Can I get an engineering job?
Ok,So I'm an Aerospace Commerce Student at a top 25 school in the state. I'm going to be a senior this coming fall and i really need to start the "hunt" for a job. My dream job is out of reach, solely because my GPA isn't quite up to par, but I have a diverse experience field. My current GPA is 2. 6 or so, and should be about 2. 7 after this semester. Now, I'm going to try and bring it up over the next few semesters, but I want to know what the likelihood is that I'll get a decent job offer with say a 2. 7 GPA. I hope to have a 2. 9+ by the time graduation comes around, but let's theoretically say I have a 2. 7. I am a very intelligent individual, and excel with the concepts of commerce and problem solving. But, my GPA does not reflect my abilities simply because unlike most of my generation, I have to work 25-30hrs a week while going to school full time just to pay rent and buy groceries etc. All this being said, I have a wide array of experiences, and more than a few technical ones. some examples:-Computer Technician for campus IT services-Undergrad Research Asst in Bio-fuels facility-Founded a Campus Organization-Executive member of 2 campus orgs (multiple positions)-Participated in a NASA rocket competition (USLI)-Mentored jr high studentsand some other minor things. . . So, if there are any professionals out there who have participated in the hiring process for access level engineers, how would you say a person with these qualifications would fare? I'm just trying to determine what the best way to go about the coming semesters would be. Thanks in advance!!!PS- Yes, there is a job placement bulletin board. . . really, we have a departmental career services (Commerce Career Services) which gives tips and pointers etc. But, most the jobs on the bulletin board provide a "minimum qualifying GPA" of 2. 8-3. 25. I clearly fall under that, and in my hypothetical above, with only a 2. 7, my resume would be in the trash within minutes. Yes, there is a chance I'll be above that low margin by graduation. But its a chance, and really depends on my ability to flex my schedule. In my experience, my grades are nearly linearly related to the time I have.
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Filed under Entry Level Engineering Jobs by on Nov 13th, 2011. 
Comments on Can I get an engineering job?
In the real world out there, you have to be at the right place at the right time.
The fact that you have been accepted (and are still enrolled) in one of the top 25 schools in the state is already an achievement in itself. Personally, I would not worry about GPA (it is only a number as far as I am concerned). I would be more concerned on how you will scheme physically during the hiring/interview process as this will be a major factor to be considered.
BTW, isn’t there a job placement bulletin board in your school?
SCREW the bulletin boards. You will get a job perfectly fine if you look at any commerce jobs that you are qualified for (such as mech E) and not just aero. Many will not question or care about your grades. Haven’t you heard this before? GPA is for graduate school. Besides, 2.7 is a B-. You will be fine. Even if they question, they’ll be impressed knowing you worked so much on the side. If you really only look for aero jobs it will be a bit tougher. So I recommend getting some other commerce job then eventually go to aero if thats what you really want.