My situation

So because of some anxiety issues and what is likely undiagnosed ADHD, I am close to finishing my Master’s and I have zero internship or professional experience. I put off and avoided seriously looking for work. I finished my bachelor’s at the beginning of the pandemic, and began the master’s 2 years ago. I’m obviously in a bad spot, but I want to give myself the best shot going forward.

I’ve been applying to New Grad jobs and a couple of Fall Internships, local places, and defense, more heavily the last two weeks, but have gotten only rejections. I do think my resume projects could be a lot better so I’ve gone to r/EngineeringResumes and am planning on taking inspiration for a project after something I’ve seen be successful there. Classes are starting in a few days so I’ll also connect with colleagues on any referrals or opportunities.

My plan

My plan, based on some other advice I’ve seen here, is to work on Projects until my school career fair in about 4 weeks while hopefully completing a better project or two. If I get any positive leads by then, great. If I don’t, my backup is I think I will drop classes to lessen my course load, and begin putting my graduation date as December 2025, and keep applying, now hopefully by adding 2025 Summer/ Spring Internships to the jobs I’m applying to.

I have a full time semester of classes now, but my schedule easily allows working. This is technically my last semester, but I can delay my graduation by taking only part time classes. The thought of graduating now and having nothing to back me up in the application/job hunt process is really scary to me. 

Any tips on avenues to take or places I might not know to look would be great. Thanks for reading, and any help.