Expert: Dr. Joseph de Beauchamp - 6/26/2006

Question
Dear Dr. Joseph,

What is the difference between a degree that offers just "Bachelor" to a degree that offers "Bachelor of Arts (Hons.)"?

My friend wishes to study Bachelor of Commerce but he's worried that the degree is less valuable in the work force because it doesn't come with an "honour".  Please explain.

What must he do to get a Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) if there is such a thing?

Thanks.

Ang

Answer
Ang

I think what is meant by this is grade point average. Overseas, where I got my last several degrees, I received honors because I did a prefect 4.0 or A. I think that USA universities can also do this. When I received my first masters degrees in the USA, it was also noted as honors for this degree in the USA. I think employers do look at this, but not very much anymore. Employers are more interested in your ability for revenues and net profit. Make sure that you can explain the benefits of hiring you to an employer is the most important thing.

I got a degree from Trinity in honors, and this means that I can bring to you one billion dollars in revenue ---this is what I mean here. Benefits are key to explain to the employers nowdays.

I place people as an executive head hunter, a billion dollar fortune 500 company with 1100 offices in 38 countries, and we just increased our net profits by 50% last year --so, explain the benefits is always most important. They would not care if you had a PhD from Oxford with honors.

Dr. Joseph de Beauchamp