<p>I have a 2.8 GPA, but have a year of research experience (engineering related). On top of that, I'm part of a 12 month engineering internship program with a utility company. So far, I have done 9 months.</p>
<p>So with 1 year research + 1 year internship program, would you consider that enough to make up my 2.8 GPA from a mid-low rank engineering school? Opinions please.....</p>
<p>Extra info: EE, Senior, graduating this summer. In case anyone was wondering how I landed an internship despite having a 2.8, when I started the internship program, I had a 3.0 but last semester dragged me down to a 2.8 in which I am on probation, but by the time that ends, I would've already completed my 12 months anyway.</p>
<p>Relevant work experience is very good, especially if your goal after graduation is to start working right away. Your research experience is also a bonus.</p>
<p>Your GPA is not attrocious, but it is certainly on the low side of average for engineering, and definitely below the cut-off for most companies/organizations. You might think about supplementing your cumulative GPA with your major GPA or last 60 credit hour GPA if either or both of those are higher. </p>
<p>Also, you may want to consider getting hired with the company you did your internship with as you will likely stand a much better chance getting hired right away [assuming they were happy with your performance]. Use it as a stepping stone to get in to the company you really want to work for.</p>
<p>Depends on the company and the work. </p>
<p>At large aerospace company (where I worked) your GPA really mattered. We were doing cutting edge engineering and needed engineers who really understood the science of engineering. Your GPA is the best indication of how well you understand engineering. Work experience can vary all over the place (we don’t know exactly what you did in your job and can’t easy evaluate it, therefore, GPA rules!). We also have an HR department that makes the hiring manager stay within the companies guidelines (ie. 3.0 GPA minimum). Even though you might meet the minimum GPA, we would have so many applicants, that the real minimum GPA was more like 3.4 or 3.5. Why consider a sub 3.0 GPA with so may excellant candidates?</p>
<p>Try a smaller company. Probably won’t be as cutting edge (but still could be). Won’t have to meet rigid standards. Also, as pointed out previously, what about the company you interned for?</p>
<p>The most disturbing thing is that your latest grades are lower than your previous average. When I was hiring engineers, I would like to see the GPA rising (or at least the same) as you progressed thru school. That showed that you understood and retained the understanding of the previous material and knew how to apply it. I was very concerned about hiring someone whose grades were going down and wouldn’t usually consider someone like that. Do well your last semester in school to have the best shot at getting the job you want.</p>