Me and my friend are engineering students, and getting decent grades in our school is very difficult, and grades are not an accurate representation of how well we know the material (we're at a big school that doesn't care about our well being...) Anyway, we were wondering if any of you could give us some information regarding the role GPAs play in getting a job. Any information you can give would be great. Thanks!
2006-11-02 04:38:31 · 7 answers · asked by D 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
It sounds like you are a Rutgers Engineering student. I went to Rutgers and the Engineers had the hardest time of anyone. If you aren't from Rutgers at least you know you are not alone.
2006-11-02 04:45:13 · answer #1 · answered by Wanderer 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, you're currently students, so your GPA is going to be one of the biggest things you have going for you to secure the best internships and initial employment opportunities. Due to demand, some industries are more forgiving, and you can ultimately still become an engineer with average grades.
As you progress in your career, nobody will care what grades you earned in college, as your employment history and achievements will more than represent your capabilities.
However right now it's about resume building, and you'll have to put a greater effort in your academics so that your resume isn't overlooked when submitted amongst a diverse pool of students who are pulling 3.5's and better.
Also, depending on your school's reputation, that may give you a bit more leverage in your job search, as you might be able to secure employment simply through your university's affiliation.
I'd suggest joining some professional engineering organizations, and doing a great deal of networking.
GPA can definitely matter, but so does who you know. :)
2006-11-02 12:48:34 · answer #2 · answered by Janx 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't look at GPA too seriously. I never think about it unless it is on the resume. (Actually saw someone put a 3.0 on the resume, why I don't know) Anyhow, if it is bad just don't advertise it. Now the thing is that as an engineer it may be more important. I hire manufacturing personnel for biotech. Engineer hiring managers may be more interested in GPA due to the need to understand all the engineering concepts.
2006-11-02 12:46:05 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well let me put it this way. If you start you cover letter to an employer with "me and my friend" it will not matter what you GPA is if you can not speak or write proper English!!!
It should say: "My friend and I are .... "
Also, all of the engineers that I know are very smart, with very high IQ's, so in your field I would say that it is VERY important.
2006-11-02 12:44:29 · answer #4 · answered by tonks_op 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In my opinion, grades and GPA only counts in getting your first job. After that, the major criterion would be work experience and the values and practical lessons learnt while on the job.
2006-11-02 12:44:29 · answer #5 · answered by ludacrusher 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on what type of field you're going into.
Yes, I would think engineering would rank high as one of those fields where your GPA would be given the once-over. As well as medical and accounting fields.
2006-11-02 12:54:33 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
"We're at a big school that doesn't care about our well being..."
Whatever... it won't be your grades it will be your bad attitude that hurts your job prospects.
2006-11-02 12:40:52 · answer #7 · answered by HMMMMMM 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