Hey guys, would really appreciate your insights

Results were released on Monday (Suicide Monday as its known here) and I've got a MEng (Hons) 2:2 in Engineering. I was on a 4 years Master course, a norm in the UK where you can start an undergrad degree and graduate with a MEng (honours) at the end of it.

I flunked my 3rd year by failing half the subjects. I was able to proceed after resits but keeping the original marks which were absolute crap. Worked my ass off in 4th year so pulled the average up from a mere Pass > Thirds to this 2:2.

I'm asking this question now because most graduate schemes state a minimum of 2:1, so will it still be worth my while applying ? Has anybody else been in this predicament ?

If it means anything, I was pretty active throughout my time at University, ie: was chair of 2 societies and was part of the university sport squad.


TL;DR : Got a Masters (Honors) in Engineering and it was 2:2. Good university, was active in Student Union and sports. How shit is my degree compared to a 2:1 ? Will companies sieve me out just because of a 2:2?

To answer your question, yes. In terms of graduate scheme, you're screwed. Most reputable recruiters wouldn't even look at your resume after they saw a 2:2 - especially in the UK - even if it's from Imperial. You'll be auto filtered by the system. It's cruel but that's the difference between a 2:1 and a 2:2, even if it's only 1% you're missing.

But if you look carefully, there are a handful of companies which accept a 2:2 as well...

Edit:

Just realised that you might be from Cambridge... If you're from Oxbridge maybe you have a different case, I don't know myself.

This post has been edited by ComingBackSoon: Jun 20 2012, 04:47 AM

thanks for the reply. I'm not sure if Oxbridge makes a difference for me... camb isn't exactly strong for engineering. Still top 10 in the UK but I suspect people from Imperial, Bath etc will stand a better chance @ Shell etc than me.

I've gone through a tonne of online articles saying how a degree classification is irrelevant in 4-5years . Problem is I'm thinking more about next month ...

Obviously from my results, engineering may not be the field for me (hated it apart from my final year project) but I'm still hoping to get into a reputable company. I did have a job offer in the finance field from a GLC in M'sia but that was conditional with a 2:1. So basically have to start from zero again.

Perhaps if you have extenuating circumstances, they might give you a shot, especially if you come from such a top school?

Whatever your case is, I think the only way for you to get into a reputable company is by bypassing the online application stage... Have you talked to your career counselor?

This post has been edited by ComingBackSoon: Jun 20 2012, 05:15 AM

I've heard of people fudging the online application and only reveal they have a 2:2 during the interview but still got the job

Nope have never talked to a career counselor. Gone to a few seminars but IMHO only generic advice given.

Going to start applying for jobs tomorrow. sigh.

Just try applying. No harm. It's better than not applying at all. You're from a top uni so some companies will take notice. Making your cv presentable also helps.

I got 2:2 liao..
and I got the job that I can save 2k/month

Don't give up.... keep on trying, forget about the past and i wish you best of luck, My diploma also 2:2

Pretty much, you chances of getting a job in MNC in Malaysia is pretty much close to zero, even some SMEs (chinaman companies) in malaysia practice obsolute "meritocrazy".

Your leadership backgound means NOTHING to them since your degree backgound is as what you said.

But dont lose your hope, just have to keep trying harder.

It does not apply if you got Big Fiber Optical Cable. Speaking of experiences of course.

got agregate 33 in SPM
no honour degree
still in 1 piece and life not ruin

Life won't be ruined but it will be quite hard getting into a MNC or one of those graduate training programs. but you can still get a decent job, chin up and don't give up, life isn't over...

This is because your results were always pretty much the same throughout your life. Imagine a person got SUPERIOR results in SPM and pre-uni. Then just a so so degree, then find a tough a find a job. LOL, he would be hit harder in life.

Analogy: its like Richard Lee and Victor Lee losing all their money in Stock Market out of a sudden, then emotionally they would be hit the hardest compared to the laymen.

it depends on how you perform during the interview. results mean something but not everything.

nothing is ruined, everyone starts off in the race at different points, what matters is where you end up not how you start. I have seen a lot of people worse than you rose to senior management faster than those who were academically outstanding. Its your delivery at the office that determines where you go...

come do investment banking. we like 2:2.

