View Full Version : So your all fed up with my uni threads......
BUT, i need this clearing up in my head.
Its not to do with any amps or essays so no worries there, its purely advice related now. Pretty much, i will admit, i have wasted this chance at uni, i have put very little effort in over the last two years, partly due to enjoying too much time with the ex, partly to do with enjoying too much time with the bike, but mostly due to just being plain lazy. Now its hit me that im not going to get a result that i really would have hoped for.....oh im taking a Ba (hons) contemporary popular music
For those that dont know here is how the marking goes, i will start from the best-worst:
Class 1
Class 2: division 1
Class 2: division 2
Class 3 : pass
Borderline pass
FAIL
Now so far, as much as i can work out i am firmly in the class 2:2 bracket. Now i would say that is fairly average and really would be disapointed (yes its my fault and no im nto looking to blame anyone!)
So what would you guys do? I have no idea what i want to do job wise, so would probably end up in a job i didnt want or with little prospects.
Should i retake this second year? Yes it will be another £3k on loan from the lovelly but not so cheap student loan company, but i know that i have the potential to get up into that class 1 bracket.
Really have no idea where to go, its alot of money, and im fed up with working part time, having little money bla bla bla.
HELP ME ORG!!!!
Ash.
If you really believe you can knuckle down, work hard and improve your grade, then re-take the year.
If you have any doubts, and think you'll just fall into the same pattern, don't bother.
Only you truly know the answer to that.
Will it really make that much difference to the career that you want to follow? If not then dont waste another year of your life, grab it with both hands and get on with it.
I disagree. A degree is a degree and very soon after achieving it, no-one cares what class it was.
The degree will get you an interview (along with a well-written CV). From there it is entirely up to you how ell you perform at interview and ultimately in the job.
Don't be put off by the stupid term 'second class' degree. Try thinking of it in gardes, A,B,C etc.
TBH is the extra debt really worth it?
keith_d
27-07-09, 04:52 PM
But, do you have the determination to haul your ass into the 1st class bracket? If so, in which subject??
I'm not sure a BA (Hons) in pop music is the most salable degree, and you're going to be entering a very competitive market. So, I'd add a third option to the list...
1) Complete a 2:2 (or maybe 2:1) degree in contemporary music and come out into a jobs market during some fairly tough times.
2) Work your ass off for two more years and hopefully get a 1st. Join the job market a year later and hope things have improved.
3) Jump into something more salable, work your ass off for two years to catch up and get a decent grade and hope the job market has improved enough to make it worthwhile.
Just my thoughts,
Keith.
Depending entirely how your course is marked, could a stellar 3rd year drag you up to a 2:1? If so, that's the best motivation I can think of to actually work your socks off next year.
For my money, I'd progress to the next year, see if you can advance the mark any and get the qualification, a year extra to go up a grade? I wouldn't have bothered myself.
Jambo
Edit: frankly I'm with Keith d. What's your long term plan? Are there jobs out there for people with 1sts, and nothing for those with 2:2s, or is this just something you want to feel better about? Unless resitting the year is absolutly going to make the difference for a job, dont re-sit.
Try and get a job, if that fails, re-take the year. Decision made! :)
Qualifications are far from being the be-all-and-end-all of a career...!
Its more a case of i have no idea what i want to do in my career, and yes i think i could get it up to a first as all of these assignments were left until the last week :rolleyes:.
I see what you are saying about wasting a year, but am i really going to get into a good job right now, or is this doom and gloom all media bull???
I had thought about starting a course in something completely different but the one that interests me most - mechanics, wouldn't exactly be easy to get into either, and starting off as an apprentice aged 20?
I disagree. A degree is a degree and very soon after achieving it, no-one cares what class it was.
I stopped reading down this thread after the above comment - Messie is absolutely right.
The only difference a 2:2 will ake compared to a higher result will be if you want to go into academia/post-grad research immediately after your first degree. And even then it might not matter.
Be proud of your 2:2, walk tall and get on with your life - it's what you do when working that matters in the long run.
