -SHU student ambassador.
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