Do graduate schemes look at A levels?

So i just finished my A levels and I’m not happy. I underperformed really badly. I think I got A*CE maybe even worse. I just hope i get into a uni thats all. But i just wanna ask how much weight does A levels put in careers after uni. Im going to be studying Economics and I’m definitely not getting into firm choice but i might into my insurance. Will these A levels restrict my ability to apply to decent paying. I know there are certain industries like investment banking consulting etc that are off charts with these a levels but i wasn’t aiming for those anyway. I kinda just want a decent payed job thats in finance tech , civil service or even law…
Do graduate schemes look at A levels still???
Also would it recommend to retake.
I 100% would retake these exams but its really expensive.

Reply 1

TI_AJ17

I'd retake those weaker grades if I were you. Not just for being considered for jobs but being considered for top universities too, which will improve your chances of landing a graduate scheme (but still does not guarantee it!).

Many grad schemes and internships require a minimum of 120 UCAS points (BBB), with some top roles like IBD/consulting requiring 136 minimum (AAB), though you've said you aren't interested in those. Some roles don't require any minimum UCAS points for instance Audit/Tax at some Big 4, but that isn't the case for most. You would be greatly limiting the roles that you'd be considered for with A*CE, which equates to 104 UCAS points.

You mentioned civil service, I think their requirement varies depending on the role, as some I've seen say 96 UCAS points whilst others say 120 - you'll have to do some more research on that. A career in law is also much like investment banking and other top paying jobs, where the UCAS point requirement is usually quite high, and landing a training contract is extremely difficult even if you meet the UCAS point requirement.

Reply 2

HoldThisL

Grad schemes certainly will ask for your A levels (not always, but there may well be a section on the application form for it) but they're not going to be the deciding factor. I struggle recall any jobs I applied for that mentioned A level requirements (although sure there are some) and it's hard explain the surprising irrelevance that grades have when it comes to actually getting a job

The most important factor you should be considering is your university. The prestige of the place that awards your degree is the first thing that gets looked it. It's not everything - you still need to demonstrate competence and soft skills - but it's hard to get around not having been to a good university if you're looking at competitive grad schemes

I recommend you also take a deeper look into careers. Finance/tech/civil service/law are all competitive fields, and no one in them is earning good money without also have some drive and dedication - at some point you'll get asked the question "why do you want to work this job/at this company", and to get to even get to that point you need to have solid skills in that area

Reply 3

Djoptic

Original post

by HoldThisL

Grad schemes certainly will ask for your A levels (not always, but there may well be a section on the application form for it) but they're not going to be the deciding factor. I struggle recall any jobs I applied for that mentioned A level requirements (although sure there are some) and it's hard explain the surprising irrelevance that grades have when it comes to actually getting a job
The most important factor you should be considering is your university. The prestige of the place that awards your degree is the first thing that gets looked it. It's not everything - you still need to demonstrate competence and soft skills - but it's hard to get around not having been to a good university if you're looking at competitive grad schemes
I recommend you also take a deeper look into careers. Finance/tech/civil service/law are all competitive fields, and no one in them is earning good money without also have some drive and dedication - at some point you'll get asked the question "why do you want to work this job/at this company", and to get to even get to that point you need to have solid skills in that area