Should I mention in my cover letter that I am the first in my family with a university degree?

Application Cover letter
New answer on Dec 30, 2020
8 Answers
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Anonymous A asked on Nov 24, 2020

Hi all,

I just graduated with highest distinction. At the same time, I am the first in my familiy who has earned a university degree. Should I mention this in my cover letter? If so, in what way?

Thanks,
Lukas

(edited)

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Udayan
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Content Creator
replied on Nov 24, 2020
Top rated Case & PEI coach/Multiple real offers/McKinsey EM in New York /12 years recruiting experience

Yes it is a great achievement congratulations!

I would mention it with context though, depending on how you are structuring your cover letter. It can be part of your intro or the part about the skills and qualities you will bring to the firm

Best,

Udayan

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Adi
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replied on Nov 24, 2020
Accenture, Deloitte | Precision Case Prep | Experienced Interviewer & Career Coach | 15 years professional experience

Absolutely yes if it fits the story you are trying to tell. Go a step further & show what "being the first to get Uni degree" taught you or how did this help you inspire others/help community...you get the point I hope.

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Gaurav
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replied on Nov 24, 2020
#1 Career Coach for Aspiring, Practicing & Ex-Consultants|The Only 360° Coach - Ex-Mckinsey, Certified Coach & Recruiter

If it fits to the story of your success and how your background and qualities perfectly fit into consulting, then why not.

In what specific way - to answer this question I wish to know more about yourself and your background.

Do you have any further questions?

GB

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Ian
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replied on Nov 24, 2020
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi Lukas,

Absolutely! I think it is indeed a 'mention' in that it should take just 1 line and be woven into your overall story (i.e. it has to fit the flow/theme). But yes, absolutely. I can see it fitting into a paragraph about drive/amibition/hardwork.

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Vlad
Expert
replied on Nov 24, 2020
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School

Hi,

I don't see any reason why you should not mention this. However, honestly, they don't pay much attention to cover letters, so there will be no real benefits

Best

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Antonello
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replied on Dec 30, 2020
McKinsey | NASA | top 10 FT MBA professor for consulting interviews | 6+ years of coaching

Hi, I confirm it can be present as a proud achievement

Best

Antonello

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Clara
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Content Creator
replied on Nov 26, 2020
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

Congrats for that.

I would say that it depends on how relevant this is on your story.

CLs are always different, you need to see what is it that you want to tell, and which are the best supporting arguments.

Best,

Clara

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Anonymous replied on Nov 25, 2020

It's not going to make much difference in the invitation decision, but it also doesn't do any harm ;)

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Udayan gave the best answer

Udayan

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Top rated Case & PEI coach/Multiple real offers/McKinsey EM in New York /12 years recruiting experience
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