Internships: the minimum requirements dilemma?

rageagainstessays

Hi guys, I'm currently in the process of applying for internships to add value to my application for whatever graduate scheme next year. The only issue is they all require a grade B in GCSE mathematics and I only obtained a C. This is due, in part, at least to the fact that my school was low-performing and was geared towards obtaining C grades for everyone because for most people 'C' was the highest they could hope to obtain. Although, I will admit that I didn't enjoy mathematics at that time.

Since then I have significantly improved my quantitative abilities and can now differentiate, integrate and algebraically manipulate with relative ease (owned in part to the module 'Quantitative Methods for Economists').

The issue for me is; What do I do?

Should I just lie? or will they find out and dismiss me.
Do I resit?
Should I just go lower end of the market where they don't care?

The_One_Who

Depends on the sort of internship you are applying for. The big companies will have similar application systems as with their graduate schemes and so will have automated filtering systems. The smaller ones may be more approachable and may be more likely to take into consideration circumstances such as yours, or they just won't mind about a GCSE grade.

Really though, getting an internship is better than not getting one, even if it is at 'the lower end of the market' as you put it.

Definitely don't lie, and they'll probably ask for proof of qualifications anyway. Resit if you can, but I don't know how possible that is at this stage in the year.

Owain_Moneysaver

Or you could go along to your local FE college and register to resit GCSE as an external candidate.

speakingofart

I really wouldn't recommend lying, partly because it's a poor habit to get into, but mostly because you will, eventually be found out - many internships offer a graduate interview at the end and you want a positive relationship with them. I would look into whether you can improve your GCSE grade prior to applying for graduate schemes, when I did mine (Teach First) a few years ago, people without sufficient UCAS points and the right GCSE grades weren't able to get as far as the application form, so it might be time well spent.

Best of luck in your search.

persa

With some of the larger companies, they only look at first time results, i.e. if you got a C on the first attempt and an A resitting now, they would disregard the A anyway.

Do not lie, larger companies will expect you to prove your exam results anyway. (I wish I was joking, when I started my graduate job, I had to produce certificates for everything - very glad my proud mother hung onto all that paperwork for all those years.)

If you can't explain away the C through extenuating circumstances, look for an internship elsewhere. Any is better than none.

theoretica

Can you talk to them before applying and say much what you said here? GCSE is only a C but later numerate courses exceed that.

rageagainstessays

theoretica wrote: »

Can you talk to them before applying and say much what you said here? GCSE is only a C but later numerate courses exceed that.

I have tried that on various occasions and they always state that the 'requirements must be met as stated'.

tomtontom

rageagainstessays wrote: »

I have tried that on various occasions and they always state that the 'requirements must be met as stated'.

In which case you need to focus on the ones that don't stipulate a minimum grade or retake the exam. If you are going to come across the same problem when you graduate then the latter seems a good idea.

DigForVictory

Resit, for your own peace of mind.
Some places won't accept that - their loss.
You know you can, so march in & do it, and be mindful of others who can't resit in years to come?!

Says she who resat A levels & my university *valued* me for stubborn commitment to education!)

theoretica

rageagainstessays wrote: »

I have tried that on various occasions and they always state that the 'requirements must be met as stated'.

That is a pity for you - but that answer points strongly to resit to expand your options both now and for future jobs. Until you have that qualification apply for places where you do meet the stated requirements.

Your university careers service would be worth consulting - they may be able to help with the resit with advice or maybe even the fees.

GoldenShadow

If you lie, and they ever, ever discover it, you may find that company fire you and are not prepared to give you a job ever again. Internships are usually only for big companies, so I would strongly advise against lying.

If you're that set on these types of companies I'd resit. They will want a B for the grad scheme if they do an internship.