A high GPA at St. Thomas University has obvious perks: plenty of attainable scholarships of $1,000 or $2,000 based on their academic performance. But once you get into the job market, do employers even look at the average of your grades in university courses?
According to Trish Murray-Zelmer, STU’s employment and financial aid coordinator, though employers might not ask for it, it’s still good to keep that number as high as possible.
Time management, the ability to prioritize tasks, teamwork or translating research information in a cohesive manner are all skills that employers look for. Murray-Zelmer said good grades are one way to prove these abilities.
“It’s always your responsibility as a job applicant to make clear what you are bringing to the table,” said Murray-Zelmer. “For some employers, the GPA doesn’t clearly express that…I would advise students who have a high GPA to take some time and reflect on ‘what things have I done to get it that high?’”
Don Dickson, a journalism professor at STU, said that good grades don’t guarantee a job after graduation but they often coincide.
“I don’t recall anybody who would have had a bad GPA and would’ve done real well,” said Dickson. “They tend to go hand in glove… but the employer might look for the product rather than the grade.”
Employers are more interested in portfolios and your ability to do the job especially in journalism and communications positions according to Dickson. But he said with an efficient use of class time, you can build a portfolio and form good habits.
Murray-Zelmer’s research shows employers look for experience. Applicable summer jobs, internships and volunteer work are crucial for students. These positions, designed to help students gain experience, can require high academic standing.
“I always tell students ‘don’t limit yourself by having a GPA that’s a little on the lower side’,” said Murray-Zelmer. “You might find yourself limited when it comes to applying to post-degree programs and graduate programs later.”
Certain jobs require post-grads and each program has its own requirements, many require a high GPA. Not having a 4.0 doesn’t mean your post-grad dreams are dead. But you will have to gain relevant experience in your field and possibly earn a few extra credits.
Lindsay Kay majored in English and Psychology and graduated from STU two years ago. Since graduation, she’s worked as a human services councillor at Integrity. Her grades were irrelevant in her job application and her employers focused on experience and skills. However, for her to advance in her career, going back to school is necessary.
“A [bachelor of social work] will open many more doors for me professionally for more focused and higher paying jobs,” said Kay. “Maintaining my job within one of my companies is an option, but not one that would be financially wise as there is not much space for advancement.”
She hopes to return to STU for the post-grad Social Work program and is confident about her chances. She graduated with a 2.7 GPA but as a mature student, she has the option of earning 12 extra credits between now and when she applies. Those would be the only marks considered by the board.
“Because I graduated more than two years ago, I qualify for an alternative GPA,” said Kay. “Also, yes the program is very competitive, but they do not only look at an applicant’s GPA, they also heavily look at their experience. I have at this time three years of experience in the field of social services.”
Murray-Zelmer said students who are concerned about GPA should know it’s not the end of the world.
“The truth is you’re always learning,” said Murray-Zelmer. “Once you leave, you’re just learning in different ways… that stuff doesn’t stop. But you have the opportunity in university to make those mistakes and not have them be held against you in a professional capacity.”
