1000+ Job Applications and Nothing to Show For It.

Hey y’all,

I am a recent graduate (Aug 2024) who majored in biotech with a minor in chemistry at a small environmental college upstate. My undergraduate research experience was focused on synthetic organic chemistry. Since graduating I have been applying to every job I could conceivably be qualified for and I’ve been able to secure 3 interviews, all of which ghosted me. For context, I am currently living with my parents in the New York metropolitan area. I’m very fortunate to have any job whatsoever (full-time as a retail clerk at a local music store) but it’s been hard to feel like this degree was worth it with the lack of opportunities in this field.

I feel like i’ve been swindled. During undergrad, it seemed like opportunities in this field were plentiful (my university was always quick to tout their high post graduate employment rates). I really don’t know where to go from here. I’m hesitant to spend two more years getting a masters degree in a field that has no evident opportunities.

I’m looking for advice on what I should do now. I’m considering picking up a trade or maybe going back to school to for something else, I have basically abandoned all hope that I could have a worthwhile career in this field. It’s rather depressing.

Is it me? Is it the job market? The fact that I went to a small public college? Really all I want is an opportunity to work hard and prove myself, to be able to have a rewarding career, and to provide for myself without the assistance of my parents. This feels hopeless. I worked really hard to be successful in college and it’s unfortunate that the effort I put in isn’t translating into real world success.

I don’t know. I guess I just needed to vent a little bit. Thanks for your time.