If your child has graduated with a 3rd class degree, you might be concerned about how this will affect their graduate job prospects.
In today’s competitive job landscape, it’s understandable to worry about the implications of academic results. However, it’s crucial to recognise that work experience can play a significantly more influential role in securing employment than degree classification.
Here’s how emphasising work experience can help your child navigate the job market and carve a successful career path.
The Critical Role of Practical Experience in Today’s Job Market
If your child graduated with a 3rd class degree and they do not have any work experience, they will likely struggle to get a good graduate job. However, they can transform their chances with relevant work experience.
In the current job landscape, the value of practical experience cannot be overstated.
A survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) revealed that 91% of employers prefer their candidates to have work experience, and 65% of them prefer this experience to be relevant to the field.
This indicates a clear preference for candidates who can demonstrate the application of their skills in real-world settings, often placing this criterion on par with, or even above, formal academic achievements.
Encouraging your child to seek internships, volunteer positions, part-time jobs, or freelance projects related to their field of interest is more than just advice; it’s a strategic move towards enhancing their employability.
The LinkedIn 2019 Global Talent Trends report highlights that real-world experience is a key differentiator in the hiring process, providing tangible evidence of a candidate’s skills, work ethic, and commitment to their profession.
If your child has got, or can get experience and demonstrable skills within Digital or Technology they will bolster their chances of success even further.
The power of a strong portfolio
A solid portfolio of experience stands as a pivotal differentiator in the competitive graduate job market.
Essentially a portfolio demonstrates the skills of the candidate more than a degree grade can.
For example, consider the case of Alex, a computer science graduate with a 3rd class degree. By strategically compiling a portfolio that included his role as the lead developer for a non-profit’s website, his contribution to open-source projects, and a series of freelance app development gigs, Alex not only demonstrated his technical skills but also showcased his commitment, problem-solving capabilities, and ability to work in diverse teams. This portfolio played a crucial role in securing his position at a tech startup, even though he was competing against candidates with higher degrees.
To effectively build such a portfolio, it’s essential for your child to document every experience, emphasising the skills developed and the impact of their work.
Moreover, a portfolio with a breadth of experience reflects adaptability—a trait highly valued in today’s fast-paced work environments.
The Need for a Network
Building a strong professional network is especially crucial for individuals with a 3rd class degree aiming to secure a job in their desired field.
A strong network provides access to industry insiders, potential mentors, and a wealth of unadvertised job opportunities often referred to as the “hidden job market.”
For instance, it’s through these networks that someone can be recommended for a position that perfectly matches their skills and experiences, bypassing traditional recruitment barriers, or being screened out automatically.
Furthermore, a recommendation from a trusted professional within the network can greatly enhance credibility and distinguish a candidate from the competition, highlighting their practical skills, adaptability, and soft skills that are increasingly sought after by employers today.
Continuous Learning and Skill Development
Emphasise the importance of continuous learning to your child. Encourage them to pursue online courses, and certifications, attend workshops, and engage in professional development opportunities relevant to their career interests.
This commitment to growth demonstrates to employers that your child is genuinely interested in their field and motivated whilst also being capable of overcoming challenges, including any perceived limitations of their degree classification.
Conclusion
While a 3rd class degree might initially seem like a hurdle, work experience can significantly elevate your child’s job prospects. Ultimately, employers care about hiring the best people with the right attitude and set of skills to do the job well. A degree is only one indicator of this. If your child experienced extenuating circumstances during their studies, encourage them to disclose this in their applications to avoid being screened out. Also, as mentioned in this post, not all jobs are advertised, help them build up a professional network to identify hidden job opportunities that won’t be as competitive and ask for referrals from professionals who have seen their portfolio/skills to help them land good jobs despite not having a 2:1 or 1st class degree.
How we can help
We are the UK’s leading graduate career coaching company. We have helped over 5000 students and graduates land graduate-level jobs and boost their career development with our expert career advice. Get in touch to find out how we can help your son or daughter if they can’t get a job.
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