Finals are on their way, and for some this also means a dent in their GPA. The next two weeks will be filled with stressing, red bull, crying, late nights, and a possible outcome of a C in a class you worked your butt off in all semester. Its OK though because next semester you'll just take theater to boost your GPA. You need to get your GPA up because employers look at that first, right? GPA is the end all and the be all of getting a good job, right? A high GPA will guarantee success right?
What does a GPA really tell employers? GPA stands for Grade Point Average, not your Greatest Potential and Abilities. In other words, stop stressing!
Grades are obviously very important and should be the main focus of college, but one hard class is not going to hinder your entire life. GPA is simply a weeding mechanism for employers. This allows employers to cut down the amount of resumes they actually have to read. That being said, GPA is not everything.
Your GPA tells employers you know how to memorize and regurgitate information. GPA tells employers you know to choose C on a multiple choice test if you don't know the answer. GPA tells employers you know how to find the easy classes to take, and how to manipulate pushover teachers. GPA tells employers you know how to use Google to find answers for homework, or you have a lot of friends to help you out. GPA tells employers you can "BS" a paper that a teacher has to read 75 of. GPA tells employers you know how to make your periods 14 font to make it to the next page, and how to make your margins slightly bigger. GPA tells employers that you know what Quizlet is. GPA tells employers you can memorize flashcards based off of a study guide.
What doesn't GPA tell employers? GPA doesn't let employers know if you can sell ice to the Eskimos. GPA doesn't tell employers you can bring excitement to any work environment, and get everyone to work harder than ever. GPA doesn't tell employers you can sit next to a mourning family and comfort them because their loved one just passed. GPA does not tell employers that you will work harder and stay longer than anyone. GPA does not tell employers that your family was in turmoil and you pushed through despite the challenge. GPA doesn't tell them that your teacher had it out for you, or that you had undiagnosed ADHD. GPA doesn't tell employers how you are quick on your feet. GPA doesn't tell employers your dedication and passion for climate change and science. GPA doesn't tell employers your innovative thinking or about your well rounded head on your shoulders. GPA doesn't tell employers how persuasive your smile can be, or how you've already invested in the stock market. GPA doesn't show employers your integrity against others cheating grades. GPA doesn't tell employers if you will be able to look clients in the eye when you speak, or if you can hold a conversation with ease. GPA doesn't tell employers how you will react to failure or success. GPA doesn't tell employers about your grace, positivity, or attitude. GPA doesn't tell employers who you are as a person, and what you can do for their company. GPA tells employers simply that you attended college, and yes it was extremely hard. Stop sweating your GPA and take the hard courses! Do your best, find your passion, and you WILL succeed.
GPA doesn't tell employers who you are and what you can do, but you can.
