Twice a week we publish problems that will feature in a forthcoming Dear Jeremy advice column in the Saturday Guardian so that readers can offer their own advice and suggestions. We then print the best of your comments alongside Jeremy’s own insights. Here is the latest dilemma – what are your thoughts?
I am about to finish a master’s in history at a very good university and also have a 2:1 in history from another great university, both Russell group institutions. I have a year’s experience of working as a fundraising manager for a national charity, giving me a wealth of experience in various different areas – for example, public speaking, event and project management, customer care etc.
Although this was great, I found it a bit “admin heavy” which was when I decided to leave to do a master’s, something I had always wanted and felt it would increase my employability. Recently, I have started looking for jobs and have applied for the ones that have appealed to me and my skill set/experience, all with no luck. These have all been directly related to my professional and academic experience, and I felt I hit every point on the personal specifications.
I have asked for feedback but have so far not heard back. I am now starting to worry that I will not be able to find a job that pays me enough to begin paying back my student loans and also provide me with an iota of job satisfaction. I am a bit lost as to what I want to do with my future and feel that studying for a master’s may, in fact, be a disadvantage, as I am overqualified for many graduate jobs but not experienced enough for more senior roles.
I have considered a PGCE but can’t afford the £5,000 tuition and history teaching jobs seem few and far between. Ideally I would like a job with similar skills needed to fundraising management but in a slightly more creative environment, where I felt mentally stimulated.
Do you need advice on a work issue? For Jeremy’s and readers’ help, send a brief email to dear.jeremy@theguardian.com. Please note that he is unable to answer questions of a legal nature or to reply personally.
