The debate of “High GPA or strong extracurriculars” racks the brains of many college students aiming for success in their specific field. Engineering students especially feel this pressure due to the competitive environment of their field. A high GPA provides strong evidence for how well a student performs in their classes; however, strong extracurriculars demonstrate students ability to communicate and work simultaneously with others. Engineering employers are looking for intelligent and skilled students with strong leadership qualities. Therefore, engineering students typically strive to have a long list of extracurriculars.
Extracurriculars provide a great opportunity when deciding what field of engineering a student wants to study. These opportunities force students outside their comfort zones and push them to discover what makes them a strong student, and an even stronger candidate in the hiring process. Many college students interested in extracurriculars will join organizations such as: Society of Women Engineers (SWE), American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), and the National Society for Black Engineers. This enables them to get involved with opportunities beyond their school’s programs. Students will also participate in internship opportunities which provide exposure and develop qualities needed for the job environment. Research opportunities are also an excellent way for students to find their field of interest. For example, my college provides many opportunities for students to join research teams which provide experience in different fields of study in a professional environment. These research experiences look great on resumes and also develop students skills in leadership.
Extracurriculars also provide an outlet for students to stay motivated in college. Having commitment and striving to improve helps many people experience a better quality of life. Currently, I am involved in an all female a capella group called the Magnolia Belles, and I believe this experience enables me to stay on track my freshman year. Joining extracurricular activities shows companies how well rounded a student’s experiences are throughout college. I have a very goal oriented mindset, so being involved in a group of dedicated women with a common goal to perform gives me a sense of community and dedication. Colleges encourage students to join organizations because of the great impact they have on college campuses. Students who are only focused on their GPA and studies will eventually feel burned out because of the pressure to be successful. Therefore, joining extracurriculars can help broaden students’ mindsets, help them find their passions, keeps them engaged, grows their community, and improves their mental health.
Having a high grade point average is important when it comes to being successful in college. A student’s GPA helps highlight an undergraduate’s academic development over the course of their college career. Many employers look at a student’s GPA to see the level of success for each student; however, many engineering employers want to also see a student who was involved in more than just their studies. Employers want to see that a student not only took the time to develop their studies, but also took part in developing strong leadership qualities needed to be a professional engineer.
Extracurriculars are in high demand when it comes to demonstrating qualities needed for the field of engineering. These qualities help students stand out amongst their peers and allow employers to seek out the best and brightest. Having a full, well rounded resume is far more crucial than having the highest GPA.