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Which sectors/companies in the business field ask for grades, which don't?
Im new to the village and I have been reading posts about companies like the Big 4 Firms. There is responses that when hiring, they value class grades specifically in accounting. I was wondering how much importance goes to grades, and if there is any changes in different companies or sectors.
The reason I am asking is because I go to a great school Uc Berkeley, but unfortunately it is very difficult for me and my grades aren't top notch. I come from schools in low income areas that didn't prepare me well for tests. I was smart in my community but here I feel under-qualified competing against the best. Don't get me wrong I learned sooo much in my first year. I'm just worried my grades won't be good enough for a job in the future. Any proffesionals out there who have gotten good jobs with "low" GPA's? Is it true grades matter that much in Business?
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Ashley’s Answer
Hello!
Most companies don't look very closely at your college grades. Instead, focus on networking and building experience through internships and part time jobs.
Most companies don't look very closely at your college grades. Instead, focus on networking and building experience through internships and part time jobs.
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Abby’s Answer
I am in Human Resources and we do not require any verification of grades or GPA. We do ask for transcripts to verify the degree but we dont look at the grades. What we care about is that you have the degree.
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Toshiba L’s Answer
Hi there,
I have been working for almost 30 years of my life and various Industries and roles. I couldn't tell you how many jobs I've had in my life. I've never been asked my GPA or about my college grades.NOT ONCE because it doesn't matters. I think the only time it may matter is if a company is looking to bring you on for an internship with their company. Bottom line is, don't worry about your grades defining future opportunities. If that was the case, I'd be in trouble. Lol
I have been working for almost 30 years of my life and various Industries and roles. I couldn't tell you how many jobs I've had in my life. I've never been asked my GPA or about my college grades.NOT ONCE because it doesn't matters. I think the only time it may matter is if a company is looking to bring you on for an internship with their company. Bottom line is, don't worry about your grades defining future opportunities. If that was the case, I'd be in trouble. Lol
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Dirk’s Answer
Big4 accounting firms, as well as many other big firms, will recruit on campus and will definitely look at your grades in college. Specifically the Big4 firms are hiring you in order to 'rent you out to their clients', charging them a lot of money for your time/work. As a results, they have to hire whom they believe will justify their high rates that they charge to the client.
Imagine you are being hired by one of the Big4 while not being a top student. You will likely have to fill out a profile about your achievements, which is being sent to their client PRIOR to your engagement. The client sees 10 profiles and will pick 5. If everyone else has a comment in their profile about 'top 15% in my class', and yours is NOT showing that, then guess how many clients will ask for you?
BUT: there are many more reasons why they might hire you. If you have a GPA of 3.5, and someone else a 3.7, and both of you apply. If the other candidate only studied, while you worked full time to finance your college, then this is a great bonus for you, as you can signal that you were able to keep a decent GPA AND worked, while the other one only had to study. Also internships (easier to get into), or comparable work experience might open the door for you.
Also, this all basically only applies for your first job. With a few years of job experience, you will be considered a 'lateral hire', vs a 'college recruit'. For laterals, the relevant work experience/successes are way more important than and GPA you ever had. So, if Accounting is your destiny, there are many other firms out there where you can start working even without a top GPA. And if you work hard, gain all the experience you can, then you can apply for those positions at a Big4 where they require Work Experience in a few years.
To answer your original question: Grades are very important, but not the only thing. If you can convince them that you are a hard worker although your grades might not perfectly reflect this (maybe you had to work on other projects/work as well), or have relevant internships, then you will also have a chance.
Imagine you are being hired by one of the Big4 while not being a top student. You will likely have to fill out a profile about your achievements, which is being sent to their client PRIOR to your engagement. The client sees 10 profiles and will pick 5. If everyone else has a comment in their profile about 'top 15% in my class', and yours is NOT showing that, then guess how many clients will ask for you?
BUT: there are many more reasons why they might hire you. If you have a GPA of 3.5, and someone else a 3.7, and both of you apply. If the other candidate only studied, while you worked full time to finance your college, then this is a great bonus for you, as you can signal that you were able to keep a decent GPA AND worked, while the other one only had to study. Also internships (easier to get into), or comparable work experience might open the door for you.
Also, this all basically only applies for your first job. With a few years of job experience, you will be considered a 'lateral hire', vs a 'college recruit'. For laterals, the relevant work experience/successes are way more important than and GPA you ever had. So, if Accounting is your destiny, there are many other firms out there where you can start working even without a top GPA. And if you work hard, gain all the experience you can, then you can apply for those positions at a Big4 where they require Work Experience in a few years.
