23 F, totally lost, any genuine advice would be super helpful

[Asha]

Honestly, my situation is pretty bad, but I'm looking for advice on how to make things better. I finished 12th in 2021 and did BSc biochemistry through ODL mode. Now I'm preparing for CAT 2026, but I'm really new to all this and could use some guidance. I was initially preparing for NEET, but that didn't work out. My academics are average, and I don't have any work experience or internships. I'm really struggling to figure out how to even get a job. I did my college through IGNOU while preparing for NEET, and I still haven't gotten my degree because they're still updating my assignment marks. I took a few drop years, struggled with depression, and had some personal issues. Right now, I feel completely lost - no strong profile, no internships, no work experience. I've tried applying for unpaid internships, but no luck. I don't know how to approach companies or build a profile. I know I'm not an ideal candidate for a top B-school, but maybe I could get into a school that's more focused on CAT percentile? Can someone please tell me how to approach a company? I have a biochemistry degree, but I'm not sure how to leverage it. What skills should I build? What certifications could I do? What position should I apply for? I feel like I'm doomed, and I'm 23, so I feel like my life is already over. I know nothing about business, and I don't know where to start. Any practical advice would be really helpful.

[Bharat]

Don't go solo, find a partner

[Divya]

Why not try for government jobs at the graduate level? There are no restrictions on your degree, and if you dedicate a year to preparing, you can clear the exam. I'm saying this because some of my friends got into the railways after trying for two years.

[Sneha]

hey, I totally get where you're coming from. our situations are different, but I feel the same way - it's like everything is over, but it's not. I hope so, anyway. I've been trying to learn some new skills, like excel, and watching youtube tutorials. you could try that too. maybe start with something you enjoy or are okay with, and then move on to power bi and tableau. also, work on your resume - look up standard templates and follow them. since you don't have work experience, fill it with projects or any extracurriculars you have. make a naukri account and ensure your profile is optimized. upload your resume every day so recruiters see your profile as active. you could also check out the national apprenticeship training scheme - they have a lot of apprenticeship programs. and when it comes to reaching out to companies or people, it's a bit hit or miss. you can try connecting with HRs on linkedin or sending them an email. don't spend too much time on it, though. just make a default email template and send it to companies or HRs. also, try connecting with people who have the roles you're looking for - send them a DM, ask them about their work and field. it might not guarantee anything, but it's worth a shot. all of this can be really overwhelming, so try to spend at least an hour upskilling every day. don't get caught up in searching for the best way to upskill or taking advice from everyone. I wish you the best of luck, and just take it one day at a time.

[Mahesh]

I'm in a similar situation - I'm 23 too. after 12th, I took a drop year, but NEET messed up my mental health so badly that I couldn't qualify. then I got into a college for BSc chemistry, which didn't exactly work out either. after BSc, I took another drop year because I was lost and depressed. but this year, I decided to go after what I wanted from the beginning, so I'll do my MSc now. I just don't want to stay at home, and I'll probably learn some skills to get a side job or something. I know I don't want to prepare for government jobs - that's just not for me.