Actually I have heard that some employer prefer "TUTU" instead of a 2:1 but why? So that the chances of job hopping may be lower because deep inside they know is harder to get job without a 2:1? Hmmmm

Gosh... he kamburich u noe?

local U, 1st class never guarantee can match him ok... PM me... i like i like... our fresh grad package around 70k.... only great ppl we need

i'm 2.2 but work in european MNC..work in MNC is sucks..

22 equal to 2nd class lower?

There you go TS, don't underestimate your Cambridge degree... It's a class of its own even if its a 2:2.

That's great !
Was that your 1st job ? Also did you think the application got harder with a 2:2 ?

btw: thanks to all the forumers chiming in with 2:2's

Yeap, Second class honors, lower division. Lower second-class honors. The same thing.

Gave it a few days to sink in, and yes things definitely do not feel as bleak now.

I rang up some companies to get a feel of what I could still get, and apparently the 2:1 cut off is for Bachelors degrees ? While a Masters gives more flexibility ?
Anybody else with an undergrad Masters care to share their experience in this ?

This post has been edited by corad: Jun 21 2012, 07:54 PM

I don't really feel that a 4 year bachelor and a 4 year Masters from UK is very different from each other.Both have FYPs.

As for your degree being a 2:2, I am not sure how that will effect you but I'm guessing people will give you a shot at the interview at least. You get to present yourself in a better light then. Some companies have pay scales according to what type of degree you get for freshies. If you do get the job, I'm not sure how their HR will work around company policy. From my experience with them, they always do things by the book no matter how annoying it is.

I with 2.2 secured 5 failed interviews,waiting 2 companies for result(including one of big4), next week will have another interview(company with profits more than USD$2 billions.. I am working in european MnC.

don't give up!!!

Hi TS,

Your topic got me to finally register. Been lurking here since my own MEng days. Like you, I got a 2:2, or Pass MEng (3rd is Fail for MEng in my Uni).

My first job after graduating was with a small "MNC" (Singapore company with Malaysian operation also MNC rite?). They didn't care about my results. You just need to have a good enough CV to get them to call you. After that, it's all about you.

Technical skills can be learned on the job. Impress upon them that you are teachable and that you can communicate properly and you shouldn't have a problem getting the job. In fact, you can spin your 2:2 as a positive since you say you're not that interested in engineering. Most people can excel doing things they like. Passing Master level subjects that you don't even like, now that takes skills! (Caution:May backfire)

My advice is to get a job in a field you are interested in. Any job. Don't be picky. Learn the tricks of the trade. If you manage to make yourself competent in that field, negotiate a promotion and/or raise, or more likely, jump.

Past 5 years, I have worked in 3 different MNCs. 2 Japanese, 1 British. I may not have started with a high salary, but each jump came with a good salary increase, and more importantly, an opportunity to grow my skills.

Keep your head up and good luck.

anyway, did you manage to get your Final year project published in journals? That may save your life. Still got chances, you should consider making a very very good impressive CV.

2.2 MEng here. working in US mnc atm.

would advise u this and that, but with your profile, ill just say "just apply!"

that's an awesome achievement ! mind sharing how many years since you've graduated ?

Appreciate the effort to register just for my predicament . Definitely encouraging advice but the problem is I don't really know what I'm really passionate in. I've dabbled before in design and finance fields during summer but deep down I know they aren't what I want to be doing when I'm 40-50. Have always wanted (or since 5 anyway) to be a commercial pilot ... then again it's something I really want to do yet as a career path it dosen't offer as many perks compared to the rest

hmm ... my fyp was part of an industrial group looking at the aviation costing sector, so even if something was published it'll be 4-5 years down the road when the study is completed.



most large graduate recruitment problems have ended now, didn't apply earlier since I used to have a job offer : P but I'll keep it in mind if my future employer (none atm) is unfair

almost 2 yrs experience

If TS is still in the UK, I would like to share bit of my recent experience.

UK recruiters are generally looking more into personal background/ experience against results.

I have attended a number of job interviews in the UK earlier this year, so far majority of them did not even mention results.

Received a few job offers and finally made a decision to accept one not long ago, I am glad that the package is fairly good if to judge with salary for graduates in the UK.

My advice is, when you are doing your CV and cover letter for job application, try highlighting your experience and how it can be related to the company and if possible, how they can benefit the company etc..

ALL THE BEST !

