<p>So I'm about 3 months away from getting my MS degree in Aerospace Engineering from a university that consistently ranks in the top 10 (Georgia Tech). I will be interviewing with companies over the next few months along the West (CA, WA, OR, CO, AZ) because that is where I would really prefer to live. Therefore, anything I can do to increase my chances of getting a job in that region is important, which leads me to my question. </p>
<p>My GPA is not necessarily stellar (but technically not "bad"). I have a 3.0 and that will be the GPA I will graduate with (nothing will change this semester). Maybe I was burned-out or maybe I'm not too bright, but either way, that is my GPA and I have to deal with it. So, my questions are: </p>
<p>Should I put this GPA on my resume considering it is from a highly regarded school? Or should I not put it on my resume considering it is right around the cut-off line to where they start ignoring job applications?</p>
<p>Will this GPA hurt my chances of employment?? Typically there are 3.0 and 3.3 cut-offs for job applications is aerospace, but I always thought this cut-off was generally for undergrad degrees (considering grad school is a whole different level of curriculum).</p>
<p>Is a 3.0 GPA something to worry about in terms of employment in the aerospace industry?</p>
<p>The reason I am so worried is because I would really like to work in the west, so I don't want anything holding me back. Any input would be appreciated!
Thanks!</p>
<p>Resume/GPA threads come up a lot on r/engineeringstudents, and this was one of the better ones.</p>
<p>“3. About half of the resumes submitted did not have a GPA attached. People who expressed concern that their GPA was low didn’t actually have extremely horrible GPAs. Most people who said they were low were in the ~2.7 range, which is not as bad as it seems! Perhaps the only time we would recommend not writing your GPA on a resume is when it is below 2.50. Many large engineering companies have their cutoffs at 2.50, and by not writing down your GPA, you are automatically disqualifying yourselves from some good job opportunities.
If your GPA is not listed we know you are hiding something. Instead of making us work to call you or interview you about your GPA to make sure you are a good fit, it’s easier for us to find another candidate who is a better fit on paper.
If you are still nervous, consider listing only your Major GPA or list it first.
Listing your GPA, even if you think it is low, will put you above the masses.”</p>
<p>Edit: Doesn’t seem to want me posting the link.</p>
<p>If you do list your GPA on your resume, list it as “GPA through [term]:”* with the GPA exactly as it is reported on the transcript (no rounding), so that there is no question of deception if the employer checks. You may optionally include your in-major GPA as well (if the transcript includes that, be that that matches).</p>
<p>*Once you have graduated and know your final GPA, you can leave off the “through [term]”.</p>
<p>If this is your first job, then please write the GPA. I am pretty sure you have many other things to share, beyond that one number! Never, try to avoid mentioning a fact, which in any case, will be asked during the interview. Wish you good luck!</p>
<p>3.0 isn’t going to hurt you. That’s generally the standard threshold for engineering jobs.
It’s not as good as a 3.5, but it’s not bad for you either.</p>
<p>The OP is talking about a graduate GPA, not undergraduate. A 3.0 undergrad GPA is about average, but a 3.0 grad GPA is actually below average at most schools. As an example, in order to graduate from GT with a MSEE, you need a 2.7 minimum GPA, where as undergrads can escape with a 2.0. Standards are higher at the graduate level, and “common wisdom” about undergrad GPA’s simply does not apply to grad GPA’s. I would expect the average GPA of masters candidates to be in the 3.25-3.50 range, and I think most employers expect this as well. </p>
<p>With this in mind…</p>
<p>
If yours is a research-based masters I would not list it, and would list the thesis topic instead. Listing your undergrad GPA will be enough to satisfy the cut-off requirements (I am assuming that your undergrad GPA was pretty good since you got into GT) and many/most employers will understand that you probably value your research more than your coursework. If yours is a coursework-only masters then list it - otherwise you have nothing and it looks suspicious. Listing your grad GPA will probably not disqualify you but may turn off potential employers, and is best broached in an interview where you can explain it.</p>
<p>
Probably not overall. As I said before, your undergrad GPA is probably higher, and there are many employers who will like someone with a passable if unimpressive GT masters. That is, the hurt caused by your unimpressive grad GPA is going to be less than the gain of simply having an MS from GT.</p>
<p>
Right now? Yes, yes it is. Most of the major players in the aerospace industry are also major players in the defense industry, which has been shedding jobs and hunkering down for the last few years. Put simply, they are not hiring many people right now, preferring to shift defense-oriented engineers over to the civilian side rather than lay them off. So a 3.0 GPA is probably going to disqualify you in an industry that is often looking for 3.5+ in the handful of hires they will make. </p>
<p>Can you still get hired? Sure, but do not expect it to be easy right now. If you are an Aerospace grad I would say that you are in for a rougher ride than most, if you are graduating in some other field with an interest in aerospace then I would suggest checking out some alternate fields. The aerospace industry has always been a roller coaster in terms of job prospects, and we are currently in a downswing.</p>
<p>GPA 3.0 cumulative for Grad School and it means: you got all B’s?..not even an A? that’s something else. Well, I am sure there is a company that will hire you but you have to look hard…harder. Perhaps, you can compensate with brilliant job interview? Good luck.</p>