Dissapointing finance Masters result,what now?

EamoS

As the title suggests, I recently received my final results of my masters, which were disappointing. Although the program does not grade results in terms of 1.1, 2.1 etc. my results were below average. I'm not sure how relevant this is, but I only got a 2.2 in my undergrad due to a poor dissertation, and to my frustration it was again a poor dissertation in my masters which dragged down my result!

Anyway, now I'm very annoyed that I let myself down twice, but I'm also very worried about my career prospects due to these results. Exactly how concerned with results are companies? For me it seems like the be all and end all, because without a 2.1 it's difficult to get your foot in the door anywhere. I spoke to the careers counseller in college, and he suggested that I only mention the "highlights" on my C.V.. This seems a bit decietful though?

This is probably a bit all over the place, so I'll try to sum it up. I think I'd like feedback on two things, firstly I suppose I would like opinions on the bearing of college results on future careers, and secondly bearing in mind I studied finance, I would like to know what my options are now?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

AARRRGH

Don't put your grades on your CV. Just put down you have a degree and a masters.

If they ask what your grades were (unlikely) you can say second class honours. You don't have to say you did badly or are disappointed with your result.

micdug

Given you have underperformed in both your primary and your masters degree (underperforming over 6 years), perhaps you need to seriously reflect whether this is the career path for you. College results do have a bearing on job performance, particularily in finance, they ask for results for a reason!
It does not get easier when you get the job so being economical with the truth will not help. If you do somehow get the job, you will probably underperform in your role which will lead to a life of stress, under-achievment and negative work experiances which is not a nice place to be.
My two cent - talk to a better career guidance counseller (pay if nec, its a bigh decision), and perhaps look at some aptitude tests. You might find something out there you can be successful at, and will have a better life for it. Otherwise you are storing up a career crisis.

EamoS

micdug wrote: »

Given you have underperformed in both your primary and your masters degree (underperforming over 6 years), perhaps you need to seriously reflect whether this is the career path for you. College results do have a bearing on job performance, particularily in finance, they ask for results for a reason!
It does not get easier when you get the job so being economical with the truth will not help. If you do somehow get the job, you will probably underperform in your role which will lead to a life of stress, under-achievment and negative work experiances which is not a nice place to be.
My two cent - talk to a better career guidance counseller (pay if nec, its a bigh decision), and perhaps look at some aptitude tests. You might find something out there you can be successful at, and will have a better life for it. Otherwise you are storing up a career crisis.

Hmmm, maybe that's what I need to do. But I'm not sure. Firstly, I hadn't mentioned this but my undergrad and masters(which was only 12 months by the way) wre in two different things. My Bachelors was in Surveying in Bolton St.
Secondly, as I mentioned, my overall result was hindered by a poor dissertation on both instances. I had been on a 2.1 up to that in both the bachelors and masters.
I've done a couple of aptitude tests throughout the years and have shown a strong quantitative capability. Had to to the GMAT as well, scored 680 which was enoguh to get me in to the Masters anyway. To be honest I know that's not the reason why I underperformed, if anything the real reason is because I'm lazy and procrastinate. So if I wasnt cut out for finance, that would probably be the reason, I definitely couldnt be a trader that's for sure!

In fact I think that's one of the reasons I think I posted this is because I'm kind of unsure of what options I have. I mean I could do the CFA's and have no problem passing the first 2 levels, I had a look at the syllabus and the masters covered most of it, bar the ethics/corporate responsibility. But as I mentioned I dont reckon I have it in me to be a trader, I reckon I would get sick of it fairly quickly or get burnout.

So what other options are there in finance beside trading? Obviously corporate finance but what else? Can I ask what your background is yourself Micdug?

Priapus

Hey!

I was in the exact same boat as you a few years back. Ignore what micdug said. It's rubbish. Just cause you didn't get top marks in Uni doesn't mean you should turn your back on a career you've being hoping to get into. You already have a more qualifications than a lot of people in banking.

After a couple of years experience you are not asked for Uni results. You are asked about your experience. I agree with the poster that said something like write "Honours" for your degree...eg --> BSc. Surveying (Honours). And then...MSc. Finance...leave the grade out. Nothing wrong with that.

Incidentally, you will NOT walk through Level 1 & 2 of CFAs. Don't be fooled by reading the curriculum. These exams are hardcore!

Priority now, should be to try and get your foot in the door of a company in the banking industry, doesn't particularly matter about the role, the way things are at the moment. And gain a bit of experience.

Best of luck.

micdug

Priapus wrote: »

Hey!

I was in the exact same boat as you a few years back. Ignore what micdug said. It's rubbish. Just cause you didn't get top marks in Uni doesn't mean you should turn your back on a career you've being hoping to get into. You already have a more qualifications than a lot of people in banking.

After a couple of years experience you are not asked for Uni results. You are asked about your experience. I agree with the poster that said something like write "Honours" for your degree...eg --> BSc. Surveying (Honours). And then...MSc. Finance...leave the grade out. Nothing wrong with that.

@ Priapus, How can you know that you were in the exact same scenario based on a few lines... every scenario is different. In any case I did not tell him to turn his back on a career in banking, I asked him to reflect on it if he struggled academically with finance - I also said probably. Too many people do what you suggest and end up unhappy and unsatisfied in their role just because it is related to their qualifications and don't do a reality check.
HR are not idiots, and with the small number of hires this year (if any) they will be taking the top performers and double checking everything. And with graduates the only thing they can really use is raw exam results.

Anyway, the OP added useful information in his second post. A GMAT of 680 is very respectable, but you have touched on the root of your problem, procrastination. Procrastination is not laziness, but rather a cognitive state of mind which can be relatively easily sorted. Funny enough jobs like trading may suit procrastinators because it is action orientated - you can only put off what can be put off, and trading is in real time, if you get me. You may only be suffering student syndrome and I hate to do this, because it is common for procrastinators to have a pile of (unread)time management books but get David Allens book Getting things done. - this has transformed some peoples careers. I'd also suggest getting coaching once you land a job - it can be very useful if you find yourself slipping back into bad habits. But this is something you will need to confront in any career you choose. Get it sorted now, and life will be less stressful and the chances of a successful career is vastly improved.

As for options for finance grads, there are plenty of routes, it's a great qualification that opens many doors, though obviously the market is tighter now. Just find a career that plays to your strengths rather then weaknesses - more action/process orientated than task orientated.

qwytre

I wouldn't be too worried, the main thing is you have a masters under your belt. I also had a crappy thesis result in my Masters years ago and I think I ended up with a 2.2 type of Masters if I remember right although I had a good undergrad.

Your education results are only good for getting you in the door. After that they count for nothing in terms of getting on well and getting promoted etc. It is all about what you do in the job.