<p>Hey everyone, I am a freshman at Virginia Tech in the General Engineering program and I am just wondering how high of a GPA I need to be considered by employers after college. I know that after the first job, GPA doesn't really matter and employers focus more on experience, but for that first job, what do I need to get in to a company? I plan on going in to either the oil industry (yes, yes... pet eng) or perhaps chemical weapons testing for the military. What kind of a GPA will I likely need to get in to each of these fields? Also... do employers look at STEM GPA separately or is everything just compiled together?</p>
<p>At least a 3.0 and more importantly, try to get summer jobs/internships. That will set you apart than any GPA. You are only a freshman now, relax, your GPA may start out low but in engineering, it actually gets easier in the later years. The first 2 years are tougher according to most Engg students.</p>
<p>Alright, that’s great to hear. Yeah I’m on track for at least a 3.0 but I see people saying like… 3.5 is REQUIRED to get a job or I’m in big trouble. I’ve got good extracurriculars (fraternity and ski team) but I’m not sure if employers care. In any case, I’ll definitely get some internships when they become available.</p>
<p>Oy. Engineering students seem to always think of things that aren’t actually black and white in black and white terms. People are human, they make judgments, there is a lot of complexity and error and subjectivity (gasp!) involved in their judgement. There is not a magical cut off point. This isn’t a formula. Obviously the higher the GPA the better but think in terms of a continuum, and that many factors going into determining who to hire.</p>
<p>As but one random example, I’m sure many have others: I know one school where the average graduating GPA is well below 3 but be assured, everyone ends up with an engineering job, not just the upper 40%.</p>
<p>my son is a mech. engineering major at Cornell. He had a 3.5 last year (freshman) and thought it would get easier. Well, this semester he might even get a C and is really stressing. We have heard that it gets easier, but we have also heard it gets harder. So, is it that the classes get harder but the grading gets more lenient? Any opinions? And does anyone know what the average GPA for Me.Engineers is at Cornell?</p>
<p>Neither fraternity nor VT ski team will help you get a job unless someone you know through these connections hires you or you go to work for Salomon. Most important is experience - co-op, summer job, or a successful project. 2nd is GPA.</p>
<p>Grading usually eases up a bit sr. year. Until then you are in the meat grinder.</p>