<p>Hello,
I'm an economics major with around a 2.2 gpa overall. I will be graduating in december of this year and was wondering how important gpa is in getting your first job out of college. I have some good internship experience and have learned skills that can be applied in the real world. Its just that I have trouble in class, listening to a professor lecture about theory and then I struggle on big exams. I do fine on homework, its just that the way classes are designed are with 2 big midterms and a big final which I usually struggle with. Any advice that you can offer me will be appreciated.</p>
<p>Yes and no. The job posting usually says if it matters. Government jobs and highly competitive jobs may look at GPA just to add another screen.</p>
<p>Entry-level jobs normally use GPA as a screen for applicants. Human resources departments in large corporations generally do not look at applicants with a GPA under 3.0 because it would be too costly to give every applicant a fair chance with HR consideration and an interview. Use whatever connections you have and show employers what you have to offer in terms of employable skills. Come across as well-spoken, knowledgeable, and diligent. But understand that the labor market is still wretched and that people with high GPAs are struggling to find employment, and employers may be worry of your work ethic if you could only manage to earn a C average.</p>
<p>School performance doesn’t necessarily imply job performance but job screens have to be based on something. Internships help on the good side but you’ll be screened out at companies that ask for at least 3.0. After your first related job, it won’t matter much.</p>
<p>I had probably a 2.5 or 2.8 GPA in my freshman year and was recruited at the end of that year. They didn’t care about my GPA - they wanted my skills pretty badly. I’ve never put my GPA on a resume and I have never been asked what it was.</p>