Low first-year GPA: unemployed for life?

augustuscaesar · 05-19-2009, 03:09 AM

Hi,

My first-year GPA is very low because of very stupid time management choices and confusion over my goals. But, now that I have a clear goal in mind I feel that my GPA's too low. I'm also afraid that it will drag down my GPA even if my future courses are much higher.

Is there anyway to present my GPA is a fashion that will mitigate its weight on first year? Say when I graduate should I use my senior GPA instead?

Is there a threshold for which employers will stop looking at your GPA? (just as for Ivy Leagues they tend to stop comparing GPA over 95% or something)

Thanks

Packers1 · 05-19-2009, 12:11 PM

Being one of the folks who sits on the other side of the desk during interviews, I can tell you that for 95% of the jobs out there, you will be fine. Remember, as an employer I care about making money and GPA doesn't mean much when it relates to how much you are going to be able to help me do that.
I would say that GPA counts for less than 25% (I interview primarily for engineering and sales jobs and I have a threashold of 3.0GPA). If youy are over the threashold you make the first cut. Then, I may give you a little bump in my head if you are over a 3.5GPA.

The big, important thing in interviews is your ability to present yourself and create a convincing story of why you are going to be worth my inversting time and effort in training you (since we have to beat all the schooling out and replace it with realworld info).
Communication skills are significantly more important than GPA.
Your perceived ability to work on a team is also a big factor, since your are almost always going to be part of a larger group working on things. I also put a significant weight in your ability to demonstrate an ability to have some unique, creative thoughts. I want people who are going to be able to figure out a new way to do things, not just use the same old methods (there is no competitive advantage in doing that). We are always trying to innovate in all of our processes and I need people who can do that.

In summary: your GPA is fine. Go back to work and you'll be just fine.

pbg · 05-20-2009, 03:14 PM

Are you serious? Get a grip...

hmom5 · 05-20-2009, 08:44 PM

Packers presents good information for many jobs. For others, however, without a certain GPA you won't get an interview. In my organization, depending on the college, it will typically take a 3.5 minimum to get an interview unless you bring something extraordinary to the table. If freshmen year was a problem and you did extremely well for the last 3 years we may overlook it if you bring something we want.

Japher · 05-20-2009, 11:13 PM

Well, if you do fine the last 3 years the GPA should be so horrible.

The best way to present your GPA in a fashion that won't make it look awful is to omit it. With that said, you will need something awesome there if you omit the gpa, so do that.

Mr. Bojangles · 05-21-2009, 06:46 AM

Best way to present your gpa:

Use your major gpa. Usually there's barely a few major classes you're taking your first year, thus it's much easier to bring this up than your cumulative.

It is do-able. I've already raised my gpa 1.2 points in 3 semesters

hmom5 · 05-21-2009, 03:32 PM

Do you guys think employers are stupid? If someone has their major GPA on their resume the first question I'm going to ask is what their overall GPA is with the full expectation I'm about to hear a number considerably lower.

sefago · 05-21-2009, 06:50 PM

^yeah we do

I think the reason most people put down their Major GPA is to show that they are good at what they do. Most people's GPA are reduced by prerequistes and mistake classes they took in college.

hmom5 · 05-21-2009, 07:49 PM

Quote:

most people put down their Major GPA

Not true of most I see.

Polo08816 · 05-21-2009, 07:52 PM

Quote:

Most people's GPA are reduced by prerequistes and mistake classes they took in college.

Yes. That typically happens when liberal arts majors choose science and intro level engineering classes.
Science and engineering majors typically use prerequistes and electives to boost up their cumulative GPAs.

pkp20 · 05-21-2009, 08:57 PM

**** no a Low first year gpa doesn't doom you for life. I have a crappy 3.3 first year gpa but thats not enough to stop me from being successful. Grades aren't everything. Have you ever heard anyone say "its not what you know its who you know"? Its true. Even with a less than steller gpa you can play up your strengths, and once you get that first job gpa doesn't matter anymore.

eva10127 · 05-22-2009, 12:08 PM

I usually put down my overall gpa and I do label it: Overall GPA: x.x/4.0

MCS5280 · 05-25-2009, 01:08 PM

Your life is over.