Graduate employers demand at least a 2:1 classification
Graduates are now being warned that a 2:1 or above is essential
A shortage of graduate jobs has increased competition for placements leading employers to demand higher grades of classifications than ever before. The Association of Graduate Recruiters discovered that 78% of graduate employers are now asking candidates to have at least a 2:1. This is following a 7% reduction in graduate employment opportunities.
A survey of 200 graduate recruiters found that 80% said they would be refusing to interview candidates with a 2:2 classification or below going forward into 2010/2011. This compares to 67% last year. In reality competition for top graduate schemes has always been intense and recruiters receiving hundreds or thousands of applications have always favoured with high classifications to eliminate candidates. This simply reinforces the importance of working hard and attaining a good degree.
SOURCE: Telegraph
Useful to know.
A 2.2 is a good degree, no matter how it’s perceived by Academia. I don’t buy into this whole “If-you-got-a-2.2-you-wasted-your-time” thing. My sister graduated with a 2.2, and she was employed in a graduate job she loves within a few months.
Frankly, I think the candidate with a 2.2, the relevant soft skills and experience has much less to worry about that the person with a first and nothing else. Classification is not everything, no matter what the media would have us believe. Graduate jobs are most certainly available to those with a 2.2 and it’s cruel to suggest otherwise.