Hey, I know many others have replied to your post - but I just wanted to say I really do empathise, and I am terribly sorry.
I know everyone's situation and feelings are unique; however, I think everyone who has struggled in this process has a mutual recognition of some of the mental and physical pressures had by all.
I was lucky enough that when I began applying in my second year, I did not really understand what (regarding the application process) I was getting into. Nevertheless, I had some success, and then the gravity of the situation came crashing down. My vacation schemes were postponed or changed due to coronavirus, and I ended up being rejected from a firm post-'vacation scheme' (it wasn't really a vacation scheme, more like a series of presentations and then a 30-minute interview) in June 2020.
Afterwards, I was unbelievably panicked and lost a lot of self-confidence. I was terrified of graduating without a training contract, and sadly my mind spiralled down and out of control. I can laugh about it now, but at the time, I was deadly serious: one evening, I was so down and so worried that I began to research joining the military post-graduation. The tragic thing at the time was I realised, for certain reasons, I might not be eligible (I thought that no one, not even the army, would want me). Now, I can laugh about that because, thankfully, I am not in that mindset anymore, and one glance at me, and my lifestyle, would indicate my substantial lack of suitability for a barracks.
Nonetheless, I really do empathise with your position. I have been called a 'classic overachiever' and someone who would 'probably get a training contract'. Yet, when you haven't crossed the finishing line, those phrases feel like burdens, and it really makes you question your own ability.
Now, I grant this might be unwarranted, but if you or anyone else would like advice, I'll try and summarise it:
Okay, I got carried away - but this topic is something that really resonates with me!
- This process can be brutal. Many individuals, especially ones from older intakes, will mock others for struggling to garner training contracts. Sadly, the playing field has changed; it is harder to compete with the increased competition and the more rigorous assessment process. Hence, you are not alone in your struggle - everyone out there is suffering in one form or another. I know that provides little solace, but at the very least, the majority out there can empathise with your position.
- You are not unemployable. You have a first-class degree in one of the most prestigious subjects from one of the UK's most prestigious universities. I don't know what other experience you have, but you have a great foundation for employability. Although you might not be able to leapfrog straight into a TC, please keep going; your degree and the skills you have garnered from it will stand you in great stead.
- Rejections are inevitable. I have received, over two application cycles, approximately 30-40 rejections. They do not define your ability: I have been rejected from midmarket firms, only to then get training contract offers at Silver Circle and Magic Circle firms (yet, at the time of rejection, I felt I had nothing). Unfortunately, to cross the Rubicon, the struggle begins before you get to its banks - but that does not mean that you will never reach and cross it.
- Plan and set out a roadmap. Know what you want, and set out the steps to achieving that. It might be longer than you would have liked - but if you are set on a goal, then any step forward, no matter how small, is a positive one. Additionally, make sure that when you experience a setback, you take on as much feedback as you can - a growth mindset is fundamental to stay motivated and to progress.
- Don't compare yourself to others. The people around you, including me, have had and will continue to have different journeys than yourself. Definitely take sound advice, and accept constructive feedback from those who are authorised to give it. However, please do not feel like you have to emulate them or see them as an archetype of a successful individual.
I hope this helps, and please feel free to ask any more questions (an open invitation) on this, or any other topic, in the MC Trainee thread!
Just wanted to pipe up, this is FANTASTIC advice and so motivating! I’ve been in full time work for three years and even I feel pumped to get a job after reading this LOL