I Graduated with a Third-Class Degree -What Are My Career Options?

Dear Yvonne,

I'm reaching out to you from a place of uncertainty and frustration. After dedicating five years to studying chemistry at the university, I graduated with a third-class degree, which has left me feeling disappointed and defeated. Despite my best efforts, I found the course incredibly challenging, and unfortunately, my hard work didn't translate to a better grade.

As you can imagine, this has taken a toll on my mental health, and I'm struggling to come to terms with the limitations this degree may impose on my job prospects in this country. I've been advised to explore opportunities in tech, but with so many options available, I'm finding it difficult to identify a path that genuinely interests me.

I'm desperate for guidance and career advice to help me navigate this critical phase of my life. I fear that if I don't get support, I may slip further into depression. I need help to: - Process my feelings and gain a new perspective - Explore alternative career paths that align with my strengths and interests - Develop a plan to acquire new skills and enhance my employability

Yvonne says,

Thank you for reaching out and sharing your journey with me. It’s completely understandable to feel a mix of frustration and uncertainty, especially after dedicating so much time and effort to a challenging course. I want to reassure you that you’re not alone in facing this kind of challenge, and there are real, achievable steps we can take to help you find a path that’s both fulfilling and aligned with your strengths.

Here's how we can approach this together:

1. It’s perfectly okay to feel the way you’re feeling, and working through these emotions is a vital first step. Let’s start by reflecting on what this experience has taught you about resilience, adaptability, and strengths that may not yet feel obvious. Gaining perspective will give you the clarity to see that your degree doesn’t define your future potential.

2. While chemistry may not have turned out as you hoped, your skills and knowledge can be valuable in many fields. You can start by examining various tech-related fields (and others if tech doesn’t feel right) that might align better with your interests and strengths. Researching tech roles like data analysis, customer service, tech sales, design, project management and so on, will guide you in understanding what each option entails. This is both in terms of daily tasks and career progression, so you can make a choice that feels right.

3. Breaking into a new field doesn’t happen overnight, but with a clear plan, it’s very achievable. Once you clarify which paths might suit you best, you can create a step-by-step roadmap for acquiring relevant skills, finding affordable or free resources, and eventually building up experience that will help you find a job.

While challenging, this phase of transition can also open doors to possibilities you may not have considered. With support and a structured approach, you can find a path that brings a sense of purpose and progress. I wish you the best of luck.