Is a 2:2 degree worth anything?

[c00ky83]

I'm heading for a 2:2 this summer when (if!) I graduate.  Because of a poor 2nd year, I think a 2:1 is out of my reach, yet nearly all of the job ads I've looked at require a 2:1.  Am I un-employable?!

[paidinfull]

You are definitely NOT unemployable. I got a first and it made no difference to my life. Success depends not on academic qualifications but on personal qualities - drive, social skills, resilience, etc - and key skills. A degree these days gets you an interview and, sadly, nothing more. But even then it doesn't really matter because most jobs do not require a degree. When searching for jobs, look for those which will give you the most enjoyment. Don't fall into the graduate trap of going for graduate jobs with the money and the prestige unless, of course, that's your thing. I know people who hold 'important' jobs and they never seem to smile anywhere near as much as they used to when I knew them at university. I hold two degrees and I never use them. They made no positive impact on my life at all. In fact, having them in some ways held me back, leading me to jobs I never really wanted. I am now much happier working as a personal trainer and am planning to teach English abroad which doesn't require a degree.

[Sequin]

I've been working for the last 25 years with just a 2:2 under my belt

[Hgrove]

My sister in law got a 2.2 when she had expected a 2.1.  She then worked in a pub for a while but eventually it all came right for her.  She managed to get a job as a researcher in a firm where they needed her language skills;  I believe she is now in her second (or third) post graduation job and I gather she loves it.  It involves doing market research to improve her company's products.  Interviewing users of the product to see if they are happy and how it can be improved.  She feels it is very satisfactory and worthwhile.

[mats01_99]

You are most certainly not unemployable. I got a 2.2 and i've done reasonably well for myself as have the majority of my close friends. Apply for the jobs anyway, you may be surprised. The multi-nationals may ask for a 2.1 but most smaller firms aren't too concerned. When asked at a job interview why I didn't get a 2.1 I said that I was the University first team football captain which took a lot of my time, but actually taught me a huge amount about organisational skills etc. (It was kinda true I suppose!) Anway, I got the job. Good luck

[nicolajames]

My sister got a 2:2 and she is fiercely proud of it. Her uni had the nerve to tell her that she'd never get a job with that grade and she took great pleasure in proving them wrong. You are most certainly not unemployable. I have seen plenty of <a rel="follow" href="http://www.graduate-jobs.com/">graduate jobs</a> advertised that only want a 2:2 and several that just want a degree of any grade in any discipline.

A 2:2 is a fantastic achievement and do not let anyone tell you otherwise. And certainly do not let anyone tell you that it is only those who missed out on a 2:1 that think the 2:2 is worthwhile. I got a 2:1 and personally, I'd do away with this "upper" and "lower" rubbish.

Personally, I think you should try smaller companies. You tend to be treated better and they have enough sense to look beyond a piece of paper with a grade scribbled on it.