Cambridge scholar struggles to land job, faces over 70 rejections, says 'job market is rough'

Nothing can guarantee a job in this era of hyper-competition, not even a PhD from Cambridge University. A scholar with impeccable grades found herself at the short end of the stick when it came to searching for jobs. Despite an outstanding educational record, Marika Niihori faced significant hurdles in securing a suitable position. She chronicled her experiences—the triumphs and setbacks—on Instagram, where her candid posts resonated with millions, offering both encouragement and a sense of solidarity.

In October of the previous year, Marika joyfully announced on Instagram that she had successfully completed her PhD in Physics at Cambridge after four years of rigorous study. To many, her qualification seemed to guarantee a lucrative career in the STEM field. Yet, reality painted a different picture.

Instead of stepping seamlessly into a rewarding job, Marika encountered a prolonged and arduous job hunt, enduring over 70 rejections along the way.

"I never imagined the job search would be this difficult," she shared in an Instagram post last month. "I never thought I would end up taking an unplanned career break. I assumed that earning a PhD would provide clear direction for my professional path. However, in hindsight, having the freedom and financial ability to pause and reassess has been an unexpected silver lining."

As she navigated this uncertain phase, Niihori also grappled with feelings of isolation. Inevitably, she found herself drawing comparisons with her peers, despite knowing it was an unhelpful exercise. "I frequently compare my journey to friends who chose not to pursue a PhD and wonder how their lives have unfolded. Watching others advance in their careers and personal lives can be disheartening," she admitted.

In another heartfelt Instagram post, Marika acknowledged that she had assumed securing employment after earning a doctorate from Cambridge would be straightforward. Instead, the protracted job search took a toll on her mental well-being, leaving her anxious and demoralized.

Despite these struggles, she recognized her privilege in being able to take time off without financial hardship. Last week, she finally secured a role at a biotechnology startup, marking the end of a difficult chapter in her life.

Her story has since ignited a broader debate about the harsh realities of the job market, even for graduates from elite institutions.

“If someone with a PhD from Cambridge is struggling to find work, what hope do the rest of us have?” one Instagram user lamented.

Another commenter weighed in on the issue, stating, “The fact that even top-tier graduates are facing unemployment is proof that the higher education system is failing. Instead of solely pushing university degrees, we should encourage alternative career pathways, such as vocational training and specialized certification programs.”