CAREER DILEMMA OF A PROSPECTIVE UK RETURNEE
Dear Jarus,
I would like to commend you on your commitment in guiding young people towards achieving their career goals. I have been inspired by your helpful responses to people’s questions and have decided to seek your advice.
I recently completed my undergraduate degree in Information technology in a UK university. However I graduated with a 2.2, but this was due to my lack of passion for the course. Immediately I completed the degree I decided to switch part, and I went for a masters in International business management also in the UK.
I would be completing in the next two months. I am currently on a distinction and I hope to work hard in my dissertation to keep it so. My problem is I would be returning home soon and I have heard numerous sad stories about getting a job with a 2.2 degree. I am at a loss on what to do. I am thinking of getting professional certifications. I am also confused on what sectors I can work in with my masters degree, since most international companies might not consider a 2.2.
My modules include: strategy, accounting, international business, international trade, human resource management and marketing. I am thinking of doing ICAN when I return for Nysc later in the year since I enjoyed my accounting module.
Please I really need your advice on what options I have, I have not been home in a long while so don’t know how things work. Sorry for the long email.
ABC
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Dear ABC,
Try and make that distinction. It will make a huge difference. You had your first and second degrees in the UK, it is interesting how you made lower class in first degree and about making distinction in second degree, such a gulf of difference over a short time. But I’m happy for you for the turn-around; it shows you are determined.
Since you will have both your first and second degrees on your CV, I think the excellent grade in the Msc programme should be able to obliterate the deficit in your first degree.
The courses you did are cool, as are the modules. If you like accounting, start writing ICAN exam when you return.
All combined, I don’t expect you to have a major issue, although a good result in first degree is the best to have for an entry level job applicant. Your case is not bad, fear not.
I wish you all the best.
Jarus
Thank you very much for your quick reply, your response has put my mind at ease. I learnt about jarushub from reading your articles on nairaland.
Please how can I convert to a investment banking career. I recently graduated in a computer science degree but with a 2.2. Is it possible? What certifications or route would I need to take.
Yes, it is not impossible.
What other selling point do you have? Try and get an internship at an investment bank. Identify the right people and near them. Tell them you want to do internships and intensely convince them if they speak about your 2:2 or lack of finance background. Make sure you appear humble, and project the things you can do. Excel and Word and Power Point are used in investment banking. Make sure you know these things and can tell the right people that you can work with these things and lessen their own stress.
The truth of the matter is that many investment bankers still struggle with these things. You will be adding value to them if you show you can do these things.
You need actual job experience since your post does not highlight anything impressive under your belt. Try to get this experience via internships, and work your way up. For certifications, try at least one of CFA/ACCA/ICAN. This will help strengthen your understanding of finance/accounting/business/econ tools
Thumbs up for your achievements thus far in your second degree.
Your 2:2 degree may hunt you, but you could be lucky. To tell you the truth, some employers are so fixated on first degree class at entry level that they may discount any educational progress you made subsequently.
To get something doing in Nigeria, my view is that you must be ready to stoop very low and accept any job where you believe you can learn the field/profession you hope to build your career in, irrespective of the salary that might be offered you. You may command a good salary, but your bargaining power for actualizing this is quite low.
You must identify an area you want to build your career, and then vigorously pursue that area. This is the first thing I would do. After that, I would begin getting in touch with people in that area, via Linkedin, referral or networking. I would not tell these people that I’m finding a job. I would only tell them that I want to learn about their experiences so far in their chosen career. Although I have an ulterior motive, I won’t tell them.
Good luck and try to nail the distinction in MSc.