Does GPA matters?

[alexei]

I know that GPA matters to get in grad school but does employers really care about your GPA in university as long as you have the degree.

Im thinking about working at a bank position after graduation, nothing too qualified, any advice is appreciated.

Thanks

[hello1214]

no...they wont know your marks unless you put it in your resume

[nos_slived]

Employers are more interrested in work/volunteer experience and academic awards than they are about grades, which as hello1214 stated, will only be known if you include your transcript with your resume.

[dmdsoftware2]

Nobody ever asked me what my GPA was. Unless it's 4.0, then don't post it.

[sonick]

No, but grammar does.

[jdub]

It's all about networking not grades

[Computer500]

It's all about networking not grades

not all about networking, its about what skills you have...related
50% networking and 50% the skills you have and what you can do :D

networking will work for most part time jobs.
networking will work for full time jobs, but you also need skills to do the work.

[Sylvestre]

I usually ask, but not because I care too much about the marks. If it's good, you have a chance to speak about it. If it's bad, I like to see the response. The response to the question is more important.

But for some positions where they ask for grades, it's important.

[CJJ25]

better to have a good one than a bad one. cuz when we select resumes for interviews, we cut anyone w/ 3.0 or less to save time.

again, different position/ manager are different. since u r paying for your tuitions anyway, why not work a bit harder and get a higher GPA? it only helps. :)

[elemenopee]

I graduated with an engineering degree with a 2.90 GPA while holding down a 20 hour/week job and a VP position on my school's eng soc. While I didn't have the 3.0 or higher - and a good number of my classmates did - I was among the first hired for full time work, in October of my final year.

Make sure you understand what's being taught, and acquire the skills that an employer would expect you to have with whatever degree you may hold. That being said, if you have a few hours a week that can either get you a quarter point on your GPA by studying or an extra-curricular that's not only decent for your resume but that can also act as a break from papers and exams, I'd take the extra-curricular.

[evman150]

Being able to speak english is probably more important.

:idea:

[RLP06]

If you're in a co-op program it will matter, since most applications require you to attach your transcript. Also seeing that as a trend for full time applications coming out of university.

A very low GPA will probably punish you, a low to medium level GPA will not make a difference, but a high GPA will get your foot in the door, when it comes down to it, a high GPA really seperates the hard working/intelligent candidates from the others.

GPAs alone won't get you the job, but getting your foot in the door (for an interview) is half way there, the rest is up to how charming you are, what experience you have and such.

Also, there are good extra curriculars and the others... joining a million clubs or being an executive of a club that serves no purpose is useless. Its quality not quantity.

And simply comparing how fast a 2.9GPA with extra-cirrulars and a > 3.0GPA without is not proof that a lower GPA doesn't matter. Sitting at a 2.9GPA, you could be a much more charming person, more socially adept. Maybe you spent more of your time socializing with people and in turn learned to push the right buttons, while your buddy was sitting at home every night studying... There are things that make up for an average GPA, i don't think theres much that makes up for a disturbingly low GPA, and on the other side of the argument, there are things that can pull you down from a high GPA (being a social moron)

[duckling.]

My friend is doing a 5th year in Uni (meaning he couldn't get his degree in 4 years because of some unexpectedly low marks) and he's working at a bank.

He doesn't have his degree yet but he's got a heck load of experience to back it up.

Also another guy I know who was a bank teller in the middle of his University career (without a degree)

If that helps your particular situation

[david17]

gpa matters. some companies in BC request that you bring a copy of your transcript during the interview. so again it does matter.

[Truemana]

I've finished my second year of electrical engineering and about to go on my second coop. Simply stated, not many companies care about a GPA specifically. I have a 6.36 (6.00 is a B+) and I've never had anyone question that mark.

They don't want it too low, or else it will seem like you're squeaking by. Average marks are probably the best from an employer's point of view. Too often are there kids with A+ average and no social skills. A+ might get you an interview but if you can't display that you have a personal life and can actually COMMUNICATE then no one will hire you, plain and simple. Many employers have failed a couple courses themselves so don't worry about the odd fail.

