Importance of getting a first

[megan]

Hi all,

I was wondering what everyone thinks about how important it is to get a first?

I've come back into third year from a year abroad, and whilst I'm finding it a bit difficult to get back to the swing of things and my concentration span has gone out the window, I came back full of energy to try really hard and aim for a first. I've had a couple of marks back so far which whilst they're not that bad, they're certainly not firsts. But I feel like I've put all I can into assessments and I don't know what more I can do. So maybe I should set my sights on a 2:1 instead and not continually feel disappointed in myself. I know a first obviously makes you stand out a lot, but in reality how important is it? Will not getting a first put me at a disadvantage? I'm not wanting to go into academia.

Thanks in advance for your opinions.

[Captain Slow]

Many of the graduate jobs require a 2:1, a 1st will just make you a more attractive proposition in the same way that extracurricular activities would. Thats my experiene anyway.

Aim for a 1st, be happy with a 2:1.