Best resume-boosting things to do with my extra time?

Colleges & Universities University of California - Berkeley
1

<p>As I spend the majority of this Christmas break (or winter break for all of you overly-sensitive types) filling out applications and shotgunning my resumes in preparation for next summer, I am realizing that I could really use some resume-boosters. I will have a limited amount of time this semester, so I need to be selective. I’ve currently got a 3.4 gpa, and I have only taken 4 courses – all technical EECS courses. Hopefully my grades are good enough, but I’d like to improve them this Spring.
As far as resume boosters, I am considering a few things:</p>

<p>1) Research
2) Becoming a grader and/or lab assistant
3) Applying for a part-time CS job (added bonus – LOTS OF MONEY!)
4) Volunteering at a local high school to teach/tutor (I have no idea how to go about this one)</p>

<p>Any thoughts? </p>

<p>It is also very important to me that I leave this place with some powerful letters of recommendation. For that reason, I’m thinking about looking more into items 1 and 2 on my list.</p>

<p>Finally, is a 3.4 gpa going to make it hard to get into places? Nobody here really talks specifics about grades, so I have no idea what is normal or acceptable.</p>

2

<p>First two strike me as better options if you’re planning on grad school. The second two would probably be better if you want a job after you get your bachelor’s.</p>

<p>I’m no expert on EECS, but 3.4 feels a bit low for the more competitive graduate programs. I think you’d be in good shape with a 3.6+. But, again, I have very limited knowledge of those majors.</p>

<p>If you want to get a job, don’t worry too much about your GPA. Practical experience will matter far more than the difference between a 3.4 and a 3.8.</p>

3

<p>3.4 EECS from Berkeley is good enough to get you a fairly well paying part time or summer job.</p>

4

<p>3.4 in EECS/CS is not bad at all, it should be more than enough to find a summer position. Of course, try to bring it up if you can.</p>

5

<p>I’d recommend the part-time CS job. As an EECS freshman, you should consider the Cisco summer internship program.</p>

6

<p>Could you elaborate on the Cisco Summer Internship Program, weebly? I tried googling it, but couldn’t find anything meaty.
FYI, I’m also an EECS major, and it seems quite appealing! :D</p>

7

<p><a href=“https://communities.cisco.com/community/general/universityconnection/opportunities/intern_and_co-op[/url]”>https://communities.cisco.com/community/general/universityconnection/opportunities/intern_and_co-op&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;