If I keep a 3.8 GPA all through college, does that mean I will get a better job?

Question

I mean, if I have the degree who cares what my GPA was right? It's hard to keep it up there.

Answer 1

Congratulations on striving to improve yourself and your opportunities. I know you have worked hard to get where you are and to hold onto that 3.8. In college level courses I know how difficult that is, and I also know how burned out and tired you can get.
Everyone has weakness when it comes to academics. Not everyone is as good as math as english, or in history as in art. Some classes will be a piece of cake and others you pull your hair out trying to keep up and understand everything. Actually this is a good thing, because if everyone could be a doctor, who would build our roads.... :)
I currently am a senior in college, due to finish in Dec 2006. When I began this journey, I had the goal of becoming the oldest graduate with the highest GPA my school has had. It went pretty good for about 2 and half years, until I finally had to take the classes I knew were going to be my weaknesses. They were a waking nightmare. I go full time and with these classes I should have only gone part time so I wasn't stretched too thin. Ahhhh Hind sight, don't you love it....
In any case, I got through them but as a result my GPA dropped from 3.89 to 3.76. I real bummer for the goal I set for myself.
The point here is that while the degree is the ultimate reward, and unless competition for the field your focusing on is high, GPA will only matter to you.
To put your GPA on a resume can be a double edge sword.. Yes, it can give you some leverage, but it also can put you under a microscope to a perspective employer. It can come across as arrogance and that you would be difficult to work with, to learn and to grow within the corporation.
Most often the hiring of positions within the corporate world is defined by the dedication of "sticking it out". Having a BA or and MBA tells the prospective employer that you don't quit, your tenatious and loyal to your cause.
Maintaining your GPA is as important to them as it is to you. So, the question really is: How much do you value you and your education?
The higher your GPA the more you prove in black and white, how important you are to YOU, and that is where the higher GPA really comes in. Your abilities will shine through during the hiring process for you will show an inner confidence and a knowledge about yourself that supports a comfortable and long term relationship with the corporation you work for.
Believe me when I tell you, that goes far and above than a simple # on a resume. That is of course unless you can get the Magna level. If you do, put that at the top, that's impressive.
Remember, when I mentioned the "oldest" of my schools class...
I know what I am talking about...

Good JOB....

Answer 2

It depends on what other type of experience you have. Unfortunately, colleges and universities across the nation do not maintain a standard on what constitutes an A. Even within schools the standard may differ from one professor to another making a college GPA less meaningful than it might be thought to be. However, if your are coming right out of college and you have no other real experience to refer you, an employer might consider your GPA to hold some weight since it is, at least, a signifier of how much effort you put into your work. It is probably better to error on the side of thinking it will help than thinking it won't. At the same time, if you aren't planning on going to a competitive graduate school and you have a lot of other experience to make you a competitive candidate for the position, all you might really need is the degree. It depends on your experience and what the employers in the field look for in an employee. Remember, the trick to getting the job is convincing the employer that you are the best candidate for the position. Anything that would work in your favor to demonstrate this, including a GPA, is going to help.

Answer 3

Higher GPA does mean better opportunity for a job with more prestige and more pay. When you have no significant job experience, the best way for an employer to judge how good of a worker you will be is through your GPA. Given everything else is the same, the person with the higher GPA will get the job every time.

I know it's real hard work to keep your GPA up there all through college, but that's the type of people employers are looking for! Good luck!

Answer 4

So basically, are you asking for permission to slack off? Think of it this way... employers might not look at your GPA, but you will know what you are able to achieve when you work for it.

Furthermore, and I really don't mean to sound preachy, if you ever plan to go back to school to get a higher degree... which often translates into further opportunities or pay raises... you GPA will count.

If you give up because it is hard, then that will set the tone for the rest of your life. Start as you mean to go... but remember that it is easier to get ahead if you already are ahead.

Answer 5

Every interview I've been to since I graduated in May has touched on the subject of GPA. A high GPA means you generally have the work ethic most companies are looking for. The GPA doesn't have to be super-high; I had a 3.4 from Fordham University and that impressed at least one or two of my interviewers.

Answer 6

I've never been asked about my GPA. The only thing is that a good GPA will get you into a better graduate school, which could lead to a better job in the end.

Answer 7

A higher GPA just means you've studied harder, and you're learned the material better. So you won't necessarily get a better job with a higher GPA, but you'll likely do a better job than someone who just skated by, barely getting their degree.

Answer 8

GPA doesn't really matter when it comes to emplyment. But the honors does. If you keep a 3.8 when you graduate you'll get a Magna *** Laud which looks good on a resume/diploma.

Keep it up.

Answer 9

I've never heard an employer ask for the GPA. Most don't really care. As long as you have your degree, then it's fine - you'd be equal to someone who has a higher or lesser GPA.

Answer 10

It certainly helps. That means you are an intelligent person who took the time to apply yourself to your studies. You will probably do the same in the workforce. Even if potential employers don't know your GPA, they will interview you and your potential will come out during the interview. Do some research about a company you want to work for before going for interview. I know you know how, and Good Luck.