If you're getting a degree and have no idea what you want to do for your career, I'd say stick it out and give it your best from now until the end. You'll either pull it off and get what you want to achieve, but if you don't, at the end of it you'll still have a degree and you won't have taken an extra year over it.
With respect to starting an apprenticeship at 20, it's not uncommon. I'm 19 and still struggling to get into something, so I've just been working til I can. It's not media fluff, there really isn't a lot out there, and for every job there is, there are hundreds of people after it. Not to mention the amount of work companies want you to do for meagre salaries!
If I was you I'd have a think about what I want to do. If I didn't know, I'd stick it out and get the degree, and hopefully there will be more chance of finding work once it's over.
Well the degree ends as of Thursday so that's no doubting i will be getting a degree by the end of the year, unless something dramatic happens in the next two days *touch wood* its just if there is any point in spending another £3k and a year of my life to get a better result.
Seems the concencus is that there is no advantage what so ever. hmmm.
Mr Speirs
27-07-09, 05:39 PM
What do you want to work as? Obviously you had an idea when you started the course?? If you don't want to have a career in music then there's not really any point in staying on and doing another year is there?
Plus with music all the lecturers are there teaching you because they haven't made it themselves (please be aware I mean only in music not other subjects, I am not trying to offend teachers) trust me, I learn more about sound engineering a month into a rubbish but relevant job than 4 years in education.
Just my 2 pence.
Ahh, someone in the industry! What exactly do you do? Ideally i would love to work in a studio recording bands (who wouldnt) but every studio i have contacted or shown any interest in working for (even for free) have said no before even hearing waht i can do. I think its been answered that it wont make much difference in the world of music as to what type of degree it is, i just need to get some experience. Im going to run the whole thing past my tutor on wednesday when i hand in and see what he says, so many have said its a pretty average pass though, how can i be proud of that?
Biker Biggles
27-07-09, 06:03 PM
What do you want to work as? Obviously you had an idea when you started the course?? If you don't want to have a career in music then there's not really any point in staying on and doing another year is there?
Plus with music all the lecturers are there teaching you because they haven't made it themselves (please be aware I mean only in music not other subjects, I am not trying to offend teachers) trust me, I learn more about sound engineering a month into a rubbish but relevant job than 4 years in education.
Just my 2 pence.
BB junior is in sound engineering too and didnt go to Uni.Right now he has far more offers of work than he can take up.The product of several years practical experience and meeting/knowing people in the business.
I think all this degree stuff is overated and many employers are wising up to that as well.
Spiderman
27-07-09, 06:21 PM
I garee with BB above that nothing beats experience and knowing peeps in your chosen industry, i also agree with Messie that a degree and a well written CV will get you some interviews.
I know myself well enough to know that if i didnt apply myself well enough first time round i probably wont do it 2nd time round either. But thats me
Alpinestarhero
27-07-09, 06:23 PM
Unless you want to do post-graduate research stuff, then what sort of degree you get dosnt matter. Many companies will offer their own graduate schemes and training schemes anyway.
Get onto something like totaljobs.co.uk and upload a CV etc, people can then find you :D
Many companies will offer their own graduate schemes and training schemes anyway.
A*hero is right. I work at a large company (Scott Wilson), 5k+ employees, and they run their own graduate development scheme as they know that a degree doesn't really prepare everyone to go straight into a job and perform at an adequate level.
Also, to put things into perspective, I'm on year 2 of my companies scheme, I'm 20, and don't have a degree...so even in the modern workplace you can still cut corners with regards to "qualifications"...as long as you show some sort of initiative and drive.
If you don't know what you want to do as a career, go out there and try some different jobs. No point trying to improve above a 2:2 in my eyes, as like some people have mentioned a degree will only get you an interview anyway!
Jayneflakes
27-07-09, 07:22 PM
Oi, I have a Desmond and I am very proud of my science degree. I am also very proud of my Post Graduate Certificate. Just do what the rest of us did when we got a lower grade (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4slqDJaU6VU&NR=1) than we wanted, become a teacher (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYVw9uyiGwQ)!
Oi, I have a Desmond and I am very proud of my science degree. I am also very proud of my Post Graduate Certificate. Just do what the rest of us did when we got a lower grade (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4slqDJaU6VU&NR=1) than we wanted, become a teacher (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYVw9uyiGwQ)!
