Woman, With PhD From Cambridge University, Struggles To Find Job After Over 70 Rejections – News18

Last Updated:March 18, 2025, 13:12 IST

Based in London, Dr Marika Niihori also opened up about the feeling of loneliness of job hunting and the unavoidable comparisons with friends.

The University of Cambridge is a highly prestigious and sought-after institution that attracts students and researchers from across the globe. Known for its academic excellence and global impact, most people want to secure admission at the university to earn a high-paying job and have a settled future.

But this dream of a woman, who did her PhD in Physics from the prestigious university, has been far from smooth. She has faced over 70 rejections to find a job.

The highly qualified graduate, Marika Niihori, struggled for months to land a good job despite having an impressive academic background. Recently, she documented the highs and lows of her job hunt on social media and shared her candid feelings about her job hunt journey.

Taking to Instagram, she said, “I didn’t expect the job search to be this tough. It didn’t help that everyone kept saying, “A PhD will open so many doors,” when the reality really wasn’t the case.”

Elaborating further, she stated that she spent so much time worrying and thinking about the future that she sometimes forgot to appreciate where she was. “I didn’t expect to take a ‘career break.’ I thought completing a PhD would bring clarity to my future. But having the flexibility and privilege to take some time off has been a blessing in disguise,” she added.

Based in London, Dr Marika Niihori also opened up about the feeling of loneliness of job hunting and the unavoidable comparisons with friends. “I often compare myself to those who didn’t pursue a PhD and wonder what their lives are like. I see everyone else moving ahead in their careers and lives,” she wrote.

“There are days when I feel like I’m stuck in a weird limbo—too old to be figuring things out but too young to have it all figured out. It feels like the in-between stage is never-ending,” she concluded. Fortunately, after months of uncertainty, she finally landed a role at a biotech startup.

Soon after the post gained traction, social media users shared their views. The video sparked a discussion about the state of the job market and how daunting it was to find employment.

“If a PhD from Cambridge can’t find a job, there is no hope for the rest of us,” read a comment.

Another added, “Job hunting is REALLY DIFFICULT at the moment. Don’t beat yourself up. If I had one piece of advice, it would be to maybe lower your expectations. Sometimes a step to the side or a step back can lead to a leap forward in the future.”

“I went through the same. You are not alone. It takes time and patience, and I’m sure you will find the right path for you. I also wasn’t expecting it to be that hard after the PhD, but trust me, it’s just a phase. You will see the light at the end of the tunnel,” shared a user.

An individual stated, “You are a brave and determined girl. You have worked hard for your PhD. Please don’t be disheartened. This is a phase. This too will pass. My daughter too is facing the same struggle after relocating to Europe from Australia. And she has more than 10 years of work experience! Never lose hope and believe in yourself. God bless.”

“The fact that you can’t find a job after graduating with a PhD from Cambridge means the entire higher education system is completely ruined,” another person opined.

What are your views about the job market?

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