What to do if you get a 2:2 degree

Any level of university education is something to be extremely proud of. But what if your 2:2 leaves you feeling unsatisfied?

Don’t worry. Here is what to do.

Not to worry about. But it’s normal to feel a little defeated if you didn’t get the desired outcome. But the world isn’t going to end today.

Many firms are becoming more lenient with regard to grad scheme entry requirements (more on that later).

And some of the most successful people in the world received degrees with a 2:2 or lower.

These people include Bear Grylls, Carol Vorderman, and even Jake Butler, our very own Emeka Jerry narrowly missed out on bagging a 2:1 degree.

We’re here to allay any concerns and respond to any inquiries you might have. We’ll also offer some advice on how to proceed.

With a 2:2 degree, what are your options?

Does it matter to companies if you don’t obtain a 2:1?

The minimal degree needed for many jobs is a 2:1, but not all employers have this criterion.

There are also indications that it is losing significance

For instance, some of the top accounting companies (Deloitte, EY, and KPMG) have adopted a far more lenient approach to the eligibility standards for graduate schemes.

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They determine whether you are a good fit using their own internal evaluations.

But other industries are also accepting graduates with a 2:2 with open arms, not only the titans of accounting.

Here is a brief list of some of the big businesses that will gladly hire you.

Companies that hire graduates with a 2:2 degree

Deloitte and KPMG tend to specify 2:1 degrees or higher in job adverts, but both companies generally accept applications from graduates who narrowly miss the entry requirements.

Can you apply for jobs that ask for a 2:1 if you got a 2:2?

If a 2:1 or higher is a pre requisite for a job, contact the employer before applying.

If you spend hours crafting the ideal graduate scheme application, you don’t want the HR department to throw it away as soon as they realize you don’t meet their requirements.

You might be able to determine whether each item on the list of requirements is absolutely necessary or not by getting in touch with them first and explaining your situation.

What can you do with a 2:2 degree?

In actual fact, the “Only apply if you…” section of a job posting is frequently more of a wish list.

The majority of applicants won’t fully satisfy all the requirements, and the employer will be aware of this.

You might discover that contacting someone early in the day is ineffective.

However, there is a chance that they will be moved by your initiative and request an emailwrite with your resume and cover letter.

If that’s the case, they’ve already given you more consideration than other applicants—possibly even those with first-class degrees.

Even though you graduated with a 2:2, you frequently received 2:1s and firsts for assignments, you could mention this in your CV or cover letter if you are unable to get in touch with the employer first (assuming it is true, of course).

This will also suggest that you were on the verge of receiving a 2:1 without you having to offer any justifications.

How to get a job with a 2:2

Here are some tips for using a 2:2 degree to land a good job immediately after graduation:

Find graduate positions that take 2:2s.

Although this advice may not seem particularly helpful to you, there are programs and jobs available for graduates with a 2:2 GPA.

Additionally, you won’t have to sacrifice quality.

We’re discussing chances with several important guys. Numerous prestigious companies, as was already indicated, hire graduates with a 2:2.

When searching for “graduate jobs 2:2 degree” on Google, you’ll find a ton of job sites with search pages tailored to these employers.

In addition, as we previously said, some job advertisements state that 2:1 degrees are required for admittance, however if you received a 2:2, employers might still take your application into account.

For instance, Deloitte typically requires a 2:1 or higher for graduate programs.

On their website, they do, however, state that even if you narrowly fell short of the necessary grades, “we’d still encourage you to apply.”

Because of this, we have listed them among the employers who take 2:2 graduates seriously.

As an alternative, you can view a list of all the major graduate programs in the UK, together with links to helpful information, on our page on graduate program deadlines.

2. Apply to work for startups

In the UK, there are a ton of new enterprises. New ones are constantly being launched.

Startups frequently place a lot more emphasis on you as a person than on a number that checks all the right boxes.

As a result, you should make an effort to be approachable and speak with startups directly in order to impress them with your tale.

They might not care what level of degree you have if you can demonstrate that you have what they’re looking for.

Keep in mind that individuals like Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, and even Mark Zuckerberg left school before starting their respective empires.

They were able to make everything work out okay.

3. Starting a business after college

Consider taking the risk and opening your own company.

Imagine what you could accomplish with a 2:2 if Steve Jobs and Bill Gates could achieve it with no degree at all.

Of course, this route can be time-consuming. However, you might try a few of our small business suggestions that you can implement independently before moving forward.

You might discover that you have a true entrepreneurial spirit.

Even if you ultimately decide against moving forward, dabbling in small business will look fantastic on your resume.

4. To gain experience, consider an internship.

Asking about an internship placement is an excellent method to get your foot in the door of a company you’re eager to work for.

In the event that you are successful, you can focus on truly impressing them in person as opposed to on paper.

Admittedly, some businesses have restrictions on internships based on degree level.

However, it’s lot simpler to call and persuade oneself to accept an internship than it is to accept a long-term paid career.

We don’t suggest accepting internships that provide no compensation at all because you should be compensated for your work.

5. Make your CV stand out

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Despite feeling like the most significant item on your resume, your degree qualifications just occupy one short line.

After reading about all of your impressive experience, an employer may easily forget about those qualifications.

Concentrate on adding extras to your resume that many first-class graduates might not even have to make it stand out.

Try free online courses that will give you credentials, try freelancing, or even volunteer for a cause.

And, depending on the position you’re applying for, you might choose to use an original, alternative CV that will be hard to forget.

6. Pursue a postgraduate program.

Did you discover that you genuinely like being in college? If so, you shouldn’t completely rule out the idea of going to graduate school.

It’s a common misconception that applicants for postgraduate study must have the highest GPAs, but this isn’t always the case.

There’s a chance the university will waive the entry requirements and let you on board if you’ve made a good impression and your lecturers know you’re a hard worker.

If combined with a master’s degree, some employers, including Centrica, who typically only accepts a 2:1 degree, will take a 2:2.

Additionally, try not to let money deter you. Students pursuing postgraduate degrees in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales can now apply for Master’s Loans from the government.

It’s absolutely something to think about.

See masters scholarships to apply for in 2022

7. Utilize your contacts to aid in your job search

The time has come to start considering anyone you know who works in the field you want to enter.

Pick up the phone, send them an email, LinkedIn message, or even a carrier pigeon with a letter.

Make sure people are aware that you are a recent graduate looking for work.

Employers frequently waive degree requirements in favor of employee endorsement—a recommendation from someone who already works there.

Even though networking isn’t always enjoyable, it is incredibly beneficial.

Social media can be highly important when it comes to landing a job.

Regardless of your grade, you have just finished earning a degree, which is a significant accomplishment.

We hope this guide has helped you feel a little more at ease and reminded you of that.

Your degree grade may not accurately reflect your most important professional traits, such as drive, inventiveness, and ability to work well in a team. Frequently, employers will acknowledge this.

Your current key goal should be to present yourself in a positive light.

Now is the time to put yourself out there and demonstrate your skills to the post-uni world.

Feel free to use the comments section to air out your opinions.

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