Ching Ting
Does GPA really matter in the job market?
I often feel stressed out and anxious over midterms and papers because I am afraid of getting bad grades. However, it takes so much of my time to do my school work that I even feel that doing exercise, cooking healthy meals, doing chores or meeting my friends are all a waste of time. Is GPA really so important, especially for future job search? How could I become less perfectionistic and take better care of myself when school work becomes overwhelming? #career #career-counseling #time-management #college-advice #academic-advising #career-advice #personal-development
4 answers
Luis "Lou" Herrera
Luis "Lou"’s Answer
Yes, it matters.
It isn't the only thing that matters, but it matters.
Think of it from the point of view of and employers: you have two equally qualified candidates. One has a 2.8 GPA, the other has a 3.4. Which would you rather hire?
GPA is not a measure of smarts. GPA "tells" you how hard someone work in school, thus giving you a supposed idea of how hard they will work for you.
It matters.
Julayne Thomas
Julayne’s Answer
Yes, it matters but there are other factors to consider. How good are your critical thinking and problem solving skills?? How well do you do in a team? Can you take the initiative on a project? These are important as well.
Ken Simmons
Ken’s Answer
Hi Ching Ting!
GPA is important. As you progress in life and in your career, your will always be monitored, and your performance level will determine much about your future. Employers and colleges have little to go on as a way of evaluating your level of performance and commitment and dedication to your task, so GPA, as it is about the only thing that they have upon which to evaluate you, becomes very important.
Let me know if and how this might help. Keep me posted. I would like to follow your progress.
Daniel Brown
Daniel’s Answer
I completely agree with Luis. It is a very important metric that employers use to separate different potential candidates, but it is not the only factor. I think what also matters in conjunction with the GPA is the associated major. At least at UC Berkeley, some majors are considered harder to get a higher GPA in (i.e. Engineering, Computer Science) and a lot of employers know this and take this into consideration.