Grading question- you guys are smart, figure you might know
dirtrider444
Posts: 33
Im a college student applying for a internship program and it says I must maintain on overall "B" average. I dont have that right now, but i will at the end of spring semester. Does the "overall" mean that since I dont right now it will be a problem? Or just once im in the program it cant be lower than a "B"? Its hard to google that awnser so Im asking you guys.
Comments
Still, I wouldn't set my hopes too high.
What do you have to offer that the person meeting spec doesn't? Why the lower GPA? Acts of ommission, commission, god/health? I have worked with some interns and students, in some cases the GPA was a reasonable indicator when considered with the package, sometimes not. Does what you have to offer offset the performance issues?
FF
Just apply if you want the position. If they want you, they will take you, if they find someone with an A average, they will that candidate first anyway. They are just looking at the simplest evaluation, its just an internship and (we hope) they aren't putting you in charge of reactor safety at Fukushima. You have to apply 100 times to get selected for 1 job; its really more just a matter of statistics rather less than qualifications or ability (based on thirty years of observation).
And take kwinn's post with a grain of salt, he's from Canada and they don't speak American up there. And apparently they don't cut slack based on experience.
That may be so, although I do not really see much difference in language or language skills between college students here and the US. The point I was trying to make was that your written resume and spoken words over the phone or in an interview will influence how a prospective employer assesses you.
This is particularly true of a resume or cover letter. With the spell checker and the grammar tools available in most word processors along with the time available to polish it there is no reason for anyone to present a document filled with spelling errors and poor grammar. With most postings resulting in hundreds of applicants a poor resume will most likely end up in file 13. If you are very lucky and meet all the job criteria, it may end up in the "maybe, if there is no one better qualified" pile.
FF
Everything is "who you know". Even the most qualified of applicants will take a back seat to the good guy/gal that shows real enthusiasm. If your grades aren't quite up to par and you don't already have an "in" with this company, I would hold off until the next cycle rather than blindly submitting a substandard application. In the mean time, I would get to know their program, the administrators, the professionals, and also the persons selected for the internships. Get yourself known for your interest in the work and your drive to become a part of it. Hang around, volunteer, or help out in any way you possibly can. Set appointments or meetings with those in decision making positions. Express your current situation and where you are seeking to go and ask for their advice and any form of support they can offer. Find out all you can from previous interns; how they got selected, what course they took, who they would recommend you speak with, can they introduce you to those with influence.
I was told over the phone by a state licensing agency that my application had to be submitted by mail and that the process would take a minimum of three weeks to complete. Before I got off the phone I obtained the name of the person responsible for approving the applications. I drove to her office, asked for her by name, told her my need for getting my license, and said with a big smile "I wasn't sure if you liked cookies or chocolate better, so I got both" while handing her a box of chocolate covered cherries and a pack of Oreos. I walked out in less than an hour with my license. Allowed me to immediately accept and sign my first contract that put me into business for myself 15 years ago.
Where there is a will there is a way. It's up to you to find it.
Guys, RELAX! Its a post on a forum, not a job application for chief brain surgeon at Mayo Clinic. Have fun! type fast, and blow off the spell checker if you want! Who gonna care?