[loves winter]

I have always wondering about this topic because I realized that maintaining high gpa (3.8+) while working is truly hard.

I have seen some people taking like 2 classes not working and I feel like it is obvious that they can concentrate on studying better than I do (and I truly envy them).

(I know I have to just try hard but sometimes I feel little discouraged)

So I have been thinking about quitting my part-time job to concentrate on studying but the reality is that I have to work in order to get my lunch and buy a monthly metro pass (plus some shopping).

But I have seen cases where companies actually value those who maintained average gpa (3.5ish?) and working at the same time.

I want to hear others’ thoughts on this topic.

Thank you.

[Anonymous]

Recruiters are looking for well-rounded candidates. Read into that what you want.

I can tell you that a few partners I interviewed with back during on campus recruiting were very interested in my extra-curricular workload.

[hunter32]

From my experience when I was doing my job search during my senior year of college, the Big 4 and regional firms put way more into the GPA and if you have the 150 credit requirement completed at graduation. I once spoke to a recruiter from a Big 4 who told me that I was not smart enough with a 3.4 GPA while also working part time and playing a sport in college.

BEC - 80 (Becker)
AUD - 92 (Becker+NINJA MCQ)
FAR - 87 (Becker+NINJA MCQ)
REG - 90 (Becker+NINJA MCQ and Audio)

[fuzyfro89]

You'll have to be specific in what you're thinking, because there's a trade off between the two.

Generally… and I mean “Generally”…

A strong GPA (>3.7) with zero experience of either part time jobs or extracurriculars demonstrates a lack of ability/willingness to multitask and little to no outside interests.

A moderate GPA (3.3-3.7) with heavy work and/or extracurricular activities shows that you can generally succeed with multiple things on your plate.

Some companies will end up with both, but generally people with no extracurriculars/zero work experience won't get interviews, because they just don't have much to talk about during an interview.

Your GPA takes up all of 1 line on your resume, so 90%+ of the rest has to be filled with something.

[s2sylvir]

From my experience, GPA is what “got your foot in the door”. After that, what matters is your networking and people skills as well as your experience. So you probably do need a decent GPA even while working part time. There are other ways to “get your food in the door”, through connections, but if you have no connections, then GPA was a big deal. Also, as a member of Beta Alpha Psi, you had to have a minimum of 3.5 GPA, and most of the Big 4 recruiters recruited out of BAP.

BEC - PASS (79)
AUD - PASS (63, 71, 74, 74, 83)
REG - PASS (88)
FAR - PASS (58, 89)

Becker for all + FAR 10 Point Combo

[TNCPA16]

We are in the process of hiring for a couple of positions and as long as the candidate's GPA isn't below a 3.0, we don't really care what it is. Personality and work experience definitely trump a high GPA.

[mla1169]

It's hard to maintain a good GPA while working full time but it's not impossible. I don't understand the thought that it's one or the other.

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[mt3130]

My firm has and will likely always choose someone with a good GPA that works part- or full-time over someone that does not work but has a better GPA.

Work experience is valuable, even if it doesn't appear relevant. It teaches you how to deal with difficult situations and people, and it shows that you are willing to work hard and make sacrifices personally when necessary. The company I work for pretty much views education as something that can hurt your chances (low GPA), but doesn't really help your chances if you have a high GPA and did not work throughout school.

REG - 90 (08/2014) - Study Time = 6 days
FAR - 89 (10/2014) - Study Time = 9 days
BEC - 83 (11/2014) - Study Time = 4 days
AUD - 89 (01/2015) - Study Time = 2 days

Final score released - 2/4/15
Application mailed - 2/5/15
Licensed CPA - 2/12/15

[Anonymous]

It all depends on what course you're on. Getting recruited into Big 4 right out of college? GPA focus (since you do already have some work experience). ANYTHING, literally anything else, keep getting work experience. Asking/ caring about your GPA rarely happens outside Big 4.

[ScarletKnightCPA]

If you are able to, I am a strong proponent of focusing on one thing at a time. Focus on school and networking opportunities during the school year (clubs and organizations) and do internships during the summer. This is assuming you are a standard student.

If you are splitting your attention between work and school, you are not going to be able to do anything to the best of your ability but that depends on the type and how many hours of part time work you are doing.

Far: 76 (Wiley Test Bank)
Aud: 77 (Wiley Test Bank)
Reg: 61, 76 (Wiley book, Wiley Test Bank)
Bec: 86 (Wiley Test Bank)

MBA in progress

[tailz2016]

high GPA

THANKS TO GOD

FAR - 76
AUD- 88
REG - 76
BEC- 74, 80

DONE!!!!!

Roger cpa review ( Added Ninja for BEC)

[Anonymous]

You do NOT need a 3.8+ GPA to get an interview. Anyone who told you that is a liar.

FYI a 3.5ish GPA is better than average.

More relevant experiences is always better. A higher GPA is always better. You have to find the right balance. Don't absolutely sacrifice one for another.

Also: More relevant experience does not mean you are working more hours. Don't expect recruiters to be impressed if you are working 40+ hours at Walmart while going to school.

The perfect recruit has an internship or two under their belt, some management experience (e.g. supervisor at starbucks/mcdonalds ), an extracurricular or two (toastmasters, drama club..etc.) and great grades.

[mhueycpa]

Candidate 1: 4.0 GPA- no experience. Work or Volunteer

Candidate 2: 3.0 GPA- volunteered for VITA, worked in public accounting and paid his way through college. Accumulated 4yrs of hands on experience in tax preparation for numerous entities, audit and attestation engagements, as well a Financial Statement prep in accordance with GAAP and IFRS.

I'll take Candidate 2 anyday over 1.

THE 300 CLUB WILL DO JUST FINE!

[y_u_no_pass]

I think the ideal situation is to have both. But as long as you have a decent GPA (at least 3.0-3.2), doing other things is really important. One partner from CLA always talked about having a rounded resume and I know they hired people with lower GPAs but more extracurriculars. But it also comes down to personality. I know someone who had every extracurricular, volunteering, an internship, numerous awards, and a 4.0, and didn't get any good offers.

Florida CPA!
Took final exam 2/25/15.
Sent in Application 3/12/15.
Issued License 3/20/15.
Used CPA Excel solely for all exams.

[TNCPA16]

^ just to add to what y_u_no_pass said, I interviewed someone last year who was just like that – 4.0, Big 4 internship, more extra curriculars than I could count…basically everything was “perfect” on paper. But the interview was SO BAD. Her personality did not mesh at all with the rest of the team and she was so rigid and rehearsed, it felt awkward. No one who interviewed her wanted to bring her back for round 2. A good resume will get you in the door for an interview, but personality will get you the job.

[CPA soon]

My opinion is a higher GPA is better because at the end of the day employers don't care if you worked at Walmart while going to school. They don't expect you to carry a second job while working for them neither. That being said, my bachelors degree took me 6 years, 4 years employed fulltime and one year employed part time with 20-36 hours aweek and then took my last college year off work to bring up my GPA from 2.6 to 3.33 taking 54 credit hours in one year. I am glad I managed to correct the situation last minute.

FAR - 71, 68, 74, (8/31/14) 78 ✔
REG - 67, 71, 71, (10/18/14) 78 ✔
BEC - (11/29/14) 86 ✔
AUD - 73, (4/4/15) 86 ✔

I can't believe this is over! 2 years and 3 months..

[Author]

Replies