What to do if you get a 2:2 degree

A university degree at any level is something to be massively proud of. But what if you're disappointed with your 2:2? Don't sweat. Here's what to do.

Credit: TierneyMJ (foreground), Lana Kray (background) – Shutterstock

You're probably tired of people telling you a 2:2 is nothing to fret about. But if you didn't get the result you were aiming for, it's natural to feel a bit deflated. It really isn't the end of the world though.

Many employers are becoming more flexible on entry requirements for grad schemes (more on that later). And some of the world's most successful people graduated with a 2:2 or lower. These include Carol Vorderman, Bear Grylls, and even our very own Student Finance expert, Jake Butler!

We're here to put your mind at ease and answer any questions you might have. Plus, we'll share some tips on how to move forward.

What can you do with a 2:2 degree?

Do employers care if you get below a 2:1?

It's true that many jobs have a minimum degree requirement of a 2:1, but it's not the case for every employer. And there are signs it's becoming less and less important.

For example, some of the leading accountancy firms such as EY and KPMG, have taken on a much more flexible approach to graduate scheme entry requirements. They use their own internal assessments to work out if you're a good fit.

But it's not just the accounting heavyweights who are welcoming graduates with a 2:2 with open arms. Here's a small taster of the major companies that will happily take you on.

Companies that hire graduates with a 2:2 degree

• AtkinsRéalis
• Babcock International
• BAE Systems
• British Army, RAF, Navy and MI5
• EY
• FDM Group
• HMRC
• Jaguar Land Rover
• KPMG
• Lloyds Banking Group
• Network Rail
• NHS
• Nuclear Graduates
• PwC
• RSM
• Sky
• Teach First
• Tesco.

Can you apply for jobs that ask for a 2:1 if you got a 2:2?

If a 2:1 or above is a strict requirement for a job, don't apply without reaching out to the employer first. You don't want to spend hours compiling the perfect graduate scheme application, only to have the HR department chuck it in the bin as soon as they see you haven't met their criteria.

By contacting them first and explaining your situation, you may be able to establish whether or not everything on the list of criteria is absolutely essential or not.

In reality, it's often the case that the section of a job listing marked "Only apply if you..." is more of a wish list. The employer will be aware that most applicants won't meet 100% of the requirements.

You might find that getting in touch early doors gets you nowhere. But, there's a chance they'll be impressed with you taking the initiative and might ask you to email your CV and covering letter to them directly. If so, they'll have already paid more attention to you than other candidates (possibly even those with first-class degrees).

If you're unable to contact the employer first, you could instead mention very early on in your CV/covering letter that, although you've graduated with a 2:2, you frequently received 2:1s and firsts for assignments (assuming that's true, of course).

This will also imply that you were close to getting a 2:1, without you having to make any excuses.

How to get a job with a 2:2

Here's how to get a good job quickly after graduating with a 2:2 degree:

1. Look for graduate jobs that accept 2:2s

   

   Credit: Gonzalo Aragon – Shutterstock

   You might think this tip is about as useful as telling you to get rich by digging for gold, but schemes and positions for graduates with a 2:2 do exist. And you won't have to compromise on quality, either.

   We're talking about opportunities with some serious players. As mentioned above, a whole host of major companies accept graduates with a 2:2.

   A quick Google for terms like "graduate jobs 2:2 degree" will bring up lots of job sites with search pages specifically for these employers.

   Also, as we mentioned earlier, some job adverts specify 2:1 degrees as an entry requirement, but recruiters may still consider your application if you got a 2:2.

   Alternatively, you could check out our page on graduate scheme deadlines for a list of all the major grad schemes in the UK, with useful info linked to each one.

2. Apply to work at a startup

   There are a huge number of startup businesses in the UK. New ones are getting launched all the time.

   Startups tend to focus much more on you as an individual as opposed to a number that ticks all the right boxes. As such, you should try to be personable and get in touch with startups directly to wow them with your story.

   If you can show them that you've got what they're looking for, they probably won't care what level of degree you have.

   Remember that the likes of Steve Jobs, Bill Gates and even Mark Zuckerberg dropped out of university before moving on to build their empires. It worked out alright for them...

3. Start a business after university

   How about taking the leap and starting a business of your own? If Steve Jobs and Bill Gates can do it with no degree at all, imagine what you could do with a 2:2.

   Obviously, this route can take time. But you could try a few of our small business ideas that you can start on your own and take it from there. You might find you've got a real entrepreneurial spirit.

   Even if you decide not to move forward in the end, having a flutter in the small-business world will look great when you mention it on your CV.

   After all of the hard work of your degree, why not treat your closest uni friends (and yourself!) to graduation gifts?

4. Do an internship to gain work experience

   A good way to get your foot in the door of a company you're keen to work for is to enquire about an internship placement. If successful, you can then work at really impressing them in person rather than on paper.

   Admittedly some companies do set degree-level barriers for internships. However, it's much easier to call up and talk yourself into an internship than a permanent paid position.

   We don't advise taking on internships that offer no reimbursement at all, because you deserve to get paid for your work. But if you do find yourself on an unpaid internship, we've got some tips on how to support yourself financially.

5. Make your CV stand out

   

   Credit: everydayplus – Shutterstock

   Your degree qualifications might feel like the most important thing on your CV, but they only take up one small line. Once an employer has read through all of your great experience, those qualifications can be quickly forgotten.

   Focus on making your CV sparkle with the kind of extras that many first-class grads may not even have. For example, try completing free online courses with qualifications, give freelancing a go, or even volunteer for a charity.

   And, depending on the job at hand, you could even opt for a creative, alternative CV that'll be very difficult to forget.

6. Do a postgraduate degree

   Did you find that you actually really enjoyed uni? If so, you shouldn't rule out the possibility of postgraduate study.

   You might think that you need the very top grades to be considered for postgraduate study, but this isn't always the case.

   If you've made a good impression and your lecturers know you're a hard worker, there's a chance that the university will waive the entry requirements and let you on board.

   Centrica, as an example, has previously advertised graduate jobs that asked for a 2:1 degree, or a 2:2 when combined with a master's.

   And try not to let money put you off. The government now offers Master's Loans to students in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales for postgraduate degrees. It's definitely worth considering.

7. Use your contacts to help you get a job

   Now is the time to start thinking about anyone you know who works in the industry you want to get into.

   Pick up the phone, drop them an email, message them on LinkedIn or even send them a letter via carrier pigeon. Get the word out there that you're fresh on the graduate market and looking for a job.

   Often, you'll find that companies will let employee endorsement (a recommendation by someone who already works at the company) override any degree-level requirements. Networking might not always be fun, but it's very, very useful.

We hope this guide has put you at ease a little and reminded you that, regardless of your grade, you've just completed a degree, and that's a major achievement.

Your degree grade doesn't necessarily reflect your key work skills, like motivation, creativity and being a team player. Employers will often acknowledge this.

Your main aim now should be to get yourself out there and show the post-uni world what you've got.

Try using recruitment agencies to find a job. They could give you the push you need to get your dream graduate position.