Job Discussion Forums

[twoheaded boy]

I have been lurking for a few months and have found these forums to be an incredibly rich source of information. There is one particular concern that haven�t seen addressed and that is pertinent to my situation. The problem is that I have recently completed the last course of a bachelor�s degree but my university staunchly refuses to handover the diploma until the next scheduled convocation, in late November. When ESL schools state that they require (or prefer) applicants with university degrees, does this mean that they will want to see the actual piece of paper that is handed out on convocation day? I can certainly understand the need to verify an applicant�s claim that he/she is a graduate, but from my experience job hunting here in Toronto for the last few weeks, not one of my potential employers has asked to see this document, and I presume that if they really wanted confirm that I am a legitimate degree-holder, they would simply contact the university and find out for themselves. The reason I bring this up is that I am anxious to join the ESL world as a teacher early this fall, but since I do not currently have my degree in my possession, I would like to know if this is going to cause schools to be unreceptive to me. I suppose the real question is, is it likely that instead of the actual degree, schools (and/or government official who issue work permits) will accept an official letter from the university stating that I have completed all the requirements and my degree will be conferred at the next ceremony, five months from now? Sorry for the wordiness. Thanks in advance for any advice you can offer.

[anospi]

Interesting question. I went travelling through SE Asia to find a job immediately after I gained my CELTA, so I didn't have a copy of that with me. I took certified copies of my degree, and hoped the schools would take my word that I had my CELTA, and they did. I wasn't asked to show my degree at all.

I'm going to Poland to work in September, and haven't been asked to show my degree or CELTA. I know come 2007 I'll most likely be looking for a job elsewhere, so I'd be interested to know - do many places ask to see these things? Will certified copies signed by a JP do?

[Kent F. Kruhoeffer]

Your actual degree is not as important

as the ability to confirm that you have one.


A letter signed & notarized by your uni's registrar on official letterhead

should do the trick for most situations - until the degree arrives.


Contact your registrar and politely ask them to provide this

& make it as easy as possible for potential employers

by including that letter within your application,

rather than waiting to see if they ask for it.





That's what I'd do.




PS:


If you're not sure how to contact the registrar,

just look around on the university's webpage.

There's usually a link containing contact info.

[Glenski]

As far as Japan is concerned, I'll just say "ditto" to what the above posters have written.

[Calories]

If you're going to China, they won't even ask.

[Jetgirly]

My university will give you a letter (if you pay them) that says you have completed the requirements for graduation and your expected date of graduation is XX YY. Usually they stick it in a sealed envelope for you to hand directly to your employer. That being said, the only place that has checked my credentials is a community college that requires a full background check on all their teachers to maintain accreditation.

[anospi]

I was recently asked by my school to bring my original CELTA certificate and a copy of my degree. Fair enough.