Should I be without hope?

[natural3]

First, I apologize if this specific post is in the wrong category of this forum.

 

I have a bachelor's degree from a 4 year university. I majored in Political Science because I was expecting to go right into law school and that was the typical path. What I didn't foresee was the financial and legal problems that my family would endure during my last semester of undergrad. I couldn't pursue further education given that no one in my family outside of myself spoke english and my father was (and still is) going through a criminal trial involving white collar crime. Needless to say we hardly have enough money to pay the bills. I graduated with an undergrad degree in December of 2010. And I do not have any relevant work experience. It has been difficult to get a respectable position with a political science degree and my lack of being able to be mobile during the last few years has also limited my opportunities.

 

I still look forward to possibly going to law school or grad school. It has always been the plan but on top of that-- there really is no other option. I don't see how I can get a non telemarketer/receptionist position with a non technical degree. I know that most grad school programs don't mind a 5 year gap between undergrad and grad school if you used those years to advance your knowledge/skills/career. But what can someone like myself expect? I know personal statements would allow me the opportunity to explain why I haven't had relevant work experience. But realistically what are my chances of even getting into any grad school programs? I feel in panic and entirely hopeless.

 

Thank you for anyone that takes the time to respond to this. It would be much appreciated.

Edited March 5, 2014 by natural3

[1091098098]

I don't think there's any reason to be without hope. I've gotten into grad school with 0 work experience (straight out of undergrad). I would say you should certainly have hope as long as your grades were good in undergrad and, yes, you use your statements in part to explain how you've spent the last 4 years (and how they have motivated you to graduate study). Hopefully you can find some recommenders from your undergrad days, or from other work experience-- it sounds like you have some work experience in the last few years, just that you don't think it's super related to what you want to do. There are so many grad programs out there, and you seem very well spoken, so if you can rustle up those recommendations AND articulate why you want further study in your field, you should be very hopeful! 

That said, there are tons of non-receptionist jobs out there for people with non-technical degrees, so don't immediately write off the possibility of gaining more work experience! 

[natural3]

@Hbhagz

 

Thank you for your response. There are other positions for Poly Sci majors, but they are hard to come by-- is what I was trying to say. I tried endlessly for a year and couldn't even land a receptionist position, and was told repeatedly that I was overqualified for several jobs. I couldn't get an interview to secure research analyst positions and I suppose much of that was my fault as I took 1.5 years off of seeking work completely due to the extreme circumstance that my father and family was in.

 

I find some comfort in your words and will certainly try not to let my pessimism be a subconscious substitute for defeat. I know that recommendations will be tough to come by but hopefully a few of my college professors remember me. I did do excellent in my field in undergrad and had a pretty solid overall GPA. I would love to have been able to secure even a low paying job post undergrad that could count as a stepping stone for an actual career. But the most I was able to do was a receptionist gig and a few sales jobs that paid the bills but aren't something I could cite on an application, nor are the people in charge of the companies people that I would look to for recommendations.

 

I guess my initial post was pretty vague since I don't have a particular route in mind, yet. It might be wiser to figure out what path it is I'd like to go and then worry about this. Thank you once again.

Edited March 5, 2014 by natural3

[LittleDarlings]

No one should ever be without hope that's sad

[natural3]

It certainly is a lonely feeling but the fact that I nor anyone else should feel that way doesn't mean we don't. I'm going to try and do more research before jumping to conclusions that give me anxiety. Any more feedback is welcome-- if not-- thank you to all anyway.

[katiegud]

Some people don't like doing this, but have you looked at partisan political jobs? Working on campaigns or something? Most of the people in those positions are poli sci BAs, and it would help you make connections that you could possibly use to get into grad/law school. 

[juilletmercredi]

If you don't have a particular route in mind yet, then try not to be too anxious about this yet.  Some routes don't require work experience (like a JD).  If you want a professional degree (MPP, MBA, MPA) you will need professional experience, but once you figure out what you want to do you can worry about it then.  Really, what you should worry about now is trying to get a position that fulfills you and that provides some upward mobility within your professional career.