Mature students and graduate programmes (Excluded)

Heart Break Kid

So checked out Grad Ireland and seen some things I liked and I was interested in. However it seems in the application process I'd be automatically excluded from a lot of opportunities because of my Leaving Cert (Foundation Maths, got scared on the day and dropped. Everything else passed , mix between higher and lower after that).

Anyone know of mature students who gone down the graduate programme route and have done well. Or even if they know of firms who encourage matures grads to apply. I'm only in late 20s but Gradfair made me feel much older. Maths isn't so much of a problem any more, course I'm on now, is heavily integrated with research and statistical analysis.

pow wow

I remember this well when I graduated around five years ago. I wasn't overly interested in graduate programmes anyway but remember fondly duking it out with McKinsey & Co over why I should be considered for a graduate role despite not having the requisite LC. They wouldn't budge.

The people you'll deal with in the recruitment for grad programmes aren't always the most enlightened, in so much as you'll often get the 'computer says no' response as opposed to them 1) considering non-traditional applicants and/or 2) be able to do anything to change that.

I'm sure there are mature grads who get into grad programmes and flourish, I just don't know any personally. I did just fine without one in the end.

Mrs OBumble

Forget grad programmes: they're fine for kids without any life experience, but if you're bringing previous work experience as well as a qualification, then just aim for a real job to start with.