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Is there any correlation between good gpa and making a lot of money?

by Gereem
5 replies
I'm a social person and am able to make good connections. I can do well in interviews and so far for my part-time jobs I have been able to get hired due to being able to present myself well in high pressure situations. I also heard that some of my friends have been able to land six-figure jobs after university because they maintained an A+ grade all four years. But I don't want to toil myself away that hard in university to get my first well-paying job.

I also tried writing my own ebook (it's about memory improvement and I finished my rough draft) but after going through some of the stompernet dvd's and doing some initial market research I figured I would need some more capital or more time in order to make it profitable so I put that project on hold for a moment.

I read Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki and his statement that schools make good employees but not good entrepeneurs hit me straight on. And having watched Eban Pagan's Get Altitude seminar dvds, I realized that if I really wanted to learn what wanted to, all the resources are out there; I read a lot of books.

I'm wondering if there is sweet spot between focusing on my social life and maintaining a somewhat average grade that will land me my first decent job to gather some capital.



Q: How much, if any, did your university degree and gpa affect your career? (I'm a 19 year old entering my first year of university and trying to plan ahead, thanks lots, your help means a lot to me!)
#correlation #good #gpa #lot #making #money
  • Profile picture of the author Jeff Henshaw
    I did not go to university when I left school, but went to work. I then studied part time, with the assistance of my employer and obtained various employment related qualifications, before getting my first degree when I was 28 years old.

    I later obtained a masters degree (MBA) when I was in my late 30s and another masters degree in my mid 40s.

    Based on my own experience, formal qualifications are important for the pursuit of most careers, but their importance diminishes as you progress up the corporate ladder. The further you progress, the more important other things become, such as experience (of life in general, as well as of the job and the corporation), entrepreneurial skills and people skills, such as how you interact with people in general, how you deal with competitors and customers and how you manage people.

    If you do not intend to pursue a career, but rather go to work in order to raise money to use as start up business capital, I would suggest that you go for the highest grades that you can attain. My thinking behind this suggestion is that you should then be able to command a higher salary, than if you had lower grades. The higher the salary, the quicker you will be able to raise the money that you need for working capital and the sooner you will be able to start your own business.

    I hope that I have read your post correctly.

    Regards,
    Jeff Henshaw.
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    • Profile picture of the author Gereem
      Thanks Jeff, your answer really helps me a lot! I really appreciate your answer!
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      • Profile picture of the author Chris Lockwood
        The only correlation I've seen is with starting salaries for entry level jobs. If you have a really high GPA you might get a better offer, and there are some companies who will only hire those with a certain GPA.

        Other than that, I think GPA is overrated. Of course it's better to have a higher one than a lower one, but GPA says nothing about intelligence, how hard you worked, how much you cheated, etc.

        Someone working a full time job putting himself through school might have a lower GPA than those who are just students simply due to having less time for study and course work. But the first guy's story is more impressive to an employer.

        A smart student can get a higher GPA by signing up for professors known to be easy graders, taking easier classes, and so on. For example it's easier to get an A in phys ed than in physics, but if they are the same number of credit hours, they count the same toward GPA. In other words, GPA doesn't consider how difficult the courses were, unless they've changed how it's calculated.
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  • Profile picture of the author adarwish
    I can completely relate to your question. Unfortunately for me, though, I'm already 2 years out of college.

    When it comes down to it, the best companies want someone who's capable of managing their time effectively enough to remain social, enjoy college, be involved and still do well academically. Do well means at least a 3.5 GPA (higher if you have an easy major or don't go to a top school).

    Now, keep in mind that you're assigned a cumulative and a major GPA. You can put whatever you want on your resume. At one point, I had only taken 2 major classes that I got A's in. So while my major GPA was 4.0, my cumulative was a measely 3.2. Of course, I put the 4.0 on my resume and clearly labeled it as my major GPA. This helped me secure interviews and get recruiters attention. If you're a social person that does well in interviews, then that's really what you want most - to get in the door and be invited for an interview.

    Your GPA will play a role in you getting the job, but not the salary you're offered for it. Your experience dictates salary with some companies. Most, however, have a standard salary that they offer all entry level employees.

    Now, with that in mind, know that the connections and friendships you make in college are crucial to your future professional success and will last your entire lifetime. While your GPA is pretty important for getting internships and entry level jobs, or getting into grad school, once you're several years out of college, it won't mean jack. The relationships you build, however, will serve you till the day you die. Meet people, keep in touch, network well, and be sure to maintain a decent GPA (you can do both at the same time by getting close to your professors).

    Remember also that there are ways to get good grades without working as hard. Professors have a lot of leeway, so if you build relationships wiht them and give the perception that you care deeply about their class and their subject, they're more inclined to grade your work more generously. Plus, they're great leads for future jobs or research opportunities and you may need letters of recommendation.

    Good luck! I'd write more, but I need to get to bed. Feel free to PM me or ask any other questions you have.

    -Ahmed
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  • Profile picture of the author fmnely1
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    The only correlation I've seen is with starting salaries for entry  level jobs. If you have a really high GPA you might get a better offer,  and there are some companies who will only hire those with a certain  GPA.

Other than that, I think GPA is overrated. Of course it's better to have  a higher one than a lower one, but GPA says nothing about intelligence,  how hard you worked, how much you cheated, etc. 

Someone working a full time job putting himself through school might  have a lower GPA than those who are just students simply due to having  less time for study and course work. But the first guy's story is more  impressive to an employer.

A smart student can get a higher GPA by signing up for professors known  to be easy graders, taking easier classes, and so on. For example it's  easier to get an A in phys ed than in physics, but if they are the same  number of credit hours, they count the same toward GPA. In other words,  GPA doesn't consider how difficult the courses were, unless they've  changed how it's calculated
    . this a solid solution ...it really meet my demand and time management...thanks
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