I am a 25 year old who graduated with my MBA in marketing this past December. Over the last two years I had 2 marketing internships, my last internship told me I was going to be hired full time when I graduated but the whole company cut my department and I lost the position I was supposed to have. I have been temping for the last 4 months as an admin assistant in the city. This isn’t what I want to do with my life I would really enjoy more of a marketing specialist role but I feel like no one will hire me. I am feeling awful about myself. I have stopped applying because I feel like nothing will change and college was a waste of time. What can I do?

21 Comments

1. F RJuly 8,2024 at 2:35PM UTC

   Have you check with your university and alumni associations? They often have resources for newer graduates, and even older graduates and utilizing that alumni connection/network can help get you an 'In'.

   Also check with your state and local workforce development programs. They often have a lot of resources and connections to companies within the community.

   Lastly, check with your local library. They often have job boards, postings and may host events. Reference librarians know everything so don't be afraid to lean on them.

2. AnonymousJuly 8,2024 at 3:12PM UTC

   My suggestion is perseverance. It is a pain but you need to restart your efforts applying for employment. As far of your thoughts of nothing changing: Things have changed - you successfully got an MBA since your internship. Celebrate your MBA accomplishment and think that you have the skills needed by a company (Said company may not know it yet). Touch base with companies even if they are not actively hiring since people retire have other reasons to leave a healthy company. Write down why your skills were beneficial in your intern jobs to help motivate yourself. Hope this helps.

3. Diane Frances Lesley-NeumanJuly 8,2024 at 3:30PM UTC

   Get Data Analytics skills to go with that marketing degree. With analytics plus and MBA in marketing, you should be good to go. Get certification on coursera, and then present yourself as a marketing data analyst. pr a marketer with analytics training.

4. AnonymousJuly 8,2024 at 3:51PM UTC

   Keep at it. Find whatever combination of the following that works for you.

   It's okay to feel the way you do. Breathe. Find opportunities to upskill/train (e.g. Coursera courses with complementary skills or via other sources free or for a cost). Gain training/experience via volunteering (which can be used on your resume). And keep searching for job. Find ways to maintain your health and wellbeing outside of the job.

   Contact your graduate school (the graduate Dept./ Alumni relations/ Career services) and seek guidance on resources, connections, and training.

   Sometimes job hunting is draining. Sometimes a job may not be fulfilling. Best piece of advice I received was to think of your life like a pie. Make sure there are many pieces in the pie so that if one (or more) disappear, there are others to sustain you while you bake more.

   Good luck.

5. Maegan, Nike Sales Rep & Career CoachJuly 8,2024 at 4:08PM UTC

   You are at a turning point in your career. The great news is, you have experience from two different internships - how can you leverage the skills, experience and results you created there to get your NEXT job?

   Temping can be your "bridge" job until you get your next marketing role.

   I know it can be a long and frustrating process, but - If you've stopped applying, no one can have the chance to interview and hire you, only making the way you are feeling worse.

   I can help you with this. Let's jump on a zoom call and talk through your options and a new approach you can try. Connect with me on LinkedIn @MaeganLittle and we can set it up!!

6. Dominique Troiano DachilleJuly 8,2024 at 4:11PM UTC

   Congrats on the MBA. Even in non-challenging times it sometimes takes a few months to land an initial role out of school - and you have unfortunately graduated at an extremely tough time in the marketing industry. I have been on the agency side for 15 years and it’s one of the worst downturns I’ve seen. Everyone is having a tough time, not just graduates. My advice is to determine the types of roles you would like (find job descriptions on LI) and reach out to recruiters who specialize in early marketing career placement for help. This will help them focus on the types of roles you want. If your school offers any kind of mentoring join those events to build your LI network and get good advice from those in the industry. And definitely join a professional association like AMA to take advantage of great educational content and networking events - most of the time you will land a role through a connection and not a blind job posting (and this will be true for the whole of your career). It’s great you have a job now, even if it’s not marketing it shows you are building a career, and be patient. I think this tough market is easing a bit, at least for marketing, so hopefully you get a position soon. Good luck!

7. AnonymousJuly 8,2024 at 4:42PM UTC

   Dear 25 years old. There are statistics that show how and when you can find what you are looking for. For example, there is a probability that this country will have good or bad president. This is based on people’s votes and surveys.

   Statistics show that in order to have one job interview you have to apply 100 times.

   Do not give up. What you do applying to different employers, will give experience that not all people have.

   Good luck!

8. Jennifer SmithJuly 8,2024 at 5:00PM UTC

   I'm sorry about your job search experience; it sounds frustrating and disheartening.

   Have you considered contacting former colleagues and classmates? They can be valuable allies in your job search.

   Some thoughts:
   Briefly share what you've been up to and express your interest in marketing roles.

   Ask for guidance or if they have any recommendations for job openings, companies to target, or tips for your job search.

   Even if they don't have immediate opportunities, they can keep you in mind for future openings.

   Here's a sample message:
   Hi [Colleague's Name],
   I hope you're well! Since we were last in touch, I graduated with my MBA in marketing and completed several internships. Unfortunately, the full-time role fell through due to company restructuring.
   I'm now looking for marketing specialist roles and would greatly appreciate any advice or referrals you have.
   I appreciate your support, and I look forward to hearing from you!

   I hope this helps; sending extra good luck energy your way!

