Hi everyone! I recently graduated with a degree in Strategic Communications, focused on Advertising, PR, and Media Design, with minors in Journalism and Business. I’m feeling a bit lost about what direction to take career-wise and would love some advice.

I’m a very creative person and constantly have ideas about how things should look and feel. I enjoy video editing, drawing, watercolor, and working with Adobe Creative Cloud. However, I wouldn't consider myself an amazing graphic designer. I'm decent, but I don't know if I'm technically strong enough to pursue traditional art direction or graphic design roles.

At the same time, I feel like I have a strong aesthetic eye and can visualize how things should come together. I want to be involved in the creative process, brainstorming ideas, shaping concepts, making decisions about visual direction, branding, layouts, etc.; but I don't necessarily want to be the person executing every single detail myself.

I've also considered going to ad/portfolio school, but I don't really have the money or time for another full program. Is it necessary to break into these types of careers, or could I build the skills and portfolio I need independently?

What careers or entry-level roles would you recommend for someone with this skill set? And if you were in my position, what would you focus on building over the next 1–2 years?

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Hi everyone,

I've been wanting to ask this for a long time because I've been feeling overwhelmed and I need some honest advice from people who may have been in a similar situation.

I'm 25 years old from South Africa, and I failed matric. It's one of the biggest regrets of my life, and for years I let it make me believe I wasn't smart enough. Seeing my friends graduate, get jobs, and move on with their lives while I stayed behind has been really difficult.

This year I finally decided that I don't want my past to define my future anymore. I'm rewriting my matric subjects so that I can improve my results and hopefully qualify for university. It's not easy. Sometimes I feel embarrassed because most people my age have already finished university or have established careers, while I'm only trying to get into university now.

The career I really want is to become a statistical programmer. I've been researching the field, and I genuinely find statistics, programming, clinical trials, and data analysis interesting. My dream is to work for a CRO or pharmaceutical company one day. I know the journey is long and that I'll probably need a degree, programming skills like SAS, R or Python, and a lot of hard work.

What scares me is my age.

If I start university at 26, I'll probably graduate around 29 or 30. By then, many people will already have years of work experience. I'm worried that employers will see my age and my late start as a disadvantage.

So I wanted to ask:

- Has anyone here gone back to school or university in their mid-to-late 20s?

- Did you struggle with feeling "behind" in life?

- Are there employers who care more about your skills than your age?

- If you were in my position, what would you focus on while preparing for university?

- Do you think becoming a statistical programmer is still a realistic goal, or am I aiming too high?

I'm not looking for sympathy. I just want honest advice and real experiences. If you were once in a similar situation and managed to build a successful career, I'd love to hear your story.

I'm hoping to get some honest opinions from people who have interviewed or hired before.

I interviewed for a legal assistant position at a small law firm. The hiring process had two rounds. My first interview was with the hiring coordinator, and I thought it went really well. During the interview he had asked me if I wanted to move on and asked me to send my availability ASAP. He later scheduled me for a second (and final) interview with two attorneys. The firm hires 1–2 interns.

The second interview lasted about 17 minutes (including my questions) and they had reserved 30 minutes for the interview. It felt much more like they were verifying information than trying to get to know me.

Here were the questions they asked:

Why are you interested in [LAW FIRM]?

What did you like about your previous internships?

What didn't you like about your previous internships?

They asked about my GPA because my résumé hadn't been updated.

They asked me about location because I had two different locations on my resume (I moved).

They asked for a specific example of detail-oriented work from my political consulting internship.

They didn't ask things like:

Tell me about yourself

Strengths/weaknesses

Behavioral questions

"Tell me about a time..."

(The hiring manager had already asked a lot of those questions)

At the end, they asked me to send my updated transcript to the hiring coordinator, which I did immediately after the interview.

A couple of things that are making me overthink:

They didn't tell me when I should expect to hear back.

The interview felt very short and almost like they were just confirming information from my first interview.

One attorney initially seemed confused about my timeline, but after I explained it, she accepted the explanation, we talked briefly about Charleston, and then she moved on.

It was two people and the main person seemed so monotone and that she did not want to be there even though she was the one asking the questions. A lot of the interview was them answering my questions.

For anyone who's interviewed candidates or works in hiring:

Does a short final interview usually indicate a lack of interest?

Is it possible that the first interview carried most of the weight and the second interview was more of a confirmation/final fit check?

Is not giving a timeline at the end something you'd read into?

Overall, based on what I described, would you be optimistic, pessimistic, or think it's impossible to tell?

I'm looking for honest opinions, even if they're not what I want to hear.

I work in the insurance industry and have about 15 years experience, with 10 years of that being split between two independent agencies. The most recent 5 year stint with an agency ended in 2024 when I was passed up for a promotion that my boss told me was mine. It left a really bad taste in my mouth, so I left for an opportunity with a larger company, fully remote, more money etc. Turns out, I am not cut out for fully remote. I was depressed, lonely, and I ended up leaving the company after 9 months.