Just ride the bell curve if you're normal. Have faith in the fact that everyone else is pretty much on par with you and you don't have anything to worry about marks wise. Good personality, then skills and experience, then marks will get you a job.

[CHINAdeals]

HEY THANKS TO ALL THAT HAVE REPLIED

this is really good info ..graduating in a year and a half..and i guess all this just keeps me wanting to get/keepup higher grades...

[RLP06]

you know what though, in the end good marks don't hurt, and if you have the potential to get them, then work hard and achieve it, if you don't, then theres no point in questioning whether they matter. i think if you slack off, you learn less anyways, and you are put at a disadvantage.

p.s. a lot of people make the assumption that people who have high GPA's lack social skills, that is not true, it is a lot of the time, but you will find a lot of the people in the investment banking sector have high GPA's and are very socially adept.

similar rule to hot girls being stupid and smart girls being ugly, doesn't apply all the time.. :lol:

[CJJ25]

you know what though, in the end good marks don't hurt, and if you have the potential to get them, then work hard and achieve it, if you don't, then theres no point in questioning whether they matter. i think if you slack off, you learn less anyways, and you are put at a disadvantage.

p.s. a lot of people make the assumption that people who have high GPA's lack social skills, that is not true, it is a lot of the time, but you will find a lot of the people in the investment banking sector have high GPA's and are very socially adept.

similar rule to hot girls being stupid and smart girls being ugly, doesn't apply all the time.. :lol:


very true. don't use that as an execuse to slack off ppl! lol :cheesygri I know I used that one before....good marks can only open more doors for you. Plus, the transcripit sticks to you for life, like a criminal record, you can't go back and change it. so it is best for one to take the oppertunities given right now and make the most of it for the future benefits.

[ckang008]

Ya. I don't like how GPA is similar to a criminal record. Once you screwed up, it's impossible to even do anything about it (at least in my school).

[angela44]

I think it really depends on the field that your future career will be in. I'm in nursing, and in my opinion, experience is the most important in this field. But of course, you would also need to understand the concepts being taught in class and apply these to the workplace/placement terms to get the best experience out of it. And sometimes these concepts are not that hard to grasp, as long as you actually do the required readings for each class and follow along.

I also believe that some people who are shy can usually achieve higher marks if only they speak out during class discussions and/or speak with the prof if they don't understand certain things. So if you're one of those shy people who don't speak up, you should try doing so starting next month! :cheesygri

[DrLee]

As long as you dont have terribly low marks, fails and such... it doesnt really matter. Most requirements, in most matters, are just a minimum that you have to reach, Once you reach that (65% for most things) the GPA requirement is met and everything else like experience will count for whether achieve what you're after. But who cares? Just get 75% or an honours and you wont have to worry... 70-75 is average. If you can't get that, then you'll be in trouble and should worry, but you have to do fairly poorly to get anything under that for a cumulative average. Some 60's here and there are nothing, you'll get highs and lows. Also make sure when referring to gpa's or requirements, to ask what format they use... there's actually a couple different gpa calculations.

[feiticeria]

If you are in a Business Management program, your GPA does matter a lot for your jobs. They will look at your undegraduate GPA up and till your in your 30s. If you graduate with a 3.00 GPA (B grade) or higher, it will certainly help you out a lot to get the good jobs. Anything about a 2.70 GPA (B- grade) is considered acceptable.

Some professional designations actually require that you meet certain GPA too.

[agraciana]

GPA definetly does matter when trying to get a job. When you are in a competative job feild, and the employer has narrowed the selection down, and just for discussions sake, you (the competators) both have the same amount of extra-ciric under your belt, and similar personalities, the employer (especially with government), will look back on your college/university transcripts, and nine chances out of ten, will choose the one with the highest GPA.

Employers want people who are competent in their feild, and when choosing a potential employee, hands down, they will choose someone with an 80% average as opposed to someone with a 65%.

