[NHjenson]

I am going into my 3rd year of Mechanical Engineering Beng and got a solid 2:2 in second year. I am confident that i can still get a 2:1 at the end however so i will be applying to graduate jobs that want a 2:1.

I can't find many job vacancies that require a minimum 2:2 however. almost all the jobs on websites like gradcracker and targetjobs require a 2:1.

So where can I find jobs that require a 2:2?


Also as a side question, should I put my 2nd year results on my CV when applying?

Cheers

[pheonix254]

Generally if you don't get a 2:1 then you're below the median average in engineering, and hence will find employment more difficult. Employers have the market it their favour at the moment, there is a lot of supply for all types of graduates even engineering, and demand (i.e. jobs available) is below that supply, so if you're wanting a job, get used to fighting for it, even with a 2:1 or a 1st.

In terms of your second year results on your CV, it is up to you. I didn't bother, my CV is 2 pages long (longer and the relevant HR department aren't going to read it), and I gave the information only if they asked for it. Some people with high marks will be putting the breakdown in their CVs. If you scored well in relevant modules e.g. going for an engineering job in aerospace, and got 70% in aero, and 40% in business management and law then yeah, sure, put it in. Otherwise, I wouldn't bother. If you can get your tutor/referee to agree that you are capable of getting a 2:1 with enough work, then put that in the predicted grade box.

Besides, on graduate jobs, EVERYONE applying has the requisite degree. if its a 2:2, you're out to make way for those with the required 2:1 or above. What differentiates you, once you have that magical key to the 2:1 degree gate, is what else you've done. which societies you're in. what responsibilities you signed up for. Why you are the employee that they're looking for, and why you will do a better job for them than everyone else.

Its a harsh reality of life that no one owes graduates a job, as many of my friends are finding (I graduated last year). Get the grade you need, then apply for everything you can get your hands on. market yourself on professional/job agency social media (linkedin, monster, jobsite, etc.). Persevere, and you'll succeed.

best of luck to you,

Stu Haynes MEng

[NHjenson]

Thanks for the response, so are you implying that I should only apply for jobs after I received my degree? I was under the impression that you are supposed to start to apply for jobs around a year before you graduate.

[Smack]

Yes you should be applying for graduate jobs in your final year. Just say that you are predicted a 2:1 or above because you can pull a 2:2 in second year up to a 2:1 if you work hard.

[NHjenson]

That is my plan, However should I apply to zero vacancies wanting a 2:2? I mean what happens if i try my hardest but do end up with a 2:2

[formanmark]

Im no expert on the matter but my cousin finished with a 2:2 and he found it hard. He is now in full time employment as an engineer tho. He found that because he didnt have the grades to apply for most jobs he had to try through a temp agency. Luckily where he was placed took a shine to him and offered him a contract. There will always be people on maternity leave and Alot of the time these tempory postions become permanent.


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[pheonix254]

(Original post by NHjenson)
That is my plan, However should I apply to zero vacancies wanting a 2:2? I mean what happens if i try my hardest but do end up with a 2:2

No - apply for everything you think you're capable of doing. If you have a predicted 2:1 BEng, don't apply for a job who is looking for an MEng 1st, that's all I'm saying.

If you can find jobs requiring a 2:2, and think you'll get a 2:2, then go ahead. I'm sceptical that you'll find that many though - most engineering jobs will ask for a 2:1 or above. I know you haven't taken the exam yet, thats where the predicted grade comes in. When the company offer you a job, it will often be conditional - much like your university place was. Mine for instance was conditional on me getting a 2:1, other people got unconditional offers - which meant that they were getting that job regardless of what happened.

There are no limits on what you can or cannot apply for though provided you are close to, or meet the requirements - and sometimes even these can be waived if you ring them up- so apply for every job you're interested it. Put a decent amount of effort in to each one as well - if you get it, it'll set up your career - treat it like you're being paid thousands of pounds for each application - if you're successful it will easily be worth that much.

If you do end up getting a 2:2, hopefully you will have found an employer that will accept that, or won't care what grade you receive. If not, don't give up, keep applying, keep marketing yourself on job agencies (put up profiles on linkedin, monster.co.uk, that sort of thing) You'll find someone willing to employ you. It can be soul destroying, getting rejections and not hearing back after months, and unfortunately it happens, even to engineers. But keep at it - it's down to you, nobody else.

Best of luck with your search, feel free to PM me if you want interview tips -I've been involved in recruiting engineers.

Stu Haynes, MEng, MIET, MIEEE

[NHjenson]

Thanks for the response, if anything you guys have given me more motivation to achieve a 2:1.