Expected to get a 2:2 in my degree

realdeal1011

Hi all
Im expected to get a 2:2 in my Economic degree and im really worried as most
of the graduate jobs require at least a 2:1.
I was thinking of doing a post-grad to increase my chances of getting a graduate job in the future. However alot of people have told me to stay away from a post-grad and go straight into a job, but every job i've applied to have turned me down because of the 2:2.
I dont know what to do, any advice would be apreciated.

Amba_Gambla

a 2:2 isn't as worthless as everyone thinks. If you're the right person it doesn't matter.

All of us (me and brothers) got 2:2s (sportsman's degree )

Brother #1 is now a UK manager for a huge multinational company
Brother #2 now lives/works in Australia for an even bigger multinational firm
Brother#3 is a trainee manager for another huuuge firm

I'm still looking for a job

I know for definate that the job bro #2 got was one where you could only apply for with a 2:1 or better...

Apply for what you fancy. What's the worst that's going to happen? You get turned down?

ReportInvestor

There are lower degrees.

Lord Kinnock failed to get a third and it didn't stop him.

But I suspect the relevance of A_G's post may depend on the time that his/her sibilings got their degrees. Could (s)he give us a clue?

As the number of 1sts grows exponentially (just like the As at A-Level and the A*s at GCSE ), a 2:1 is undoubtedly becoming more significant in the employment market.

withabix

Well I got a 'Desmond' in 1991 and I went straight into my chosen job.

I've never been unemployed since and have only changed employer by choice.

sockospice

realdeal1011 wrote:

Hi all
Im expected to get a 2:2 in my Economic degree and im really worried as most
of the graduate jobs require at least a 2:1.
I was thinking of doing a post-grad to increase my chances of getting a graduate job in the future. However alot of people have told me to stay away from a post-grad and go straight into a job, but every job i've applied to have turned me down because of the 2:2.
I dont know what to do, any advice would be apreciated.

Is retaking any module an option?

If you don't mind me asking, are there any reasons that have affected your results, eg not working hard enough/illness/finding the course more challenging than you expected?

What's your work experience and life experience like? Can you show employers that you've got what they want in other ways?

beaker141

If you think of how many graduates there are now a days employers have to screen by some method from the 100's of applications they must get - screening by degree class makes it much easier - why would you settle for second best when you could easily get someone with a better grade.

At least you have a degree in a good strong subject - there will be people out there with weak degrees at 2:2 !

I am just in the middle of recruiting for a role at the moment, and I must admit that when I see a 2:2 degree - I think they have gone to Uni for the life experience - got beered and debted up and not really studied at all (one guy who I asked " Why did you go to uni" actually said flippantly "To get myself in debt" chuckle chuckle - not very impressive). That lack of commitment then sticks in my mind as an indicator of how they might be committed at work.

I would suggest if you still have any scope, to up your game and get a 2:1 - if you have 2 modules left then get 100% in each, knuckle down and try to scrape it to a 2:1. Failing that I would say there is little use wasting time applying for anyone specifying a 2:1 , they will just think less of you for being unable to follow clear instructions. Go for smaller profile jobs where they are not as prescriptive, get in there and get 2 years good experience and something to put on your cv - most are more interested in how you perform at work than degree once you are a couple of years post qualified - perhaps make some inroads into studying for a further professional qual like CIMA or something to show commitment and aptitude ?

I accept there could be mitigating circumstances which you would hope could be taken into account - but the market isnt that forgiving !

Good luck.

melancholly

and there is plenty of time to get cramming done before exams in the summer - if you really get your head down over easter it's amazing how much you can achieve in your final year!
so if you get a 2:2 the world really hasn't ended, but don't be too defeatist - you can still aim for a 2:1 as well.

Amba_Gambla

fair enough, aim for the 2:1, I don't grudge you that, but people here are talking like it's the end of the world 'only' getting a 2:2

If you can get yourself a 2:1 go for it, if not, then you've not failed, and you're not necessarily relegated to not getting a top job.

Jo_N_3

Hello,

I graduated in 2002 with a 2:2 and do agree that it was purely down to not working for it and having too good a time while at University. But it's not too late for you so go to the library and go for that 2.1 you might surprise yourself.

If you do get a 2.2 it's not bad, you got through Uni and got a degree even though there are hundreds of others out there with the same grade - there are also hundreds who didn't make it at all.

I suggest you make it up on work experience (considered summer work for the experience?) and extra curricular activities. If you do some voluntary work, or something you enjoy - you will have something to add to your CV which might give you an advantage. The way you interview and sell yourself does say a lot more about you than a grade.

Another suggestion I would give is not say you are expected to get (or got) a 2:2 but rather use the term a second class degree and if the rest of the CV looks good, you'll get invited for the interview and that's a foot in the door. You can take it from there!

And contacts, friends of friends, friends of the family, anyone you might know in the business who can recommend you.

Good luck, and remember do look around as there are a lot of opportunities and you don't have to accept the first job you are given.

jr666

hey,

I can totally relate to this. Had my exam results today. Not good. Averaged 45% for the semester. Results like that have seriously jepodised my place studying in america next year. Im pretty distraught at the moment and not sure whether to bother carrying on with the degree, i'm in my second year and with an average of 50%(ish) so far its looking pretty bad for me.

I have to say comments like beaker141's are pretty depressing and i personally take offence at his comments that those who get a 2:2 have gone to uni to get !!!!!! up, waste time and have "not really studied at all" because they are just having too much fun. You think it's fun to watch other people get 70% averages while you try just as hard but dont get the marks, huummmm? You think is a "right laugh" to spend hours of late nights in the library just to be slapped in the face with a sheet of paper telling you that it has all been a waste of time?

Next time you are looking at a CV with a 2:2 across it don't you dare throw it in the bin or look down your nose at the nervous person sitting in front of you trying to break the tension in an interview because he knows his results aren't as good as the next person in the waiting room. He may well bring something to the job that the people who get 1st's from studying 18 hours a day won't bring. The character and the courage to stand up and try for a job they know they shouldn't even be applying for, that those with 1st's EXPECT to walk into without so much as thought.

sorry if that sounded rude or agressive but i've had a terrible day and that post made my blood boil.

grex9101

I don't have a degree at all and i have a better job and earn more than everyone that i know with a degree, so it's not the end of the world