Hey everyone,
I’m 23M and honestly just feeling really stressed and uncertain about my future right now.
I recently graduated with a degree in chemical engineering (First Class Honours), and I thought I’d be in a much better position by now. I’ve been applying to loads of graduate roles including engineering, finance, and even some entry-level analyst positions but I keep getting either rejected or just completely ghosted.
To try and improve my chances, I’ve also decided to start a Master’s in Advanced Chemical Engineering at Imperial College London this year. I’m hoping it helps open more doors, but at the same time it adds to the pressure like I have to make it worth it.
I’ve also been trying to pivot a bit into quant/finance roles, learning Python and working on projects, but that space feels insanely competitive and I don’t know if I’m good enough yet.
It’s starting to get to me. I put a lot into my degree, stayed consistent, got good grades, and tried to build up some relevant skills… but right now it just feels like none of that is translating into actual opportunities.
What’s really stressing me out is this underlying fear that I’ve somehow wasted the last 4 years. Like I picked the wrong path, or didn’t do enough, or now I’m just behind everyone else.
I know logically that probably isn’t true, but it’s hard not to feel that way when applications go nowhere and you don’t even get feedback.
Has anyone else been through something similar after graduating? How did things turn around for you?
Any advice (or just reassurance tbh) would really help right now.
Thanks for reading.