S is capable of a 4.0 but has a 3.6 due to…cough…distractions. We’re looking to set a goal around GPA achievement, tied to a few things. I’m seeking info on the importance of GPA at Kelley for internships and FT jobs for someone wishing to get into sales, marketing, or info systems. I’d appreciate any feedback, such as “it’s so competitive that being below a 3.5 sets you up for low-paying internships and not much choice”, or “as long as you’re over a 3.2 and are in X,Y, or Z biz club you’ll be fine” type of thing. S has on campus involvement, only leadership thus far is in fraternity.
I can’t give you any hard proof, but everyone I have talked to about GPA at IU has said it isn’t extremely important. I have seen some companies list a minimum GPA of 3.0 and others with 3.5. I haven’t seen anything higher. Interviewing skills are more important than GPA, especially if your son has a 3.6. A 3.6 won’t hold him back in terms of getting a job.
I work for one of the largest companies that recruits at IU and I am active in interviewing. While we don’t have a minimum GPA standard per se, I don’t believe that I have ever interviewed someone with less than a 3.5.
Many companies that come to IU have an expected GPA range in order for them to even review your resume. Anything above a 3.5 you will be good! Below that, well it’s not going to be easy!
When we used to interview at Kelly, we used a 3.5 cutoff, but higher GPA’s were preferred over lower ones. However, this will vary from employer to employer and from year to year depending on how many people the firm planned to hire and what positions they wanted to fill.
Even if an employer has a low GPA threshold, they might differentiate the jobs they interview for by GPA. For example, for banks, the high GPA kids might be tracked into analyst positions, while kids with lower GPA’s might be considered for lower paying branch management.
Thank you to everyone who replied, this is really helpful…i.e. I learned he’s actually at a 3.57 now and needs to not fall below 3.5 to be in a good place. A couple of you are or have interviewed on campus. I’d appreciate any thoughts you have in terms of clubs or activities you look for (or not), such as Marketing Club, DECA, SAB, Union Board, IFC, etc.
Not that I’ll micromanage and say “do this” of course, I’m just curious. (As an alum I know what worked well for me, but that was decades ago!) I assume the best advice is get involved in what you’re passionate about and try to lead in some capacity.
In terms of clubs / activities, the key is quality, via demonstrated leadership, as opposed to the quantity of clubs he belongs too. It will look very strange, and beg an obvious question, if he is not involved in a business related club - especially the one linked with his major. But, beyond that, the real key is leadership and examples of where he made a difference. When I interview, I will probe about clubs and if I believe the clubs are for resume padding purposes only, meaning they simply joined and attended meetings, that will be an issue. For me, leadership and demonstrated results in clubs is a very good complement to a great internship and can actually make up for less then stellar internships - especially when interviewing for the internship between junior and senior year.
Thanks wildcat1967, that’s a very helpful perspective.