2:1 vs First Class and Employment Options

Sorry if this has been posted before but I wanted to ask - does it matter if you get a 2:1 vs a first class if you go to a target/study a rigorous course?

I work very hard and honestly give every exam/coursework piece everything I've got but my marks are always disappointing and honestly the best I can get is a 2:1 overall (I will definitely not get a 2:2 or below as my marks are high enough for a 2:1 but not high enough for a first class).

Does this mean I should look at alternative employment options and forget about MBA's/the 'models and bottles' world as I'm not smart enough vs other candidates?

I'm not moping or looking for pity or anything - I just need some truth so I can set realistic expectations in terms of what to aim for.

p.s. I have been 'spoken down upon' by people in finance for not getting a first as they claim that if i cant get a first in undergrad then how will i cope in the banking world. I'm not too sure whats true as plenty of people I know have a 2:1 but then things are changing...

12 Comments
 

I do not have any idea about approximate distribution of degrees in finance but I know that some people with 2:1 work in BB's as senior guys. As for stupid/not stupid, not enough information.

 

Does it mean I can't get into a top MBA, top firms esp PE etc because I don't have a first though? I'm not just thinking about investment banking - I mean more generally.

 

plenty of people in the top pe firms who have a 2:1 also plenty who have a first. but honestly in the UK it doesnt matter that much. pe firms will look at your work experience mostly and the stronger that is the higher your chances with little attention to your university etc. I cant say for the top MBA's but not many people do MBA's in the first place and I would image that GMAT is much more important than your grade anyways (at least in Europe).

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Ah ok cool thanks. I did score firsts in some modules that are relevant e.g. modelling ones, but some other ones let me down so its averaging to a (high) 2:1.... thats why I wasn't sure if it was game over for me. I was also told, when I gave my grades during an interview (yes they asked for a breakdown), that I wouldn't last in IBD with a 2:1 and its competitive/they have people with firsts waiting etc. Thats why I was concerned. Anyway - thanks for the heads up :)

 

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