I didn´t see this thread, so you will have graduated by now.
However, unfort it is true that some companies will most likely not look at your CV either because you don´t come from one of the few universities that they recruit from, I know that some companies do this.
Secondly they may not look at your CV because your degree is a 2.2, thats life!
However, here is my view on this...
Three of my mates left uni after the third year, you could say a worse degree than a 2.2, however each of them is now in a job paying more than 35k a year, so it didn´t stop them!
For me, I stayed on that extra year and did manage to get a 2.1, however when I graduated I found that getting a job wasn´t as easy as the people who left a year earlier, and had to start on a salary of 10k, I really did feel gutted about it, since people with (if you like) less qualifications than me where on much more, however I worked my ass off and yes my degree did come into it at a later date with some companies, but now (without going in to too much detail), suffice it to say I have done far better than my mates did. So although I started behind them, I have now overtaken most of them... the point is a degree is a degree and can be a foot in the door, but its not the be all and end all.
There are many many successful people out there that don´t even have a 2.2, as has been said in a couple of years it won´t even matter.
Thanks for all the latest comments, the wisdom of experience eh?! :-)
I'm over it now, and within a couple of years it'l mean bugger all anyway. Now that I've started looking and applying for the sort of jobs I want to do I'm not so worried.
Oh and had a great graduation day, very grand and proper ceremony. I was right at the front too, and the first to go in my group (I didn't trip!) And just for fun, here's a pic (minus my ill, pale face!)
Thanks for all the latest comments, the wisdom of experience eh?! :-)
I'm over it now, and within a couple of years it'l mean bugger all anyway. Now that I've started looking and applying for the sort of jobs I want to do I'm not so worried.
Oh and had a great graduation day, very grand and proper ceremony. I was right at the front too, and the first to go in my group (I didn't trip!) And just for fun, here's a pic (minus my ill, pale face!)
nice one mate, and i see that you got your degree from a 'good' university!
Well done Loki! I couldn't go to university so started in a poorly paid job. Still, I worked hard and learnt as much as I could and have been very successful in the field. The point? It doesn't always matter where you start or at which level, if you work hard and apply yourself you can do well in anything.
Well now I have started looking for grad jobs in earnest and with a lot of applications I'm being rejected straigth away because I don't have a minimum 2:1.
I appreciate it's only for graduate programmes and with online forms, but it's still a significant number of jobs I'd like to go for. My resolution so far has been to add notes to the application or say I have a 2:1 and hope I get a chance to validate my application later on!
Desperately want a better job that is of some interest and has career prospects, though I know many new grads are in exactly the same position!
I'd check over the essential/desirable characteristics they set out in their person spec. Many jobs will ask for an honours degree (2:1 or equivalent). Therefore if you have an honours degree this still counts.
I wouldn't waste too much time, but if there are jobs that appeal to you I'd apply and make a very strong case for yourself. Be honest about your grade, but let your other achievements/skills demonstrate you're right for the job.
Unfortunately there are so many people in the job market now with degrees, and so many people with higher degrees that employers will often use this to screen out applicants. It's one of the reasons why we're seeing so many people doing graduate degrees.
Fill in the forms, say you have a 2:2 and see what happens. If you're not automatically booted out of the system on any online form then use the rest of it to really show what you've got.
Having interviewed countless candidates, and looked over more applications than I care to remember, the things that stand out are the skills someone has, the fact they've completed the application as you wanted, and can show they can start working for you efficiently. You'd be surprised how many people with 2:1s and higher degrees can't do that - so don't be too downhearted.
Well now I have started looking for grad jobs in earnest and with a lot of applications I'm being rejected straigth away because I don't have a minimum 2:1.
I appreciate it's only for graduate programmes and with online forms, but it's still a significant number of jobs I'd like to go for. My resolution so far has been to add notes to the application or say I have a 2:1 and hope I get a chance to validate my application later on!
Desperately want a better job that is of some interest and has career prospects, though I know many new grads are in exactly the same position!
Just as an aside, I know at least two people who got a 2:2 and till got jobs that said minimum 2:1
Yeah, but they probably didn't try to do an Apprentice with their application form - just state you have a 2.2 and see what happens, if they reject that's life, if you lie then who knows who else they'll tell.