TS, u coming back to Msia to work? If yes, I think u don't have to worry if u come from the top 10 uni in THE WORLD. Employers are not so naive to think that a second lower from your uni is the same as a second lower from a local uni.

u made it well to the top uni. this in itself already means something. some even know that barely 50% of the top tier students manage to grad from such unis. If u are coming back to Msia, don't be shy, just apply. I am very sure u can get a job.

Lets be honest, a degree from any uni is only a piece of paper, and good grades does not assure you will do well in your life.

A client of mine, he is an Assistant Vice President and he got there in 7 years of working. his degree, he got a general degree because he failed his project, hence he didn't get an honors. Comparing you to him, you have a better chance to succeed; but again you need to be committed.

I also know another person, first class degree from a reputable degree. After 10 years of working, he is still a programmer. His career has not grown.

So stop panicking about your 2:2, its not the end of the world. How your resume presents you and how you performs in the interview is even more trivial then your grades. Trust me on that. I can even recommend you a long list of head hunter if that is what you need

If you can get to the interview stage, then you should be fine.

Your only problem is that when you do these online applications, they immediately filter out all the people who's results don't match up (because if not they have to look at thousands and thousands of applications!) so it sucks because marks are the first cut-off. Then it gets more subjective from there.

frankly speaking NOPE...recruiters do not look at ur grades...wat they are more keen is the experience tat u hav...for fresh grads...the thing tat most ppl will look 4 is ur industry....n then as fresh grads dont have working experience...they will be shortlisted after interviews....tats the thing tat matter most...interview

i graduated from uk too with 1st class, but trust me, the company dont even look at the grade thingy, the salary is still almost the same with others degree holder..not to mention some of them are even 3rd class or general degree holders.. so no worries my friend..

Cambridge don't offer M.Eng but M.A. in Engineering

I think as long as you know what you should know for the job then should be fine. I’m a portfolio manager in a British Private Wealth firm and handling GBP 20,000,000 portfolio while I just have 1 year experience with advanced diploma 2nd lower. I beat all the Degree and ACCA holder during the group interview. In conclusion, your result is just historical issue while you still have all the opportunity to improve yourself. Continuously improvement in your knowledge owned 90% of your successful while you just earn the remaining 10% in academic class.


All the best.

I have 2 years experience..no dream job for me coz my grades 2.2. IB not take 2.2 people?

When reading the local dailies, bear in mind that they are advertised with the local graduate in mind. The renowned companies which have a wider pool of candidates to select from, would state a preference for UK/US graduates so there is a preferred demand and hence higher compensation as the standards vary across universities in one country, let alone across different countries.

If you still have difficulty getting a job, drop me a note with some details, which industry/entry-level role you are looking to break into and I will put you in touch with one of my business liaisons.

although I am a CFA level 3 candidate?

---

Added on June 29, 2012, 9:15 pmalthough I am a CFA level 3 candidate?

This post has been edited by Materazzi: Jun 29 2012, 09:15 PM

actually it depends on your "dream job"...wats ur dream job?in my opinion...most likely its the requirement of experience of your dream job tat is bothering u...

Lower 2nd class here. fresh grad work for 7 months already. Current salary 2.8k with a financial system developing company. Pretty good start to be honestly. Good luck !

I have hired engineers who have 2:2 or lower. We are aware some academic subjects are not liked by students hence the bad results. We believe that passion is the main motivation for a person to do well and be successful.

The question TS need to ask is what is his passion and work hard on that passion.




This post has been edited by New Klang: Jul 3 2012, 10:04 PM

Feel like I owe everyone an update

All is well on my end, in fact, it's even better than if I had originally obtained the 2:1 IMHO. Got a nice position in the "Big Three" of management consulting. Orientation is done, with my very 1st work day starting Oct 1.

Super grateful for all the support and motivation expressed here. I went through the thread one more time, and hardly anyone said that a 2:2 stopped them from moving forwards. I guess that's true and once again, thank you guys ! For all the support and kind words, it really does make a difference when you feel the world has just stopped

Well, good luck in your current undertaking. Never underestimate yourself regardless results.

Your grading never ruined your life.......

Just keeping looking for the job you want

Grades didn't ruined your life.....

But not graduating from a top UK uni did ruined my life T.T

Here something for you:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/science...ugh-autism.html

Hope you don't get angry or upset >.<'''''''''''''''''

This post has been edited by insearching: Sep 30 2012, 10:37 PM