You may joke but it had crossed my mind lol.
Oi S'cuse me. I got a First and a Masters and I'm a teacher - by choice!!
Another first class degree holder here... Manchester Poly, Laws, 1985:D
Ash, I now employ people. I have a team of 9. I can only tell you what I personally look for. I don't have to advertise, I get so many CVs and to be brutally honest most of them are downright boring. They all put that they were student rep for this, in some sort of university team, and I think 'NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!' - boring.
The ones that catch my eye are different. In other words, they haven't used the standard MS CV format. You can spot it a mile off. They don't make arrogant claims about themselves in a self-serving 'profile' that can't possibly withstand scrutiny. Oh yes, typical 'a self-starter, driven by achievement, with awards for everything', at age 20 or 21. What does the rest of life hold for Ms or Mr Boring if they've done it all by 21? I'd far rather have someone with a lively personality who can give a buzz, I have actually never had anyone who has listed their hobby as 'motorcycles' - now that I would look at very carefully - and why not be honest - 'I had a great time at university' - I rarely see that.
If I were you I wouldn't repeat the year - all that debt - and for what. Do you really think that a 1st will get you a job?
Ed
It all depends on what jobs your looking for. I've been looking at some jobs in my area of work and some ask for a 2:1 or higher so without that you won't even be considered. However thats only some jobs. Others just want a relevant degree at any level.
Agree that experience plays more of a role though and it took me a year to get into anything decent after getting my degree so you can never expect to just walk into something.
If you can see jobs that you want to do and they aren't asking for a specific mark then why bother retaking?
Alpinestarhero
28-07-09, 01:32 PM
Another first class degree holder here... Manchester Poly, Laws, 1985:D
Ash, I now employ people. I have a team of 9. I can only tell you what I personally look for. I don't have to advertise, I get so many CVs and to be brutally honest most of them are downright boring. They all put that they were student rep for this, in some sort of university team, and I think 'NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!' - boring.
The ones that catch my eye are different. In other words, they haven't used the standard MS CV format. You can spot it a mile off. They don't make arrogant claims about themselves in a self-serving 'profile' that can't possibly withstand scrutiny. Oh yes, typical 'a self-starter, driven by achievement, with awards for everything', at age 20 or 21. What does the rest of life hold for Ms or Mr Boring if they've done it all by 21? I'd far rather have someone with a lively personality who can give a buzz, I have actually never had anyone who has listed their hobby as 'motorcycles' - now that I would look at very carefully - and why not be honest - 'I had a great time at university' - I rarely see that.
If I were you I wouldn't repeat the year - all that debt - and for what. Do you really think that a 1st will get you a job?
Ed
Sometimes, I think that some people forget that their CV is going to get read by real people with the skill of judgement. I try and be honest - my CV's are specific for whatever I'm applying for, but I always try to get across that I genuinely enjoy certain aspects of chemistry and also have other things in my life besides chemistry. Sure, you need to show you're suitable for the job, but when working as part of a team its nice to know that the individuals are sociable too :D
Alpinestarhero
28-07-09, 01:36 PM
Oi S'cuse me. I got a First and a Masters and I'm a teacher - by choice!!
I wanna be a teacher (a-level) or a lecturer one day :D its great to try and show people that X subject can actually be fun :D i like demonstrating with the undergrads, some dont see why i get excited when they get some really really good crystals growing but then i explain what good crystals are, how to get them, why its important in terms of purity etc and they understand and make mroe of an effort :D
goddam, getting a pure chemical made sure is sexy
[/geek]
Ash - these days (unless your degree is more vocational: doctors, lawyers etc) degree's aren't the same as they used to be.
I've got a Desmond (2:2) and 90% of the employers, HR folk etc that I've spoken to were more than happy with that. It's all about what you do after you graduate.
I'm not saying not to go for it (if that's what you want to do), just bear in mind that a 2:1 doesn't mean a whole lot over a 2:2 unless you're aiming at a specific career.
My 2p worth.
Get a masters degree after then noone will notice the degree!
