Is a 2.2 really that bad :(

BigBouncyBall

I've got a 2.2 in Mathematics from Bath.

I'd like to think that that would count for more than a 2.2 in Media Studies from Bolton (sorry Bolton students, but...you know...)

Looking to do a masters next year now anyway. When is the deadline for applications for masters (roughly) - i'd have thought about mid april/may was reasonable

melancholly

maths should make you pretty employable - it's much much more desirable than something like psychology (and i'm doing a phd in that before anyone thinks i'm bashing it - it's a popular course and nationwide there are lots of graduates with that subject!). what kind of jobs are you applying for? what are the forms like? if they;re the horrible 'give me an example of when you have worked in a team' things, then it could also be answers on that - worth having an appointment with a careers advisor at bath (most careers centres will help alumni for life or a fixed number of years). bath also has a very good reputation, so although the 2:2 won't help, i'd think in a subject like maths, you should still have an edge on a lot of graduates and it may be time to look at other aspects of your applications.... good luck!

baby_fuzz

Hi 3B, congrats on your desmond (2:2). you should still be proud of this achievement!

I have looked at a lot of CVs over the years, and I can tell you the following:

Some companies have a threshold of 2:1, the company I work for included. This is mainly to cut the numbers of applicants down to a more manageable pile and the basic idea that people who can apply themselves in university will also be able to apply themselves at work. This doesn't necessarily mean you will be discounted, merely that you need to make your CV work ahrder for you!

As you have alluded to, degrees and universities are not considered equal. Preference can sometimes be given to certain unis. This will depend on the course and industry.

Don't be disheartened. The company I work for has also taken on many who have had lower grades, and some who have not got a degree into highly technical roles.

In my hunble opinion, what you should concentrate on is getting work experience - the more linked it is to your ideal job, the better, but as previous posters has suggested, it is better to show yourself being proactive. And besides, some of these companies that we automatically turn our noses up at have excellent graduate training programmes.

I would consider someone who had relevant work experience over a masters any day (coming from someone who has a masters...) because I would assume that they would be up and running a lot quicker.

I hope that this helps you a bit. just know that whatever decision you go with, will be the right one!

baby_fuzz

Also, I noticed that some people are suggesting leaving it off the CV.
When I look at a CV I always look for the gaps - in information and in employment history - anything that looks fishy. If I feel that someone is trying to deceive me, I will automatically discount the candidate. Not everyone may do this, and I recognise that it is not very scientific, but perhaps that gives you the flipside to some of the comments above.

Equinox

BigBouncyBall wrote: »

I've got a 2.2 in Mathematics from Bath.

I'd like to think that that would count for more than a 2.2 in Media Studies from Bolton (sorry Bolton students, but...you know...)

Looking to do a masters next year now anyway. When is the deadline for applications for masters (roughly) - i'd have thought about mid april/may was reasonable

I got a 2.2 in Biochemistry from Manchester University.

I was in the same position as you ... was in that I'm doing what you plan to do: a masters. I applied in August, but now would be reasonable. Most places don't have deadlines, they only close applications when the places are full.

mikeyrivered

I'm 1st year undergrad and looking at (hopefully)
2.1 in Management from Sheffield University.
I was worried management sounds a little vague, i wanted to focus on more of the business side of things, leaning towards entrepreneurial studies and IT but i guess i'm stuck now
I'm not worried just yet, i just don't want to do a degree i don't enjoy if it's not going to help me get a decent job coupled with a good CVBasically, Would this raise any eyebrows on the CV (from both the choice of uni, the grade and the course itself) or be chucked out with the spellcheckers coffee stainers and bolton graduates? (no offense coffee stainers)

I really don't want a McJob Mike

BigBouncyBall

I can tell you now, Entrepreneurial Studies would be a fantastic addition to a CV. Try and do your dissertation in it or do units in it. Then on your CV put "management, specialising in Entrepreneurial studies."

mikeyrivered

Awesome! well im entrepreneuring my way through uni (not spent a penny of the loans, all in high interest savings thanks MSE! ) and i've not had a job in that time just bought and sold and various delboy schemes.
I'd definately consider doing my dissertation in it, especially if it would help with the CV
What else can i do while an undergrad to make myself an employable postgrad? i hear alot of conflicting things from tutors/lecturers/older friends and im not sure what would actually help me get a good (as in well paid) job.

GoldenEye

A 2:2 in mathematics is an excellent achievement. Well done!

The current system is unfair as far as I am concerned. A 2:2 in mathematics is not the same as a 1:1, 2:1 in other degrees considering the amount of lecture time and effort required to pass the degree.

You should always state all your achievements and grades on a CV because you will be asked about them (or they will checked by HR) in an interview. I think being honest will benefit you more, increasing your confidence.

From my experience, it's hard work and perseverence that will get you what you want. Don't give up and don't look down at your achievements. Stay positive.

Good luck!

leoetal19

i think these days a degree is i degree and except for medicine, law etc when an employer is looking at a candidate they now look beyond the degree and look for further 'enrichment' in terms of life experience, voluntary work and such, anything that adds life experiences and proves different skills and levels of interests, people skills and soft skills arent to be underestimated at all these days
a 2.2 in maths-well done and good luck in your future but do look at broadening your life experinces and adding enrichment to your cv-these days it does pay to offer more than academic qualifications xxx