9. KatJuly 8,2024 at 5:11PM UTC

   Reach out to your university's career planning office. They should be able to help you get your resume together and find you some job leads. Join your alumni association (if there's one just for marketing and/or MBAs, join that too) to network and connect with people working in the field. You might also find a mentor that way. If there are any small businesses that you frequent, see if they need help with marketing. Even if you do it for free, it will show off your marketing skills and give you solid experience on your resume. I know that it's hard to find your niche and the job market isn't great right now. But don't give up on what you want. The job you have now is a survival job until you get to the next step. Build your network, make connections, get certifications if you think they'd help - just keep working towards your goal. You'll get there.

10. AnonymousJuly 8,2024 at 5:58PM UTC

    I would network, contact your alumni groups and professors. Keep in touch with your former internship colleagues.

    This is NOT you. We are all struggling. The landscape for jobs is drastically changing. There are so few jobs that are legit.

11. AnonymousJuly 9,2024 at 2:00PM UTC

    That first paragraph is pure gold. Does your Alma mate have a job center? I got my first “real” job in my field from the job books they used to have. Also my local library has a job placement center.

    and of course network!!Let everyone know that you’re looking.

12. AnonymousJuly 10,2024 at 8:17PM UTC

    They do, I met with them multiple times. I went to a better university for my graduate degree and I feel they have been nothing but awful. I got an interview with the director of the university only for them to tell me they would’ve hired me but the woman who would be training me tried out for the position so they had to give it to her and to stay tuned for more upcoming jobs. That was back in April. I have since met with a couple of others and they have sent me expired job links. I will look into local library! Thank you

13. AnonymousJuly 8,2024 at 7:57PM UTC

    Most employers hire those with MBAs who have work experience. I'm in higher ed and see employers who want students who have work experience - and this includes any projects you had while in school. Don't fret. You have employment, let's think about that for a second. You have income, hopefully you have healthcare, and maybe other perks. You are young talent and anyone of us here that are more seasoned workers will tell you, it gets better with experience. Your degree isn't what is keeping you at the lower level, it's probably the market you are in, and how you are using your resources. Return to your college career center by calling and asking, how do I search for higher paying, more prominent roles that fit my degree? We see this all the time. Just because you have a masters degree doesn't ensure you a well paying job. The masters compliments your work experience and it does get better. Not sure what guidance you received in your college, but call the school and the program and ask to connect with alumni. Join an alumni network and get out and about and meet people. Get on LinkedIn and find those who are working with your degree from your school and get a mentor. We all start somewhere no matter our degrees. It will get better and you must believe that. But put in the effort to educate yourself on how to market yourself and align yourself to rise. Good luck!

14. AnonymousJuly 9,2024 at 12:59PM UTC

    I started as a Marketing Rep at a major life insurance company right out of college. I had a BS in Mgt and several Marketing courses.

    I moved up the ranks, worked on product launch marketing materials for agents and clients, data mining and cross selling, POS software sales tracks, trained wholesalers and agents. My last position before retiring was 75% base salary with up to 25% variable comp based on sales. It was a great career .

    Check out the financial services sector in your search. Good luck!

15. Lindsey OsterhoutJuly 9,2024 at 1:00PM UTC

    It may seem like forever to you but 4 months is not a long time in terms of a job search. This sounds like a mental health issue more than anything.

16. AnonymousJuly 10,2024 at 2:08PM UTC

    I intantially went to get my MBA at a better school due to the fact I wasn’t getting hired when I graduated in 2021. All my internships were canceled due to Covid during my undergrad. I have been applying to job since early November when my former company told me they are getting rid of my department. I have gone to my career center, even almost received a job there as an event coordinator and then was told I did nothing wrong but the person who would be training me tried out for the position and it would look bad if she didn’t get it. I was also hired at another company and then told my role was canceled before the on boarding happened. I have been applying non stop to so many places, I have gone to so many alumnae events, spoke to my professors. All people who looked over my resume and credentials and have told me to wait for the right time but everything looks great. I even got a therapist and she keeps saying it’s not in my control and I get that but I feel like all of these events have definitely cause me to spiral and left me feeling like I have low self worth. So I definitely get the mental health issue

17. AnonymousJuly 9,2024 at 3:07PM UTC

    Continue to acquire the valuable skills of your AA position, they are very transferable, while you look for the position you want.

18. MC MarsellaJuly 10,2024 at 12:58AM UTC

    Are you into history? Apply with a museum or history center that needs help with marketing and exposure. What other interests do you have? Focus on using your talents and marketing to make a skills contribution to that which you value. Pet rescue? Art? Music? Outdoors? Kite flying? :)

19. AnonymousJuly 10,2024 at 12:26PM UTC

    While you decide what you need to do, join a board in a non-for-profit organization. They are always in need of marketing guidance and help. It'll fulfill your need to do marketing and also give you a nice feather in your hat. You can prove that you've been workin g the field even if it is for free. Plus being on a board is prestigious.

20. AnonymousJuly 10,2024 at 5:10PM UTC

    Reverse your search. Don't just look, apply and wait. Look at companies you're interested in, find a hiring manager, someone, anyone, to connect you, then send a cover letter and resume. Sometimes there are things not yet open and your email may open a door. The candidate pool is a candy store to recruiters right now. Stand out. Are you open to moving? That may open a door too.

21. SophJuly 10,2024 at 9:44PM UTC

    Well, stop thinking all is lost. I literally was applying for a full year after graduation before getting a job. Keep after it! You're a marketer. Market yourself. Online applications only have conversion rate around 2-3%. Step outside the box.