Subpar will only get you so far.

[ziptron]

When exactly will employers realize that sometimes stupid people get high grades. High grades can be achieved by copying, memorization of material right before a test, and simple luck if its multiple choice.

There are far too many people in University who have no idea what they are writing down on a test, but they know when to put it down. That gets them the high grade. Ask them to repeat what they just did in a scenario that's a little different, and they're screwed.

There are always old tests/midterms and exams floating around, it's not too difficult to memorize 75% of the answers and guess on the other 25%.

Lots of courses are subjective and if the prof does not feel good that day, you'll end up with a low grade. Perhaps you'll write a good essay that does not fit with the profs views, you'll get a low grade.

I wonder when employers and scholarships reviewers will start to take those things under consideration.

[caliente]

I agree -- good grades can only help you!! Get them if they are not too much trouble for you.

However, good grades are not the be all and end all. Formal work experience (not just 'volunteering' and school ECs) and positions of prominent leadership/responsibility (like university government) are all valuable assets. My dad's company looks for this in addition to academic competence because working is not the same as just attending school. I have two friends who graduated with lots of awards (including being the top student in their respective programs, and one was even the top Arts student at our university). One is working at an entry-level position while the other worked as a waitress for a year. I was surprised at this since they both did flaming well in university (and HS, too, of course). However, they both had little to no formal work experience. Most of their ECs were academic and done through the university. They did head up clubs at uni, but small clubs. I'm sure they will do well in their careers since they are both extremely intelligent, hard-working and articulate. It's just taken them time to get started since they didn't have much experience in the work force.

[bmw_xperience]

to get a good first job yes!...

after your first job, just let all your references talk for you

[jeeva86]

I was wondering something similiar too,

When they do look at your GPA, do they look at your CGPA? Reason I ask is because in my first year in ECE I slacked off everday and ended up with a 2.2 and every semester from my first, my gpa has been rising and now at the end of my 4th sem, I had a 3.42 but yet my CGPA is 2.92 and I know some employers don't even consider you if you're below 3.0, but are things such as this looked at?

[B0000rt]

Just mention on your resume that your Fourth year average GPA was such and such. I highly doubt they'll care about your first and second year averages, as 3rd and 4th year courses are generally harder and more specific to your degree.

[greg123]

Also another guy I know who was a bank teller in the middle of his University career (without a degree)

If that helps your particular situation

i dont even think you need a degree to be a teller

[newsflash]

i dont even think you need a degree to be a teller

Yup. I know a few people who worked as tellers without a degree.

[Anessa]

I know a lot of bank tellers without a degree. They just had a well placed family member to do their bidding.

[bigphil]

You dont need a degree to be a teller, I dont see why you would want to if you had a degree anyway.

GPAs are important for applying to grad school, not really so much for finding a job/career.

[RLP06]

GPAs are important in some professions, and it does seperate people. I think when you say GPA doesn't matter, you should mention the profession, and whether its hearsay or actual experience.

GPA means whether you graduate with honours, distinction, high distinction etc, so every year matters for things like that. In the end, it does seperate you from the pack.

[ericyjh85]

When exactly will employers realize that sometimes stupid people get high grades. High grades can be achieved by copying, memorization of material right before a test, and simple luck if its multiple choice.

There are far too many people in University who have no idea what they are writing down on a test, but they know when to put it down. That gets them the high grade. Ask them to repeat what they just did in a scenario that's a little different, and they're screwed.

There are always old tests/midterms and exams floating around, it's not too difficult to memorize 75% of the answers and guess on the other 25%.

Lots of courses are subjective and if the prof does not feel good that day, you'll end up with a low grade. Perhaps you'll write a good essay that does not fit with the profs views, you'll get a low grade.

I wonder when employers and scholarships reviewers will start to take those things under consideration.

