Originally Posted by
TED74
No axel-wrapping on my part. Just trying to give applicants as clear a picture of the hiring process as possible so they can make smart decisions about their app, their career, and getting an interview ASAP. I'm talking about this one issue not because it's the most important, but because I felt like you were giving erroneous information to the masses, who are hungry (as I was) for any and all (correct) information. The 5-year EE major might very well need to get him/herself to a job fair (yes, it would help everyone). If someone is contemplating extending their degree to get a minor, I might suggest they do otherwise. If someone thinks their side job during college better postures them for an interview than a higher GPA, I'd disagree at the moment.
And the whole issue of college times and GPA in its entirety is a small part of the overall picture, including the MANUAL SCORING system. Longer than 4.0 years and lower GPA's ARE getting hired right now. Its about your total app. You are WAY over emphasising this one tiny issue.
As for trying to craft advice for new people at this point, its a bit late for that. By the time anyone still in college gets the time and experience to be even remotely competitive things will have changed a lot and we'll be deep into the bell curve of tier II anyway.
You are WAY over-emphasising this.