How to Get a Job with a 2.2 or 3rd Class Degree in Ghana

Graduating from the university with a 2.2 or 3rd class degree isn’t the end of the world. However, it can be demoralizing, but you can make the best out of the situation.

The dream of every student is to graduate with a first-class, or second class upper honours. Unfortunately, so many factors impede the performance of students while in school.

The prospect of getting a job with a poor result might be slim, however, there are over thousands of graduates in Ghana who have gotten a job with poor results. So, if you’ve been feeling sad over your poor grades, there is good news for you.

You are not a product of your grade. Don’t let your poor grades define who you are. The first thing you need to do is to believe that your grade isn’t a determinant factor of the height you can attain in life. So many graduates with 2.2 or 3rd class degree are doing exceptionally well.

How to Get a Job with a 2.2 or 3rd Class Degree in Ghana

In as much as graduating with a poor result can make job hunting difficult, there are things you can do with your 2.2, 3rd class or pass degree that’ll help you get a job faster than people who graduated with good grades.

Generally, there’s a high unemployment rate in Ghana. Even to the extent that first class and second class upper graduates are finding it difficult to get good jobs.

If you graduated with a 2.2, 3rd class or pass degree in Ghana, here are the things you must do to increase your chances of getting jobs.

1. Change Your Attitude

I know that graduating with a poor grade can cause psychological and emotional damage. However, if you really want to achieve your dreams you need to put up a positive attitude.

Most people go into depression once they realize they are graduating with a 2.2 or 3rd class degree. You need to work on your attitude first if you need to be successful. So let go of your depression.

At this point, you can’t change your grade. It’s time to pick yourself up and believe that you can achieve your dreams irrespective of your grade.

2. Get Certifications

One way of boosting your CV despite your grade is by obtaining certifications. There are so many short courses with certifications that can have a positive impact on your CV.

Some of these courses can be obtained online or offline. These courses are relatively inexpensive but they look good on paper. Explore some and choose a few courses to take.

Being certified in something might give you an edge over other job applicants even though you graduated with a second class lower or third class degree.

3. Get a Masters Degree

Getting a higher degree can boost your chances of getting a job in Ghana. If you can afford a masters degree, then you should go all out for it.

Some universities in Ghana accepts a 2.2 and 3rd class degree holder. While some will accept you, others will only require you to pass a test to enter. A postgraduate course is a way to give yourself a second chance.

A lot of people decide late into University on what they actually want to spend the rest of their lives doing, so this might cause them not to do as well. If this sounds like you, then you should consider a postgraduate study on the course of your choice and focus so you can come out on top.

4. Gather Experience

Aside from academic qualification, one thing that most companies consider when hiring is an experience. While academic excellence tells them you’re smart, experience tells them that you know what you’re doing.

You might ask how do I gather experience? One way of doing that is by volunteering. There are so many NGOs in Ghana, where you can gather experience while volunteering. Don’t just be ideal, work on yourself.

5. Write A Killer CV

One of the things that you need to get a job is a well-written CV. Despite your class of degree, you need to write a convincing CV for your prospective employer.

In fact, much emphasis is placed now on skills than the class of degree. I know your class of degree might give you an interview invite, but it won’t always offer you a job. As a 2.2 or 3rd class graduate with a lot of experience and certification, you stand a better chance of getting that job over a 2.1 or say first-class graduate.

6. Entrepreneurship

Despite your class of degree, you can be an employer of labour. Entrepreneurship doesn’t consider your class of degree.

If everyone fails to believe in you, then it’s time to believe in your abilities. A lot of people have turned the challenge that is graduating with a 2.2 or 3rd class into something to motivate them to build empires. You can do it too. Start small and work hard.