Can I get an engineering job?

Question by AEROENG: Can I get an engineering job?
Ok,

So I’m an Aerospace Engineering Student at a top 25 school in the nation. I’m going to be a senior this coming fall and i really need to start the “hunt” for a job. My dream job is out of reach, solely because my GPA isn’t quite up to par, but I have a diverse experience field. My current GPA is 2.6 or so, and should be about 2.7 after this semester. Now, I’m going to try and bring it up over the next few semesters, but I want to know what the likelihood is that I’ll get a decent job offer with say a 2.7 GPA.

I hope to have a 2.9+ by the time graduation comes around, but let’s hypothetically say I have a 2.7.

I am a very intelligent individual, and excel with the concepts of engineering and problem solving. However, my GPA does not reflect my abilities simply because unlike most of my classmates, I have to work 25-30hrs a week while going to school full time just to pay rent and buy groceries etc.

All this being said, I have a wide array of experiences, and more than a few technical ones.

some examples:
-Computer Technician for campus IT services
-Undergrad Research Asst in Bio-fuels facility
-Founded a Campus Organization
-Executive member of 2 campus orgs (multiple positions)
-Participated in a NASA rocket competition (USLI)
-Mentored jr high students
and some other minor things…

So, if there are any professionals out there who have participated in the hiring process for entry level engineers, how would you say a person with these qualifications would fare? I’m just trying to determine what the best way to go about the coming semesters would be.

Thanks in advance!!!
PS-
Yes, there is a job placement bulletin board… actually, we have a departmental career services (Engineering Career Services) which gives tips and pointers etc. However, most the jobs on the bulletin board provide a “minimum qualifying GPA” of 2.8-3.25. I clearly fall under that, and in my hypothetical above, with only a 2.7, my resume would be in the trash within minutes. Yes, there is a chance I’ll be above that low margin by graduation. But its a chance, and really depends on my ability to flex my schedule. In my experience, my grades are almost linearly related to the time I have.

Best answer:

Answer by Pointy
In the real world out there, you have to be at the right place at the right time.

The fact that you have been accepted (and are still enrolled) in one of the top 25 schools in the nation is already an achievement in itself. Personally, I would not worry about GPA (it is only a number as far as I am concerned). I would be more concerned on how you will project yourself during the hiring/interview process as this will be a major factor to be considered.

BTW, isn’t there a job placement bulletin board in your school?

Add your own answer in the comments!