Evidence of grade inflation shows how more students are making higher grades. In a time of bad economy and job competitiveness, the need to distinguish a resumé from the sea of high GPAs is crucial.
Mary Belleau, associate director for Career Services, said employers today want students in professional organizations within their major.
“If everyone’s going into the work force with 3.0 and above, you need work-related experience to distinguish yourself,” Belleau said. “What they read into student involvement is that they went that extra mile.”
She said there are academic areas where grades are definitely looked at, such as accounting, but some majors, such as sales, put more weight on experience and extracurricular activities.
“Being involved requires more networking, communication and personal effort,” Belleau said. “It’s just as important as grades.”
Kevin Smith, vice chancellor for research and graduate studies, said grades do play a major role in accepting students into graduate school. He said the school does not accept students based on experience, but it does help.
“If a student appears to be heavily involved in research and their grades are borderline, we will consider their case,” Smith said. “We’re more inclined to take a student who’s done research in their field.”
Belleau said being active in an organization lets students meet peers with similar aspirations and make connections that can be useful later on in life.
“Statistically, students are going to have eight to 10 different jobs throughout their careers,” Belleau said. “If you maintain a relationship with people in your college organizations, you have built-in contacts to provide leads to other jobs.”
Will O’Neal, an English senior, said he thinks networking is the key distinguishing factor in Louisiana for landing a job out of college.
“It’s biased compared to people who have good grades and people with connections,” O’Neal said. “I have a friend who graduated with honors and can’t get a job, and I have another friend who graduated with a 2.2 and got a job making $72,000 because his dad has some friends.”
Belleau said students should get involved not only to impress employers but also to benefit themselves as well.
Kathleen White, associate dean of students, said joining student organizations can help with credentials, but students should not join for the sole reason of building their resumé.
“Someone might be in 30 organizations but not actively involved,” White said. “Graduate schools and the business world are going to pick up on that. They need to focus on having depth instead of breadth.”
She said it is important for students to get involved early to learn more about themselves and find their identity.
“If you just go to class and then drive home, you’re missing out on the opportunities here,” White said. “Students need to get involved in something meaningful to them.”
Shawn Stinson, a mass communication senior, said she got involved with UPC in advertising and served as the chairperson for the Visual Arts Committee.
“Volunteer experience counts for more or as much as grades do because people see you put in personal time,” Stinson said. “I can do so much with it because I’m actually using what I learn in class.”
Ryan Hode, an electrical engineering sophomore, said he does not have enough time to join clubs because he is focusing on his classes.
“It’s just as important to have a good GPA, too,” Hode said. “I plan on doing internships, but right now I’m just trying to keep my grades up.”