So. I guess the best place to start is to state that I’m a non-traditional student. I had a full-time career for almost a decade before getting into engineering school (though it wasn’t anything ~spectacular~, just operations manager at a mid-size hotel) and am now co-owner/manager of a small business (that is totally unrelated to engineering.)
I had great ACT scores (34 overall,) did really well in my associate’s degrees (both AA and AS 3.5 GPA.) Got A-B-A in the calc 1-2-3 track, mix of As and Bs in chemistry, physics, and statics/dynamics.
Unfortunately, not the story with my engineering school GPA.
I’m a chemical engineering major, and I can expect a sub-3.0 GPA when I graduate. Most likely in the 2.9 range. I had a rough year when I started - not only because I was working, but I had a terminally-ill parent. I hate bringing it up because I feel like it’s a big fat “blahblahblah” excuse, but I’d be lying if I said it didn’t interfere
Now, my last two semesters are a massive improvement and much better reflect me and my work ethic - between 3.5 and 4.0 term GPAs, more in line with my AA/AS grades, and I have one semester to go that I expect to continue to do well. But… that ~2.9 cumulative GPA still has me very down and discouraged. My question is, will the improvement matter when I’m job hunting? Will they just see “sub-3.0 GPA” and trash my resume? Is there any way for me to sort of highlight this improvement on my resume without looking like I’m trying to skirt around or hide poor performance? Because I didn’t do so hot in my junior-year courses, my major GPA isn’t breathtaking either - it MIGHT be a 3.0 right on the dot, but I’m not entirely sure. Getting an internship with this GPA and with only a semester left to go isn’t really a viable option, either. The only thing is that two of my junior courses - that I did well in - each required design projects, and my senior year has a senior design curriculum/project/presentation (similar to a thesis) that is the core of the final year.
I guess I’m just hoping for some opinions either way - am I SOL on the job front and right to be this discouraged? Is there anything I can do to make that sub-3.0 GPA look less awful to a future employer?
A sub-3.0 will close some doors, but there are plenty of engineers out there who didn’t crack 3.0. Cast a very wide net, and get ready to tell your story when the opportunity arises. Focus on what you did (the design projects you referenced) on your resume and leave your GPA off. Visit your career center too. They may well have a list of employers looking. Good luck!
Of course, don’t put your GPA on your resume. They will likely get to it eventually, but maybe you can make a good impression before that happens.
What is the average GPA at your school? What is the usual job placement data at your institution?
Put your own GPA in prospective.
In most engineering schools, the average GPA is only about 2.7. Are they all unemployed? Last I heard Chemical engineers were in high demand.
Yes, talk about your project as it gives them something to think about aside from the faceless comparison of GPA numbers.
Just for the record, the only actual data I ever saw which tested the relationship between classroom GPA and a “proxy” variable for professional success (i.e., patents awarded or professional awards achieved) in the field of engineering showed a very weak relationship (not even statistically significant) . Educators are talking about a perseverance factor they are calling “GRIT” to try to explain the variable that makes the difference in real world performance.
I would argue that your perseverance shows “GRIT.” Self confidence, interest and presentation count. None of these qualities should translate over to the political world of “throwing the bull.” Practice with some friends.
An upward trend always looks great!
I always looked quite favorable at an improving GPA. The later classes are typically the more relevant classes. You also typically need the knowledge gained in prior classes to do well in later classes. So, I can usually assume that you eventually learned the material, just not so well initially. Or maybe it just clicked once you got more involved in the subject.
A sub 3.0 GPA will close some doors. I would consider stating your “STEM” or maybe major GPA on your resume if it is 3.0 or above. Some hiring managers will calculate it that way (I always did) but some won’t. I could sneak an overall sub 3.0 GPA thru HR if the major or STEM GPA was 3.0 or above. And I was inclined to do just that if the last couple of semesters are up where yours is.
There are plenty of companies that don’t really care about GPA. The companies I have worked for have a very rigorous interview process. We see people with high GPA at elite level schools bomb and others that look average who do very well. If your GPA is not particularly good, don’t list it.
IMHO you’re going to want to play up the fact that you’re non traditional, and those experiences in your past that make you a better candidate than the typical 22 year old CE grad. Owning a business, even if it’s smaller and not in the CE field, is a big plus - that’s responsibility and knowledge that should stand out. Work those angles and worry less about the grades. They are what they are - don’t be apologetic. You have other things to offer.
You can also choose to delay graduation, then take additional coursework to bring up your GPA.