When looking for work, you may notice that many professions – particularly graduate employment – require a 2:1 degree as a minimum requirement. However, this isn’t true for every business, and it generally depends on the position you’re looking for.
What matters when getting a job?
Many businesses place a higher importance on job experience than on academic achievement. When applying for a job, you should always emphasize instances such as internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer work.
Concentrate on the areas of your job experience that suggest you have the abilities necessary for the position in your CV and cover letter.
Why is work experience important while looking for a job?
Relevant work experience, rather than academic accomplishment, is more effective at demonstrating to potential employers that you have the necessary abilities and understanding of a profession.
Employers look at your job history first because they realize that the workplace puts your talents to the test far more than schooling does. Work experience demonstrates your problem-solving abilities, initiative, teamwork, and readiness to learn.
Other characteristics that organizations consider when hiring employees
Some businesses conduct skills and psychometric tests to determine whether you have the intellect and ability to succeed in the position.
Others may look at your hobbies and interests to determine whether or not you’d fit in well with their current culture. ‘Culture add’ or ‘culture fit’ are terms used to describe these aspects.
Situations in which university grades may be important for a career
In careers that require specialized expertise, are competitive, and pay well, university grades are typically the most important.
Jobs needing a 2:1 or first in the appropriate discipline are one method to spot them. However, having a first-class degree does not guarantee that you will receive a job over someone with a 2:1.
Job occupations where university grades are important
Doctor
According to Alysha from Australian Universities, a five-year degree in medicine recognized by the General Medical Council (among other things) with a 2:1 or better is required.
Veterinarian
A 2:1 in veterinary science is adequate, although most companies prefer a first.
Investment banker
Many employers in this industry will want you to have a relevant degree with a 2:1 or above. However, in other cases, university grades are irrelevant.
Engineering
In most circumstances, a high classification degree is required. Apprenticeships, on the other hand, are becoming a common route to engineering professions.
Examples of jobs where university grades don’t matter as much
Creative or marketing roles
Creativity, empathy, flexibility, storytelling, commercial awareness, copywriting, and persuasive abilities are highly valued by employers.
Recruitment
Relationship development, communication, prioritization, active listening, and negotiating are the most critical abilities.
Retail
Customer service, patience, active listening, empathy, and desire to help others are all important to retail companies.
Hospitality
Customer service, attention to detail, communication, cultural knowledge, and resiliency are all highly valued qualities.
Consultancy
If you have analytical, research, interpersonal, and persuasive abilities, as well as commercial knowledge, you will be highly valued.
What should you do if you don’t have the required university grade for the job?
Check the job posting to check whether a minimum degree grade is required.
If you don’t have the needed grade, apply only if you can demonstrate that you have the necessary abilities. Work placements, internships, volunteering, and part-time jobs are all examples of strong evidence.
Many graduate employers will reject any applications that do not fulfill the required degree.
If you can demonstrate a genuine desire to work for the company and what you’d bring to its culture, you’ll have a far better chance of getting an interview.
If you’re not sure if you should apply, contact the employer’s Human Resources (HR) department.
The value of university grades in job applications decreases as you advance in your profession
You may utilize more work experience and employment history in your job applications as you develop in your profession.
When determining whether or not to hire you, potential employers will look at your job experience and employment history first.
When determining which prospects to invite to an interview, employers and recruiters spend very little time examining job applications. After five years, when you’ve worked a few jobs, potential employers will value your academic record less than your work background.
As a result, if you succeed early in your job, you may overcome a poor university grade.
The bottom line is straightforward. Your university grades can make a major difference in your initial job search after graduation, but they aren’t always the deciding decision. Focus on constructing a well-rounded CV that may emphasize all of your life successes and core talents to highlight why you’re the greatest candidate for the position to guarantee that your grade point average works to your advantage rather than against you.
