How important are college grades when going out into the workforce to look for a job?

Question

This has been a question on my mind for a long time....hopefully someone who's had experience outside of college can give me a heads up. This doesn't mean I'm slacking off, I just want to know if it's all that important. I'm taking management, so I'm not sure if the GPA is as important in my major as it is in others. Thanks! :)

Answer 1

GPA is important if you ever want to get your masters or more, or make it to the school's dean list. But when applying for a job, I believe that how you portray yourself during the interview and how much work experience you've had while in college compare to other recent graduates is the most important.

Answer 2

Although grades can display one's skills & abilities for particular subject matter, sometimes grades may have been fraudulently acquired (eg. cheating & free riding off others).
Grades are sometimes used by managers &/or recruitment agencies as a quota/cut-off mechanism.
Such as those with grades under X will not be recruited.
But using such discriminating practices is illegal.
Those seeking employment should be based on their ability to do the job he/she is applying for.
I would rather have someone working for me that not only could do the job, but most importantly really wanted the job. Those others who apply or got the job because of the status &/or their grades can become a liability rather than an asset. Should this higher-grade person turn out to be the wrong candicate for the position - the additional cost of the the recruitment process affects the bottom line of the company (including re-advertising the position, recruitment & selection, induction training etc etc). Not to mention the lost productivity from the position in question, as well as the time required by those recruiting (eg. HR Manager &/or staff). Wages are still paid...

Answer 3

Semper, It always amazes me the knowledge base of high school students. The experience they have about the military branches could probably fill a thimble. Don't listen to their inept discussions about your future plans. More importantly is your parents not wanting you to go. Why? Have you sat down with them and found out what reasons they have for not wanting you to go? Normally parents don't want their children to join because they 1. Don't want them to leave home and 2. Don't want them to die. (both good reasons) Your parents have probably heard the same things that everyone else is telling you and are concerned. You say you want to help, figure out how you can do that (talk to your Marine recruiter as they can help you with this.) Once you have done that sit down and have a mature discussion with your folks. They may never like it but they should respect that you are growing up and will eventually make decisions that they don't like. As for the loser part. The life of a Marine isn't easy, and there are some who are screw ups. However over 90% of Marines are very successful. While you won't make any "quick" money you will have a consistant pay check and the opportunity to further your education. I have a Bachelors degree and every enlistment have turned down several high paying job opportunities to stay in. I can always get out and make money but I can only be a Marine once. Hope this helps Good Luck

Answer 4

For me, my GPA gave me an edge that impressed those I interviewed with. It showed that I was a hard worker and willing to go the extra mile to achieve. I believe that I got my first job because of it. However, now that I have five years of work experience, I doubt that when I change jobs and go through the interview process again my college GPA will matter as much. Instead, my work references and record will probably hold more weight.

Answer 5

It depends on where you are applying for a job. I worked for International Paper (a large Fortune 100 company) for 17 years and their policy was to hire only from select schools and then only applicants who had a 3.5 GPA. Of course there were exceptions to these guidelines, but it certainly made it easier for the well qualified candidate. Some of the people I hired had 4.0 GPA's.

Answer 6

The degree and impression made during the interview process matters far more... I've never known an employer to look at grades (unless perhaps it's a teaching position)

Answer 7

Well its always better if you do have better grades than others, as bosses will tend to choose people who seem more academic to do whatever that job is. They would want someone who does higher quality of work as possible for that same amount of money as a lesser person of quality get.

Answer 8

Just need to show the degree...never heard of an employer looking at the grades or asking for a transcript

Answer 9

Most companies I know ask for their applicants for their Transcript of Records. They wouldn't ask for this if this would not play a role in recruitment and hiring.

Answer 10

i think it is in great importance so the personnel knows where is your most ability lies..they can point out direction on your future progress within the company..