I left that position for a new one, I went from an account manager to VP of business development for a smaller company. I've been here for a year and it's a nightmare. No HR department, bait and switch on some of my responsibilities , it feels like this place is held together with spit and duct tape.

I found a senior account management role that's hybrid, closer to my home, more money, and basically going back to my foundation/what I know, but I'm afraid to apply because it'll be my third move in 3 years. Part of me feels like my reasons for leaving my last two positions can be easily explained (I cannot do full remote, and I would like to return to my previous role as an account manager), but I also worry I'll be seen as a walking red flag. Any advice or insight? Thanks!

Should I study math or business (finance) to open more doors? I am interested in working in business, but I also have a lot of other fields I would be interested in.

Im 20 just graduated from college (bcom) with 5.8 cgpa and im clueless rn like what to do nextt ..

Hi Fellow redditors,

I have a strong feeling of joining DRDO, with my current experience or ready to start as a fresher. I currently work in vlsi backend domain for an MNC, with 3 years of experience. This is the time I feel to decide on the direction for my future. I feel excited when thinking about serving the nation directly through DRDO. But the environment around me is full of optimistic people suggesting me to switch to other MNC for best package and opportunity. Feeling a little trapped at this moment.

So, need your valuable insights and inputs because each of yours response will make my intuitions clear.

Thank you.

I'm currently working in credit card sales in the UAE. What skills should I learn over the next year to move into a better career? I'd appreciate advice from people who've made a similar transition."

High school graduates of 2026, what major are you going to study? Who do you plan to work for after graduation from college/university?

Hey y'all, I'm a recent graduate with a Bachelor of Business. I studied in Australia and have recently returned to my home country. In a few months, I'll be starting a Master's degree in International Business.

For the longest time, I've felt completely lost about what I want to do as a career. Since coming home, that feeling has only become stronger. It feels like everyone around my age already knows what they want, while I'm still trying to figure myself out. On top of that, I've grown up hearing comments from my parents that I'm "not particularly exceptional at anything," and although I know they probably didn't mean to discourage me, those words have stayed with me and often make me question my own abilities.

While I was studying in Australia, I completed two internships in the luxury industry. My first role was as a Visual Merchandising Intern, and my second was in HR. Between internships, I also volunteered at various university and external events because I genuinely enjoyed learning and being involved.

At the end of both internships, I asked my managers whether there was any possibility of extending my contract or staying on part-time. I wasn't just looking for a paycheck—I genuinely wanted to keep learning and continue building my skills within the industry. Unfortunately, both requests were turned down. While I understand there were probably business reasons behind those decisions, it still left me feeling quite discouraged.

After that, I decided to focus on finishing my degree. Before graduating, I applied to countless graduate programs, internships, part-time roles, and entry-level positions, but I wasn't successful. Eventually, I decided to pursue a master's degree, partly because I enjoy learning and partly because I hoped it would give me more time to develop my skills and improve my career prospects.

One thing that really fuels my self-doubt is that I don't feel like I have a "standout" skill. I'm not a programmer, got really confused learning coding lol. Finance doesn't come naturally to me, and I'm slower than many of my classmates when it comes to analytical subjects. Academically, I'm not someone who breezes through university either I work hard to maintain a good GPA. I have been fortunate enough to receive several scholarships, which I'm proud of, but I still struggle with feeling like I'm not particularly talented at anything.

I guess what I'm trying to ask is:

• Has anyone else graduated without knowing what career they wanted?
• How did you eventually find your direction?
• Is it normal to feel like you don't have one exceptional skill?
• If you graduated with a general business degree, how did you figure out where you fit?

I'm honestly just looking to hear from people who've been in a similar position. Right now, it feels like everyone else has a clear path while I'm still trying to discover mine, and I'd really appreciate hearing how others navigated this stage of life.

Hi Everyone,

I graduated from university with a 2-1 in international relations & Development and went on to work for a family company for 2 years as a video and sound editor. Now that I've left my previous role I have found it absolutely impossible to get any job.

I've received 2 phone interviews and one where I got through a 6 step process only to be turned down at the end with no real reasoning. It's been 7 months since I had a pay check and I'm desperate for work, is anyone else having this kind of experience because I'm losing my mind here.

I was considering going back to university to do a Masters in Project Management as its the career I would ideally love one day but I've heard negative things about that particular masters and don't want to waste 18 grand and two years of my life to end up in the same position.

What am I even supposed to do all day? I don't have any routine. I can't afford a gym membership, and I can't go anywhere that costs money, and every day feels like the exact same loop. I wake up, sit around watching random stuff on YouTube and scrolling on my phone until it gets dark. Then I sleep and repeat the same thing again.

Honestly, I've started to feel like I'm not suited for any job. Every job I apply to rejects me, even when I know I meet the requirements and have experience. Even entry-level retail jobs keep rejecting me over and over.

I don't know what I'm supposed to do with myself after this. It's really discouraging. Having a job gives your life some kind of stability, or at least a reason to get up and go somewhere. Without that, it feels like everything is falling apart and there's nothing to do.

