I Haven’t Officially Obtained My Degree. Will That Hinder My Ability To Find A Job?
I just recently “graduated” from college; I walked in the ceremony. I still have two courses, or four credits left to complete to obtain my degrees. My majors were Forensic Science and Chemistry. The classes I have left to take are a computer course on how to use Office applications (yawn) and a lab, which I already took, yet have an incomplete for since I failed to complete all the work for it. Basically, I’m not going to learn anything new by taking these courses.
I’m very competent. I graduated with honors and have even done research on my own. I wanted to know if not officially having my degree will affect my ability to get a job, or would most employers overlook that fact since I am obviously skilled. I also don’t want to get caught in a lie if I am offered a postion somewhere, so when is the best time to bring this information up, and how should I do it (interview, cover letter)?
Thanks a lot.
As an employer, I want a college graduate not an almost graduate! I would question why someone did not follow through. You did not graduate with honors if you still have two classes to complete. you cannot lie about it either. Nowadays, employers do background checks and people are not hired when they lie on their resume. In fact, there is a recent case where MIT discovered the Director of Admissions lied on her resume, and she was fired after years on the job when the lies were discovered. Take the classes–you will be glad you did!
Cover it in your resume. Say 2 courses left and that you will take them in night school. and yes, it will hinder you.
Take the course work, the sooner the better. At most schools earning a degree is under a contract that has a time limit.
If you don’t get those course soon; you could end up needing 12 to 16 hours to get your degree.
Walking the ceremony is not part of your official transcript! You have not “graduated with honors” because you have not graduated.
When an potential employer looks at your credentials and compares them to a “real” graduate, who do you think will get the job.
Your resume should contain this information.