To answer your original question: Grades are very important, but not the only thing. If you can convince them that you are a hard worker although your grades might not perfectly reflect this (maybe you had to work on other projects/work as well), or have relevant internships, then you will also have a chance.
I appreciate this, thank you for the advice.
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Fred’s Answer
I don't think I have ever had a company look at my grades. They want to know if I graduated and have the degrees I say I have, but that's about it.
It may also vary, depending on how much experience you have. If you are just out of college, you generally don't have any experience, so grades may be used as a substitute. But if you've been doing the work for 10 years, they will most likely be more interested in your career growth (i.e. have you moved up from intern->entry level-> more senior levels, or have you been stagnant in whatever entry level you started at? Can you show you've been given more responsibilities as time has passed? etc.
I can't speak specifically to your industry, but I'd be surprised if it mattered a whole lot.
I'd suggest trying to get summer internships if you can. Your school should have a career center that can help you.
It may also vary, depending on how much experience you have. If you are just out of college, you generally don't have any experience, so grades may be used as a substitute. But if you've been doing the work for 10 years, they will most likely be more interested in your career growth (i.e. have you moved up from intern->entry level-> more senior levels, or have you been stagnant in whatever entry level you started at? Can you show you've been given more responsibilities as time has passed? etc.
I can't speak specifically to your industry, but I'd be surprised if it mattered a whole lot.
I'd suggest trying to get summer internships if you can. Your school should have a career center that can help you.
Thanks for your reply, I see you're a data analyst. But i'd like to ask what is your industry? I took a class on python programming and data, and I am interested in possibly pursuing this field as a minor. I enjoyed running simulations and applying different models to real-life situations. How difficult would you say is it to enter that job market?
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Right now, IT is a great place to get into. My company has hundreds of positions open around the globe. IT is a very diverse industry. Two people with the same title may do very different things, even within the same company. I love where I am and what I do. My company encourages growth, knowledge, learning, inclusivity, and many other such things. This is not uncommon in this field.
Fred Rosenberger
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Ann’s Answer
Hi Ashley! First of all, congrats on your admission to a great school like UC Berkeley.
To answer your question, when applying to job, such as at the Big 4 accounting firm, typically companies and firms will request your college transcript. It is advisable to keep your grades up and to have a stronger GPA; however, grades are not the only determinant of job offers. If your GPA is not as strong, you could potentially play up other aspects like your involvement at an internship, extracurricular involvement, such as role in an honor society/accounting club, undergraduate research, volunteer work, etc. Most recruiters and companies are looking for responsible, hard-working individuals that show drive, dedication, and can be a team player. It really helps to network with the recruiters and company personnel to get a recommendation for a job offer. Another focus can be focusing and emphasizing your prior work experience, such as part-time jobs you've held, and skills you've learned at your part-time jobs or internships. As a minor note, it may help to keep your grades up (doesn't hurt to work to improve your GPA), particularly in your major (sometimes companies place more emphasis on your major gpa).
To answer your question, when applying to job, such as at the Big 4 accounting firm, typically companies and firms will request your college transcript. It is advisable to keep your grades up and to have a stronger GPA; however, grades are not the only determinant of job offers. If your GPA is not as strong, you could potentially play up other aspects like your involvement at an internship, extracurricular involvement, such as role in an honor society/accounting club, undergraduate research, volunteer work, etc. Most recruiters and companies are looking for responsible, hard-working individuals that show drive, dedication, and can be a team player. It really helps to network with the recruiters and company personnel to get a recommendation for a job offer. Another focus can be focusing and emphasizing your prior work experience, such as part-time jobs you've held, and skills you've learned at your part-time jobs or internships. As a minor note, it may help to keep your grades up (doesn't hurt to work to improve your GPA), particularly in your major (sometimes companies place more emphasis on your major gpa).
Thank you, Ann for the advice.
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Adrian’s Answer
Excellent question. The business field is known to have many companies that require applicants to submit their grades or academic transcripts as part of the application process, especially when hiring interns or entry-level employees. Examples of such companies include investment banks, consulting firms, accounting firms, and some technology companies. It is important to note that while grades are significant for some companies, there are many others that do not place as much emphasis on academic performance. It is advisable to research the hiring practices of companies one is interested in to determine if grades play a significant role in their hiring decisions.