I know it's a stupid question, but I have reasons to ask this. I have a 4.0 in Electrical Engineering (103 hours so far) and it really doesn't seem to matter to anyone.
For instance, my friend and I both applied for this Co-Op and he got called back. I'm happy for him, but the thing is....his resume wasn't well put together, his gpa is significantly lower, has less awards, and we have the same work experience. I'm also a member of IEEE and National Society of Black Engineers (this had me wondering...).
I also applied for a General Academic Scholarship and wasn't awarded it this year for some reason. I was awarded one last year, so I figured that it'd be renewed this year (I updated the essay that I wrote for last year so I don't know what could have deterred it).
So yeah, does a 4.0 turn off some people? I'm sure that it'll be good when I'm applying for Graduate school, but right now it doesn't seem to matter to anyone.
2007-06-25 06:22:49 · 5 answers · asked by Galbadian 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Engineering
First of all, congratulations on the good grades. That being said, engineering is based on the practical application of science. Key word here is practical. Being book smart isn't enough. I've seen people with 4.0 averages that weren't able to cut it as engineers and people with 2.5 averages that were outstanding engineers.
The reason for this is that engineers design things. No one buys test results, awards, and research papers. Companies can't sell them, companies need to sell products. And where do products come from? Engineers design them. Bottom line here is that GPA MIGHT help you get your first job, after that no one cares.
A lot of weight in the hiring process is put on practical application of your book learning. I know this from first hand experience; I have interviewed probably several hundred engineers in my career and have been responsible for hiring quite a few. I also know from first hand experience about the GPA issue too. I was one of the "significantly lower" than 4.0 GPA people of which you speak, but I was hired right out of school by a major electronics company that I'm sure you've heard of (starts with "M") because they were more interested in my outside experience in radio repair and broadcasting than my grades.
2007-06-26 01:54:33 · answer #1 · answered by John F 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
To some companies (i.e. Sandia National Laboratories) a lot of 'weight' is placed on GPA when selecting candidates (you also need a Master's degree, minimum). Other prestigious companies will want to have the 'cream of the crop' when hiring engineers. Part of the 'prestige' of these companies *is* the fact that they only hire the top 1% of graduating engineers.
But, I have also heard, first-hand, some hiring managers at 'normal' companies say they would not choose a person with a 4.0. They (at least 2 that I have spoken with) cite they want an engineer with less perect theoretical and more practical knowledge. Or... maybe ... they just want someone who isn't as smart as they are (or as smart as they *think* they are).
My personal opinion: If you can keep a 4.0 through your bachelor's degree -- that's pretty cool. If I were a hiring manager (might be within the next few years), I would put a lot of weight on a 4.0.
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2007-06-25 06:47:08 · answer #2 · answered by tlbs101 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is never one aspect that gives an overall advantage in the engineering market. Personality, work ethic and problem solving skills are also examined for possible job inductees. A company needs employees that "mesh" well with their current operations.
A high GPA is great, but don't get fixated on it.
Join the many other engineering organizations, like robotics, that require teamwork and not just filling a seat every couple months in a meeting.
Oh, and perhaps the reason your friend got the job is because he merely called back to check up on the position. The "call back" move really helps to show your interest in the open position.
Good Luck!
2007-06-25 09:25:04 · answer #3 · answered by David T 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have talked to a couple hiring managers who say they like to see a high GPA but they are wary of that because it often means you spent a lot of time in your room studying and not a lot of time out in the world getting practical knowledge. Of course, a high GPA doesn't hurt if you can prove you have people skills and actual work experience.
2007-06-25 09:04:24 · answer #4 · answered by Tom 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
doesn't turn ME off! What school are you at? Do you have a specialty?
2007-06-25 07:17:57 · answer #5 · answered by Hgldr 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