From: mike@isgtec.com (Mike Sellers)
Newsgroups: misc.jobs.misc
Subject: Re: Need Advice/CS major w/ bad grades
Keywords: grades,jobs,grad school
Date: 15 Aug 92 17:41:23 GMT
Organization: ISG Technologies Inc., Mississauga Ontario

Anthony Garcia writes:
> 	I just completed my computer science degree at Rutgers but my
> gpa is only about 2.65. I will finish a degree in English in December
> and my gpa there is much better. Can anyone offer some constructive
> advice as I look for a full time job in the coming months? Is there
> a grad school in the country that will take a mediocre student?

I suggest you don't think about grad school, or at least not until
you have some work experience under your belt.  That is, unles you
have some unbelievably redeeming qualities that don't show up on a
normal transcript.  Besides, if you didn't do that well in college,
why do you really want to go to grad school?  Unless you have a burning
desire to subject yourself to the distillation of the stress of college,
get a good job instead.

> 	I am thinking of taking a class in Novell certification. Will
> that help my chances for a job? 

It depends entirely on the part of the industry you want to work in.
I don't know anything about Novell and don't know anyone who does, so
I'd say forget about it -- but others may differ.

> Once I get a job, will there be a time when the grades won't matter 
> any more? 

Definitely.  If you work well (and especially if you have some solid
internship experience), it'll be about 3-6 months after you land your 
job, if not 3-6 minutes after you've signed up with them!  After they've
hired you, suddenly the entire emphasis is on what you do *NOW*, not
what you did then.

You'd be amazed at the people who have less-than-sterling academic
backgrounds.  At least, that's what my thesis advisor said when I told
him about the class *I* failed.

> Is there any post bacclaureate training
> that I could take to look more attractive to companies?

Possibly.  Try to figure out how you want to portray yourself to a 
potential employer and train in that area.  

> 	I am thinking of becoming a technical writer. Are there any
> of you out there who have some insight on this? Is anyone out there in
> the field with mediocre grades working and making a good living?

From what you've said so far, I think going as a tech writer sounds
good.  Emphasize your knowledge of computer science and the industry,
backed up by your impeccable record in English.  Don't lie about your
CS grades, but instead emphasize the fact that you have *two* degrees 
(nevermind what the grades in the lessor one are).  Sell yourself as
a writer who really knows computer science, rather than as a CS geek
who also happens to write.

> 	Please dispel my fears.. Depression is starting to set in :(

There's plenty of things to be afraid of, but grades may not be the biggest 
one. :-]  Get a solid job on which you can root your resume, and you'll be
okay.

> 						Anthony
--
              Mike Sellers      User Interface Team Leader
           mike@isgtec.com      ISG Technologies, Toronto, Canada
              "Actum ne agas" -- Do not do what has been done.
                         Furare tantum ab Optimis