Does it matter to employers that you graduate college with honors?

Making straight As is always an admirable thing, you shouldn't do it for an employer. It's impressive, but not vital. Don't take that as an invitation to slack off- there is someone out there who is competing with you who will have all A's and the honors and recognition that goes with it. If you can get all A's, why wouldn't you?

Yes, your grades matter. But many students are so focused on getting all A's that they miss out on opportunities to add value to their resume. Many employers are looking for students to also have valuable internship/work experience. Here are other ways to add to your resume:
- Summer internships
- Leadership roles in student or volunteer organizations
- Study abroad
- Research assistant for a professor or on-campus research center
- Work study jobs

Having owned and operated my own company for 25-years, I can tell you that those who do the best have high intelligence AND the ability to communicate and work well with others AND drive (ambition). I know quite a few "C" college students who are doing quite well and some "A" students who are not. In life, the key thing is to understand and appreciate that everyone has something to offer, and don't be afraid to push yourself intellectually and physically. Also, in the long run, as long as your bills get paid it does not matter what income you make....be a good parent, a good spouse, a good person overall, and the rest will fall into place. Studies show that super successful people share a certain trait...they're all of high integrity.

I graduated Summa cum laude (which is 3.96 or above) with all three of my degrees (and high school) I have found the only time it has ever even been applicable or asked for during a job application (not the interview) is when I was doing accounting and finance work with my Accounting degree. I was valedictorian and Summa cum laude when I received my Bachelors of Science in Information Systems Management and have nearly 34 years of on the job experience and not one person has ever even asked to see my diploma for this degree.

Case in point, I did not and do not get good grade for a job, I get them for my own satisfaction. Knowing I did my best regardless of anyone asking is all that counts to me. It is not by your own measure that you fail but by the preconceived notions someone else imposes on you that you do not succeed.

I often find that it is far harder to impress myself than it is to impress others, because I have much higher standards and exceptions for myself.

I doesn't hurt to graduate with honors. You also want to show employers experience outside of school such as volunteer experience, internships, and hobbies that give them insight into who you are. There is plenty of information online that will help you determine the types of activities you put down.

Also think about your online persona, what you put down in social media lives forever and more and more employers are using social media as part of the selection process.

Not everyone has the ability to be a straight A student. If you have that ability why not always do your best? That said, what employers look for from a new graduate is not just high grades. They want someone who is likable, articulate, smart and most importantly has a good attitude. It is better to have a B+ average and have those other qualities than an A student who doesn't get along well with others. If you can be both an A student and have other redeeming qualities as well that is a home run!

Graduating with honors shows future employers that you excelled academically while in school. This is a trait that shows that you have the potential to excel within your future career. You should continue to keep your bar high as you progress through your academic studies.

I agree that top marks are important for a recent graduate. However, I also strongly agree with a rounded resume which includes other activities that demonstrate your interests and capabilities such as internships, volunteer work, membership in campus/community organizations, and the like. We tend to look at the complete person when recruiting and all of these play a critical role.

Getting good grades is always good but the main idea behind getting good grades is not about future expectations.

You are working in school on variety of subjects that interest you. You should do well because you are interested in the topic or subject and want to excel in it. The grades do not matter.

I know it is sounding like a self-motivation talk but in the long run in every thing in life, only person you need to convince is yourself. Only one you have to compete against is yourself.

In schools, a good way to check that progress or to compete with yourself is by getting good grades.
Do the work, put in the effort, do not worry about the future fruits.

Graduating with honors could potentially grant you access into certain programs an initiatives that are otherwise unavailable to students. Being in the "real world of work" for awhile, I would also advocate for looking beyond grades. While good grades are important, be sure you are also gaining real-life experience during high school and college by doing internships and even working lower-level jobs within the industry you hope to get into one day.

Every job and employer is different, what is required for a job is relevant experience, problem solving nature, Collaboration, Innovative ideas, Communication & ability to think.

Yes. Because you are doing the best possible thing wherever and in whatever you are doing .
Thou it may not count beyond the first job interview, it will demonstrate within you to prove to your capabilities to aim and accomplish the best..

Yes, it matters. You could be inducted into special programs for honor students too

It depends. There have been some company's (management consulting - the top ones) that absolutely look at that in their consideration. I think one's major or study focus is more relevant for the practical job market.

If you're starting out, it gives employers an idea that you're a hard working and follow through, which is a valuable thing. In my experience, it diminishes in importance as you become a mature employee because you'll be judged not on how you do at school, but how you actually get the job at hand done. School is where you'll learn the basics that smart people have already figured out. In many jobs, you're going to be asked to solve problems for which the answers are not in books but that you'll have to apply your attitude and background and approach to solve. So that's where references and interviews come in. And those things are a reflection of what you can bring to the table for you prospective employer.

Grades are important, but they are only one measure of success. They are especially important if you are considering pursuing another degree after an associate's or bachelor's degree, or if honors are a possibility. "Should" you try for straight As is up to you, but the initiative and resilience you will learn by trying, even if you fail to accomplish it, are characteristics of successful people.