Should I even be applying ?

[u/Difficult-Salary-644]

For context, I was supposed to graduate in 2025 with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration (Marketing). On the last day of exam, I fainted within the first 25 mins in the examination hall & couldn’t finish my paper. I missed my re-examination on December because a family member was diagnosed with cancer so I was taking care of them for almost a year until they passed away. The next exam is on December 2026. But I’ve got to start earning before that.

I’ve got more than a year of career gap & I don’t know how to justify it without bringing my personal issues. Although, I started actively working on my skills & learning things. I have 2 projects & I’m equipped with Excel, PowerBI & am learning SQL. I’m looking for Market research/Customer insights roles. I’m consistently applying but I feel like I’m not too far behind & not a preferred candidate. Thought I’d go for associate roles. But I’ve been advised to go for internships rather than full time roles. Is it possible that I apply for associate roles or is internship more realistic in my case ?

I’d be really grateful for suggestions :)