In university, stupid people don't get high grades period. Stupid people are the ones that don't prepare for exams. THey don't look over the old practice exams, they don't spend an extra hour or two every day to go over lecture material. People who spend time studying and less time going out to bars/socializing are not stupid. Of course, some people copy notes from their friends and end up with a good/decent mark, but they are few and far between and they can only go so far before the bad habits catch up with them.

Shortcuts can only get you so far, in the long run, the "smart" people who take the easy way out will not be able to maintain their GPA. There is no shortcut to a stellar GPA, you have to earn it and I am speaking from personal experience. Hope that helps.

[caliente]

People who spend time studying and less time going out to bars/socializing are not stupid. Of course, some people copy notes from their friends and end up with a good/decent mark, but they are few and far between and they can only go so far before the bad habits catch up with them.

Shortcuts can only get you so far, in the long run, the "smart" people who take the easy way out will not be able to maintain their GPA. There is no shortcut to a stellar GPA, you have to earn it and I am speaking from personal experience. Hope that helps.

I went to school with some very intelligent people who studied very little. All achieved excellent marks. There will always be people like this. On the other hand, I was always thankful I wasn't one of those people who had to study super hard in order to get just good, but not excellent, marks.

I also speak from personal experience when I say it's not necessary to go to class all the time nor do all the things people say you should do to prepare. If a class (more likely the prof who is lecturing) is a waste of time, don't waste your time attending! You can find better uses for your time. Copying notes is not a crime -- just make sure you get them from a good note-taker!

People, programs, and schools are different. It is definitely possible to get a stellar gpa without extending oneself much; it is also possible to extend oneself to the edge of exhaustion and achieve only a respectable gpa. C'est la vie!

[RLP06]

People, programs, and schools are different. It is definitely possible to get a stellar gpa without extending oneself much; it is also possible to extend oneself to the edge of exhaustion and achieve only a respectable gpa. C'est la vie!

Very true about schools and programs. There are definately programs/schools that people could easily get a full GPA in without even trying...won't name any names.

There are defiantely programs out there that you have to push yourself to the edge to get the GOOD GPAs, and in these programs, GPA does matter...

[g5cubed]

When someone says they have 3.8 GPA, what percentage would this be. Do you simply divide 3.8/4=95%?

[SamInfinity]

When someone says they have 3.8 GPA, what percentage would this be. Do you simply divide 3.8/4=95%?

No, a GPA cannot be directly converted into an average, because GPA is weighted. That is to say that full year courses are "worth more". Also, all marks within a certain range will be given the identical GPA, so it's very useless to try and make such a correlation. For example, on a GPA scale for UofT, an 85-100% is the same GPA wise at 4.0. What you can deduce when they say they have a 3.8 GPA is that a large fraction of their courses were above a certain percentage point, but that's about it.

[jiongjunwu]

I don't think you divide by 4. Don't you divide by 5?

[ullyeus]

Nah, no one cares but they will notice if you speak or write poorly.

[dmdsoftware2]

When someone says they have 3.8 GPA, what percentage would this be. Do you simply divide 3.8/4=95%?

3.8 is 78-82% at uoft.

[ziptron]

I went to school with some very intelligent people who studied very little. All achieved excellent marks. There will always be people like this. On the other hand, I was always thankful I wasn't one of those ............


I fully agree.

I mean I was not promoting cheating.. but I was saying that grades shouldn't always matter. Because sometimes very intelligent people are left out of scholarships and jobs, and intelligence should not only be based on grades.

[SamInfinity]

I went to school with some very intelligent people who studied very little. All achieved excellent marks. There will always be people like this. On the other hand, I was always thankful I wasn't one of those people who had to study super hard in order to get just good, but not excellent, marks.


yeah, there will always be people like that, but keep in mind, marks aren't everything. Great marks != success. If you take a look around you, it's not always those that are most intelligent bookwise who get ahead. I'd say the really intelligent ones are those who are well-rounded. They reap the scholarships, the jobs with professors, and those lucrative references. Some people may study very little, many obviously know how to work hard too, because university is all about networking.