So your all fed up with my uni threads......

Another first class degree holder here... Manchester Poly, Laws, 1985

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?

Originally Posted by Ed

Another first class degree holder here... Manchester Poly, Laws, 1985

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

Originally Posted by Messie

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 its great to try and show people that X subject can actually be fun 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

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.

Originally Posted by Ed

Another first class degree holder here... Manchester Poly, Laws, 1985

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]

Originally Posted by Alpinestarhero

I wanna be a teacher (a-level) or a lecturer one day its great to try and show people that X subject can actually be fun 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

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.

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.

Despite my cynical jokes, teaching is a calling. If you are good at it, you change a students life forever. 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.

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.