Take a look at the requirements of the jobs you want - if they specify 2.1 redo it or if not don't and spend the money on a turbo conversion!
I went to surrey BSC, MSC years were amazing. I worked so hard as did a full time job to pay for it!
Now I'm laughing though as the hard work paid off - a 2.1 was required in my line of work though.
Also its a case of your satisfaction with yourself mate - what you are happy with!
P.S people are right about the CV - if you got a degree whilst working in the desired industry - that shows determination to prospective employers and puts you a step above everyone else in graduate recruitment terms.
your choice.
Another first class degree holder here... Manchester Poly, Laws, 1985:D
Ash, I now employ people. I have a team of 9. I can only tell you what I personally look for. I don't have to advertise, I get so many CVs and to be brutally honest most of them are downright boring. They all put that they were student rep for this, in some sort of university team, and I think 'NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!' - boring.
The ones that catch my eye are different. In other words, they haven't used the standard MS CV format. You can spot it a mile off. They don't make arrogant claims about themselves in a self-serving 'profile' that can't possibly withstand scrutiny. Oh yes, typical 'a self-starter, driven by achievement, with awards for everything', at age 20 or 21. What does the rest of life hold for Ms or Mr Boring if they've done it all by 21? I'd far rather have someone with a lively personality who can give a buzz, I have actually never had anyone who has listed their hobby as 'motorcycles' - now that I would look at very carefully - and why not be honest - 'I had a great time at university' - I rarely see that.
If I were you I wouldn't repeat the year - all that debt - and for what. Do you really think that a 1st will get you a job?
Ed
+1 on what Mr Ed says here.
Jayneflakes
28-07-09, 01:51 PM
I wanna be a teacher (a-level) or a lecturer one day :D its great to try and show people that X subject can actually be fun :D i like demonstrating with the undergrads, some dont see why i get excited when they get some really really good crystals growing but then i explain what good crystals are, how to get them, why its important in terms of purity etc and they understand and make mroe of an effort :D
goddam, getting a pure chemical made sure is sexy
[/geek]
My PGCE specialises in teaching at College level and above and my subject is Outdoor and Enviromental Education. There is some real joy in watching a group explore and understand an eco system, watching the links being formed in the mind as understanding is reached about the impact of one thing or another. :cool:
Sadly I lost the love of teaching after I was hurt in school, but that is another story. These days I help my step son or his freinds with homework and watching them glow when they grasp a concept they previously found impossible is wonderful. Teaching GCSE chemistry to my friends daughter was a hoot, especially when she really grasped a concept and then started thinking above the required level. I saw the interst spark and with that interest I saw the fear of the subject go away. :D
Despite my cynical jokes, teaching is a calling. If you are good at it, you change a students life forever. :queen: It is another year of study on top of your degree, M.Sc. or PHd these days because OFSTED (or FENTO) like to see the PGCE or Cert Ed, but it is worth the effort. ;)
pencil shavings
28-07-09, 07:57 PM
mate, my 2 pence...
If you are just finishing 2nd year, dont bother retaking, if you get a 1st in your last year you should be able to just have your 1st count.
the difference in a 2.2 and a 2.1 unfortunatly does matter at the moment. Alot of graduate jobs say you have to have got a 2.1 to apply.
however if you want to work in music, a degree dosent open doors IMO (and experiance) you need to know people and get experiance.
ive just graduated and got a 2.1, and it is IMPOSSIBLE to get a job atm.
I couldn't have got the job I'm doing with less than a 2:1, and I'm not in academia/research.
My girlfriend is doing her PhD and she couldn't have done that without a 1st as it's in a 5*A research uni.
It all depends what you want to do, I did Economics and she's doing Pharmacology. These are the sorts of things you tend to need a good result in to go far with, music however I'd imagine it'd be best to just get stuck into the industry! (my dad spent a lot of his life in the music industry) start looking for internships or anything you can get your hands on. So many people have degrees these days that you need to do more to enhance your employability.
Yeah, from talking through with friends and on another forum its general consensus that being music based there is little point in getting a higher mark i just need to get out there, if it had been anything else i probably would have. Tomorrow is hand in day, and i cant wait!
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