How important is GPA for employers?

[iwishiknew]

I will be graduating this Decemeber and I know my GPA will be under 3.0:sad: I was wondering how important is GPA for employers?

[purpleduckie]

do you have any experience?

[redhearts]

I guess it depends on your major. I know for interior design, for example, doesn't really matter so much the school, but the portfolio you have.

[i_win]

The fact is that your GPA will lock you out of certain jobs regardless of anything else. Employers want to see that you can commit yourself to something and do it well. I have even seen my own employers go through resumes and separate them based on resumes and the low GPA resumes simply got thrown out.

 

That said, I didn't put my GPA on my resume and some employers didn't bother to ask or if they did were still impressed with other things...so I do think there are some employers out there that will overlook it...but they are few and far between and you have unfortunately locked yourself out of some of the higher paying jobs out of the gate.

 

Later on though with enough experience...it doesn't even come up in interviews or conversation. I'm glad I don't have to revisit that subject again and let my work and experience speak for itself.

[COtuner]

Depends on the job you are going to do. Some employers have minimum requirements for certain types of roles. In my field, for example, even with 2 degrees and 17 years of experience, I had gpa come up in one job description recently (asking for a 3.5 minimum).

 

This is only for my industry though - might be different in others.

[Cognitive_Canine]

Depends on the school and your major.

 

At my school, you're freaking lucky if you get a 3.0 as a bio major.

[rocio]

It only matters for the first job, if you're going into a profession with a school recruitment program. After that, no one will want to see it.

 

What is your major?

[denise_14]

Depends on the employer and the kind of job you'll be applying for. Different employers and positions have varying requirements and standards. Some don't really require a very high grade. If you have experience on a part time job and you have good referrals, or if you have engaged in worthwile extra currirular activities in school, this might compensate for a relatively low GPA. Employers are now realizing that grades are not the sole basis for hiring employees.

[annie24]

depends..... you may need to bring that GPA up. i think once you have a few years of work experience and good recommendations, the GPA will not be as important.

[thejigsup]

I'm in education and GPA is very important. If you want to teach, of course they look at your GPA, and your portfolio!

[StrawberryYogurt]

3.0 is a common cutoff so it will hurt your chances, but it's not all doom and gloom either. However, the economy the way it is, would've been better for you to have gotten a higher GPA.

[gbpack]

dont sweat it man... i have like a 2.75 in college i am graduating in january with a business degree from a difficult business school..so i have had many interviews already not to mention i work 35 hours a week... only 1 job has asked me for my GPA... I think its stupid to look at GPA because school just isnt for some people like me or at least it doent motivate me very much... work does and making money does motivate me... just because you have a GPA under 3.0 doesnt mean the person with the higher GPA will be a better fit than you... i guess it just all depends on the job... for business degrees i dont think it matter too much

[jcrisph]

I guess it depends on your major. I know for interior design, for example, doesn't really matter so much the school, but the portfolio you have.

true 3 years of graphic design here before i changed my major and everything was about the portfolio