1st class degree – how much advantage can it give you? (when applying to the Big4)

Obviously this varies a little firm by firm but basically you've got the following:

*Initial filtering - Will help you, although tbh as long as you have the 2.1, good A-levels and have written sensible answers to the other screening questions you should get through this.

*Numeracy and Literacy Tests - Won't help

*1st Interview - Won't help

*Assessment Centre - Won't help

*Partner Interview - probably won't help, but depends on the partner in question.

All in all not much of a return on the extra work it takes. My personal feeling is that a 1st is only worth it if you're applying to very competitive jobs, jobs without a formal application process or further study.

That said you don't exactly want to slack off and then end up with the horror of a Desmond + if you change your mind about the big4 or don't get in the 1st may have more use.

what is a desmond?

what is a desmond?

I am currently in my final year and plan to apply for the Big4 (PwC being my 1st choice if I ever get to choose in this climate to be honest). I was wondering how much real significance does a 1st class degree, in a business-related subject, can have (as opposed to 2.1) in this situation. Obviously, it will help get through the automatic screening (minimum degree requirements etc.), coupled with good A-Levels. But surely, once that stage is over, no one cares (by no one I mean recruiters)? The interviews and ACs assess competencies, and if someone with a 2.1 is better than you at those, the classification will not help. Or am I completely off the tracks here? I have mainly heard rumours, but a guy from a recruitment solutions company (which deals with grad schemes for banks mainly) mentioned that the classification above the minimum requirement does not per se give you an advantage when getting through selection at big firms; in fact, it can be a bit of a curse, as even if your interviewer does look at your degree, he will inevitably have higher expectations (especially from a business graduate) and, if these are not met, you are more likely to fail even if you compare well to your “2.1” peers. Having had very little interview/AC experience (unsuccessful, to add to this misery), I do realize I might be talking complete nonsense.
I am one of those people who have to work slightly harder than others to achieve a higher mark. This year, at my uni, this is going to be a hell of a task to do. Hence the need to know whether it is really worth it (I know one should strive for the best, but I would rather have a 2.1 than a fistful of grey hairs and knowledge deposits in the eternal bags under my eyes)… Would be nice to hear from people who have at least a little insight (first- or second-hand) into this. Thanks!

It all depends on which university you went to.

If you got a 1st from University of York, then is higly respected.

But if you went to a lower university outside the top 20 then it does not give you much of an advantage.

Stop spewing rubbish out of your lower orifice you arrogant, ignorant incomprehensible tool of a troll.

OP, a first (no matter where you got it from) will stay with you forever. Most employers outside of Investment Banking and some consultancy firms do not know whether Exeter is better than York, or if Royal Holloway is less reputable than Edinburgh.

If I was applying for a job in fluid mechanics with a first in maths against someone else with a 2:1 in maths from Kings, the employer wouldn't give two ****s where we were from, rather, they'd ask if I did any hydrodynamics or magnetohydrodynamics or electromagnetism or whatever and ask how I scored, perhaps asking me some basic questions. Only then will I actually get the job, the first itself is basically telling an employer that I'm capable of applying mathematical logic. The rest of it is about my personality and my knowledge.

Before someone else comes along and says, 'but this is finance', the above applies to finance. Just not investment banking. What kind of ridiculous bank would judge you on your institution rather than your superb knowledge of the banking system, the recession, global markets and client interaction? None, that's what.

People like the above piss me off because they give completely false information to otherwise well meaning individuals who just want some ****ing advice. You know what, OP, don't take advice from anyone who hasn't confirmed that they're in their final year. Believe it or not finalists and graduates tend to be more exact with their findings because they ask people in industry rather than talk out of their arse with baseless 'facts' and 'trustworthy empirical data' like league tables.

Edit: Also, when you're 27 and looking for a promotion, who's going to look better, you with a first or the other prat with a 2:2 who's been working his but off to achieve the same level of understanding that you have?

I think your the ignorant one, thinking degree class matters more than university.
keep thinking that....no skin off my teeth.
Your just mad because York > RHUL
My propects are much better than yours.

I think your the ignorant one, thinking degree class matters more than university.
keep thinking that....no skin off my teeth.
Your just mad because York > RHUL
My propects are much better than yours.

I'll try not to get involved in a petty debate involving universities since you're obviously getting a kick out of this, but I'll amuse you for this post and this post only.

Your 'propects' are dependant on a multitude of variables, including but not limited to; subject, classification, location, chosen industry etc.

Fact is, there are far too many variables to promote choice of institution as absolutely paramount to a successful career. You can't successfully predict any outcome, nor can you hypothesise the probability that an event will happen with absolute certainty. That's a fact. That degree of error (excuse the pun) is called life, and it will get in the way of any sort of idealistic utopian dream, even if you think it's going to come true.

Entry requirements for the Big Four firms are minimum 2.1. Where the degree was obtained is technically irrelevant and won't affect your ability to get to interview/assessment centre stage.

Yes after the assessment even if you pass they will not be impressed with a degre from a former poly compared to a top 20.