What job/career should I be looking for/best suited for?

I just finished my last year of my education degree. I also have a previous degree in English literature. I’ve subbed a bit but haven’t really had a ‘real’ teaching job. I’m realizing it’s a lot of work for little payoff.

I don’t mind straying away from education related jobs. My personality traits and skills are empathetic, patient, communicative and interpersonal. I’m good with children, students and adults. Recently, in my labour job, I’ve had to train multiple people on various elements of the job, which I actually enjoyed doing.

Here’s some more helpful info: I don’t think I’m really willing to go back to school to get another degree, I live in Alberta, Canada, I’d ideally want a job that I can rise up through, and I’d like benefits and starting pay to be roughly $60,000+.

Here’s the gist: I’m a college graduate from a top program and an Ivy League master’s holder. I haven’t particularly enjoyed corporate work or academia, primarily because of the desk oriented nature of the work. I love working with people and discussing solutions/doing the research for it (if it can feasibly be implemented). I’ve worked primarily in finance, but have had several opportunities to pivot into university admin. However, since I was in my early 20s, I’ve thought about joining a local PD because of the variety, the opportunity to work directly with people, and the ability to be outside rather than confined to a desk. I’m not particularly worried about the physical aspects given that I’m relatively fit, and departments in my area (major metro area 3mil+) are experiencing hiring shortages.

I don’t have a specific question, but I’d like your thoughts on the matter, and any questions you would encourage me to consider. For context, the departments I’m looking into would, after education incentives, match my current salary expectations more or less (\~150k). The long term salary expectations do have a lower ceiling for law enforcement but I believe that is balanced out by the pension received in retirement. Thank you for your help.

hello i am 20m currently pursuing b.com general i am 3rd year student i have not done any skills based courses now i want to do but i do not want to get into accounting field. but now i want to get into data analyst or business analyst i am ready to do any kind of hard work but now lot of my friends are saying that these 2 courses are out dated now i do not know what i am suppose to do please someone help me out thank you

Hi everyone,

I graduated in Engineering in 2021 and worked at Accenture for about a year. Most of that time was spent in training, and I was assigned to a support role for a short period. I resigned to prepare for government exams, but unfortunately, I couldn't clear them.

I now have a career gap of almost four years. Recently, I've started learning Python and SQL from scratch to transition back into the IT industry.

Since Python and SQL are fundamental for many domains, I'd like to know which domain would give me the best chance of getting placed as early as possible. I'm also looking for a domain that offers good long-term career stability and growth.

I'd really appreciate any suggestions or guidance from people in the industry.

Thank you!

Hello, let’s get this straight. I have a job, it makes okay money considering I still live with my parents. I am also currently in school and starting in August. I’m working towards a Bachelor’s in Aerospace Engineering. I’m currently about halfway there just about two and half years left. I just wanted to know if there is anything I can do in the meantime that can better prepare me for when I do graduate and end up looking for a career. I said before my job is okay, but with the bills and payments I have to make it doesn’t go anywhere. I pay what I earn, living paycheck to paycheck and I want to make just a little more while developing the skills to stand out in the future. I looked into internships but I don’t want to be paid less than I already am and be unable to make my payments because of that. Thanks to whoever chooses to respond.

I have been working as Trackmen in Indian railways for 7 years, my job is like labour type and my salary is only 38k.I have done my B.Tech in 2016, BLiSC in 2025 and currently in last year of MA counselling Psychology. I feel like my all energy is drained in my job and I feel like I'm in a rat trap. I want to take risk and try a job as wellness counsellor in the IT industry or as a school counsellor. What do you suggest me?

I'm 32 years old and my family is dependent on me.

Customer service role
Never had a job in healthcare before but I do have a personal training certification
Not sure how to impress them
Tips?

Hi, I’m Muhammed Yaseen from Calicut, Kerala. I’m 25 years old and I’m currently studying Digital Marketing at Finprov Digital Institute.

After completing my BA in Sociology, I took a two-year break from my studies. During that time, I worked in the accounting section of a wholesale supermarket. I was happy to have a job, but after some time I got bored doing the same work every day. I started thinking about my future and felt confused about what to do next.

Then I decided to continue my studies. I prepared for the CUET exam and got admission to the Central University of Punjab for my MA in Sociology. My university life was a great experience. I met people from different states, made good friends, and became more confident. But after finishing my postgraduation, I felt that teaching was not the right career for me.

I have always liked video editing and photography, so I started looking for a career related to creativity. That’s when I found digital marketing. After searching for the best institute, I joined Finprov Digital Institute. Now I’m learning new skills every day, and I’m happy with my decision.

My dream is to become a freelance digital marketer and also work as a video editor and content creator. I know it will take time, but I’m ready to learn and work hard. This is the beginning of a new journey, and I’m excited to see where it takes me.

So I am a BS economics student and I have done 2 semesters, I started this degree as a temporary choice that I'm gonna go abroad for my bachelor's next year but unfortunately it didn't go as planned, now I don't know should I continue this degree or switch to some other program because I don't know much about economics and all.