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Co-op with a low GPA?

itinaLater
edited January 2013 in General
I'm in my second year, just under 60 credits. I have the minimum GPA to be applying for co-op, so I don't see a problem being admitted into the program. However, I believe my GPA may be below the standards of what companies are looking for (if they look?), and with the competition, I'm worried about getting a placement. Should I bother applying? I haven't spoken to an adviser yet, though I have a feeling they'd tell me to apply anyway to make the school more money. Just don't want to be paying the fee if my chances of finding a placement are low. 

Comments

  • EricJ
    What program are you in?

    my gpa's actually a little below the co-op minimum but I managed to get some solid placements - Did an 8 month term doing web development stuff at UBC, now on another 8 month term at CRA

    GPA might affect your chances with some employers, but I think many pay little or no attention to it... Helps if you've got other nice stuff to put on your resume/coverletters to help you sound desirable to employers... The co-op staff will help with that process a lot.

    co-op is probably the most worthwhile thing I've done at sfu
  • jamesatpeace
    Well depends right, my GPA was 3, so just a little below average and I got hired. I asked my employer and basically it boils down to experience and personality. GPA plays little in the decision making.
  • SFU94
    How hard is it to get a job in co-op if you dont have a lot of work experience? I've only ever had one job, and I'm not working right now as I'm going to school full time. I do have a lot of volunteer work though
  • jamesatpeace
    Well it also depends on luck and for me it was exactly that, I worked in food service but had a lot of volunteer experience. So yea, i applied to many many jobs and i dint get hired until i was well into the following semester. But it was just luck that more positions open and i dropped my classes and now i worked for the them on a regular part time basis. So yea, that is my first and probably last co-op experience.  Oh and please make use of the advisers to polish your cover letter, resume, and interview skills!!! 
  • hehehe
    If you are looking for a job at microsoft, GPA is very important. They expect a MINIMUM of 3.5.
  • jamesatpeace
    well duh haha...if your goal is to work for world famous corporations then yes you have to be perfect in all aspects of your life.
  • perfectdark
    You don't need a minimum 3.5 to get an internship at Microsoft, I don't know where you are getting that information.
  • hehehe
    It's an inside tip I got from someone recruiting for Microsoft. This is for Redmond headquarters near Seattle in USA, not Canada.

    It's not an official rule, but most recruiters follow it.

    It is like the admission average at SFU. The minimum requirement for most programs is 73℅, but try getting into SFU with 75%. 



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