I have a Masters degree, but cant find a job!?

Question

my qualifications include:

MA Planning Policy & Practice (accredited to the RTPI)

BSc Business Management

Alevels in English, Business and Music.

I considered a town planning career, but the salaries are extremely disappointing now. (starting on 20k to finish around 50-60k if you succeed, which at 50years of age i consider a low salary)

I am very driven and work very hard - already run a holiday business. but i want a career in something well paid, and planning doesnt seem to great, so can any one suggest any based on the above, and 4years experience as a manager of a holiday park. bare in mind im only 24. i dont want to go back to 20k to train, i feels like a huge waste :(

thanks for any (genuine) comments of advice!

Answer 1

What grade is your Bachelors degree? a good second or a rather disapointing third.

If it's a 2.2 or above why not go into teaching, it pays quite well these days, the holidays are good, the hours excellent and teachers of Business Studies are in demand.

Answer 2

There are many graduate programs that you can get onto where the employer doesn't care what your degree is actually in ... they just care what marks you got, and possibly which universities you went to.  I used to work for a property management company that hired language graduates.  Actually property management might be something that suits you.

If I were you, I'd have a look at Milkround, which is a job site primarily aimed at graduates, and see if there is anything there that interests you.  Also your university careers department may be able to provide some advice.

Answer 3

A lot of people with qualifications like yours would love to start on 20k to train, so think yourself lucky.

Answer 4

Make a list of all the people you met during the four years you have worked at a holiday park, including members of the public with whom you had contact.  Any number of these people may have had favorable experiences with you in your professional interaction with them.  Some may remember you.  Circulate a resume.  

You list your educational credits, but you have left out the story of what you learned in the job.   That is a base also for researching your next job.

Answer 5

hmm, well i dont know much about MA Planning Policy & Practice (accredited to the RTPI)

since you did a business degree and already own a business, why dont you start another business (or expand your existing one) and sub contract out your unique skills / services.

As you probably know, it may take a while to get moving but i think it would pay in the long run. You are right 20K is way too low for you. Ignore the guy that said people are happy with 20k. Thats a salary for fresh undergrads.

As a general rule of thumb I think you should be on your age in thousands (absolute minimium) to be on a decent salary - especially with your qualifications.

You sound like a real hard worker - you have achieved a LOT for a 24 year old (even for any age to be honest). Its just a matter of time before you find yourself in the position you should be in.

Get yourself a sales job for now (they come along easily but, make sure you dont get stuck in sales because of the money cos it CAN be awesome). At the same time, take time to work on your CV - I use monster -- its good because recruiters contact you so basically every time you are contacted, its almost a guaranteed interview...

good luck with whatever you choose to do