I have just recently done a MSc in Science - I studied drug chemistry and basically neuroscience. I just today got rejected for a job and a PhD at UCL. I was told that there were about 20 high quality people going for the one job.

In terms of trying jobs elsewhere, I have recently applied to the local post office for a part time vacancy and also applied to various shops with no success.

I agree with what the last poster wrote and maybe should have mentioned it in my last post. Things happen for a reason and maybe this is giving you the opportunity to do all your journal manuscripts. It will help to keep your mind off the "lack of job" issue as well, which is in your favour.

Can't you feel us willing you on with this Satchi?

I've just got my MSc and really to first degrees? For all the time I was doing my distance learning MSc, I never got one. I must've had 2 interviews in the last 2 months. I have tried voluntary experience in a lab (or anywhere) and half the time people don't hear back from you and I am trying to get my foot in the door.

I feel like I am going mad as well Satchi, you're trying so hard to find work and there are people just walking in straight away and you have to ask yourself. What have you done wrong? I am doing everything possible, but still no luck!

It sucks but at least you can maybe do some academic editing from some or something, people like me who are dyspraxic or dyslexic would love an "eye" to check personal statements or assignments like dissertations. I think you'd be ace at that!

I am really struggling to find work. I have recently had a couple of interviews with rejections, but I have been looking for work well over 2 years and I can't even gain experience :(

Thanks Jane, it is worth a try and I can't help the course being shut down and every phone call from agencies ask what class of degree I have and I then have to explain the situation and not hear back from again.

Thanks again. This may actually be the missing link I need.

So that's that one out the window then.

That's the thing, I am applying for research technician vacancies AND assistant jobs both voluntary and waged and I am not getting anywhere and I have to endlessly explain why I didn't get the honours degree.

Hence why I am feeling incredibly stuck, I don't really have anyone to check over the CV and application. I do also explain the move from chemistry to neuroscience as it is via the MSc research project and attending loads of seminars and conferences (meetings) in neuroscience.

Hi, I can apply as I did my MSc with the Open University. Distance learning is a good thing as you have your deadlines to do your coursework, I got my textbooks I'd need for my course in my pack. I got lists and topics to cover during this time. Assignments are all essays and some of mine were online quizzes. It may also be a good idea to look for getting your computer (if you don't use skype or that programs) can support various systems when the lecturers are giving seminars over the net. Of course my old lappie couldn't access this and my old desktop was wayyyyyyy too slow for the sortware.

I think you'd enjoy doing it!

Hello everyone, I forgot I could still get on here.

My story is that I have just recently got an MSc in Science from the Open University and I have applied to a few places, some are right off rejections, but there is this one Uni I applied to ages ago for a PhD and not heard anything yet. The application closing date is the 15th May.

I also have quite the kick in the teeth as I unfortunately didn't get onto my honours year in my first degree as the uni shut it down, my lecturer from there said I'd get either a 2:1 or a 2:2. But that is no help to me now!

My PhD in more neuroscience but I did that and medicinal chemistry as part of my MSc, and my first degree is Applied Chemistry. How would I fare in neuroscience applications. I got an interesting rejection letter from Liverpool PhD saying I didn't have a lab based MSc ( did a PGCert from a traditional uni, so did my project in a lab). Emailed Liverpool stating this, and not heard back with the proof I did it.

Starting to feel a little anxious now!

What sort of "medical biology" do you want to do? Is it Biochemistry or Pharmacology or Physiology? can you be a bit more exact?

Regards
Janine

Well done on passing your Viva, that must feel so good!

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Thanks reenie, just what I am doing at the moment. Although some I never hear back from

Kind regards
Janine

Hello you are in the same boat I am in!

I am 33 myself and trying to get onto a PhD and I am somewhat qualified almost in my field and finishing my MSc. As long as you can get an MS and get good grades in it, age shouldn't matter as I know many older people doing PhD - also it is worthwhile trying for a PhD at your alma mater as they would know your work and you as a person and thats how the PhDs I have noticed tend to go. Alternatively you can speak to the supervisor you are interested in also.

Sorry it is such poor information, but I hope it helps

Janine

What is your field Jen?

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I Emailed prespective supervisors and not heard a peep from them. :-( Back to the drawing board for me

How much research have you done on the project? and just be relaxeed, I was asked to a PhD interview once and just keep listening to what they say.

Read through the proposal and just explain what you are hoping to do (which they will no doubt be asking you for) know your topic and imagine you are giving a talk on your topic and that should be a lot easier for you.

Good luck!!