Dr. David Serana MD, Ed.D., MSN, BSSE, BSN, RN-BC, US Army Iraq War Veteran ⋅ Bethpage, NY U.S. Army, Specialist ⋅ 4 years served

GPA is very important. If you think your part time job will affect your grades, then you might as well drop your part time job. You should have at least a GPA of 3.0 to be competitive and to be able to pursue Masters later on. You can always catch-up with work experience. As for GPA, if it is below 3.0, it will go with you forever.

Heather Gillbanks ⋅ Houston, TX General Electric ⋅ 26 years experience

As a hiring manager, I do look for *some* kind of work experience in entry level candidates. However, working even part time (statistically speaking) causes a roughly 10% dip in GPA, on average. Your GPA is the most important thing when you graduate (most companies have a cutoff which is not negotiable regardless of your work experience) so be sure to take that into account. In other words, if you are risking a strong GPA you need to focus on that area. If your grades are stellar and/ or you NEED the money, and/or you have NO work experience, I recommend some part time work.

Laura Rivchun ⋅ New York, NY Chrysalis Career Coaching ⋅ 10 years experience

Hi Keir,

I believe it's always worthwhile taking a part-time or temporary job. I was a recruiter for years and I would try to encourage my candidates in the benefits of taking part-time work. You never know who you'll meet and when that job will turn into a full time position.

Please check out my post, "7 Great Reasons To Take A Temporary Job" at laurarivchuncareerexpert.blogspot.com

Good luck!

Bruce Hurwitz ⋅ New York, NY Hurwitz Strategic Staffing ⋅ 9 years experience

Absolutely! There's nothing to discuss. It shows real (civilian) work experience which is what will be of interest to employers.

Kevin Horgan ⋅ Roswell, GA UPS ⋅ 28 years experience

A part-time job is ideal in helping you budget your time, with the benefit of earning money, instead of spending it. Try to find a job where you are on your feet, something physical, which will provide a balance against all those hours sitting and studying. Don't be too concerned about finding a PT job in your field right way... anything will do, you'll meet new people, learn a different business model, and gain a greater appreciation for your education. Hey, try loading trucks at UPS. But if the GPA suffers, as was mentioned by David S. above, then you are on the wrong path... keep the main thing the main thing: the pursuit of your degree.

Robert Spicer ⋅ Cleveland, OH Lubrizol ⋅ 31 years experience

For me having that experience was a huge benefit. Having something more than just education to discuss during the interview made all the difference. However, make sure the work experience directly relates to the career you want to get into. On campus, there are always opportunities to work on projects for the teaching staff. Even if you have to volunteer a few hours it would help fill the resume. But if you are working at a non-related job just for the money, you might want to consider more options.

Paula P. ⋅ Gaithersburg, MD IBM ⋅ 12 years experience

If you can handle the workload, experience is always a good way to build capabilty. Someone else mentioned internships, which many companies offer. Professor Assistanceships are also good alterntives and may help you pay in part for your tuition.

Jim Preuss ⋅ Oakton, VA First County Mortgage ⋅ 40 years experience

Keir;

I agree with the thoughts expressed in many of the posts, but think much of the answer depends on your personality and focus. The job in your field and school may feed on each other and give you an overall benefit. Alternately, the demands can cause both to suffer. If possible, obtain the job with the up front understanding that the job must take a second position to the school and a request for the needed flexibility. If the two are working for you, you can keep or increase your commitment. If not, don't sacrifice your GPA. It's a fixed and final result. You can always take some time to get the experience.

Much success and feel free to contact me to talk through specific concerns.

James Stewart ⋅ New York, NY ⋅ 5 years experience

Keir,

If you are able to get some relevant experience in the industry that you want to work in I would highly suggest trying to do it. Again, only you know if your grades will suffer materially as a result and if they do obviously it is not the right choice. But I will say that employers will view prior experience not only as a genuine interest in your field of choice, but also as a big differentiator from some of your classmates. I would also weigh whether the part time work you are pursuing could potentially turn into a full time opportunity after you get your degree. If so, all the more reason to see if it is possible with your current schedule to pick up a little experience along the way.

Hope this helps a bit and best of luck with your decision.

James

William Hunter ⋅ Westport, CT Dahlman Rose & Company ⋅ 18 years experience

Hi Keir,

I would echo the comments made by some of the others on the page - it depends on a couple of factors:

1) How important is GPA vs experience in the field you are pursuing. I am in finance and we look heavily at GPA for entry level college graduates. While some experience is helpful, GPA is the big screening factor.

2) How much workload can you handle? I worked full-time while going to school full-time and it was a grind. I certainly would not recommend it to everyone. Only you will know the answer to that question.

Best of wishes in your decision and let me know how I can be helpful.

Bill Hunter

Margarita J. ⋅ Atlanta, GA U.S. Air Force, Staff Sergeant ⋅ 8 years served

Hi Keir,
I'm currently a student finishing up my last semester. There have been times when I worked and when I didn't work. If you have to work, I recommend you take a part-time job or paid internship in the field that you are interested in pursuing. Not only will it give you experience in that field, but you'll also be able to build your professional network.
Margarita

Aaron Spool ⋅ West Orange, NJ CIT ⋅ 11 years experience

Keir,

You are going to get the classic economist answer from me...it depends. If you are in a major that businesses require a high GPA, or are looking to go to grad school afterwards...a GPA is very important.

If your job experience is so good that it is basically an open door to get a job right afterwards...it might be worth taking the job.

Be warned...a GPA can come back anytime in your future. Some firms ask that and care about it way after you graduate. And if you apply to grad school, it really matters.

Try it for a semester. Maybe take 1 class less a semester and graduate later. This way you can get the job experience and the high GPA.

DO NOT try to graduate early by loading up on classes and risking a GPA.

Just my 2 cents.

if you career of choice is Accounting or Finance, drop me a line and we can come up with a plan.

-Aaron

Lynette Jones ⋅ New Day Talk Radio

Hi Keir

It all depends on what you can handle and what your needs are. If you need money work. If school is demanding don't get a part time job and just focus on being the best student you can be. Hope this helps.

Janet Appleby ⋅

This may be dependent on your major, but you may want to consider being a teaching assistant or research assistant for a professor in your department. It will facilitate your academic achievement and will probably give you some insight into practical applications and cutting edge development. Be sure to include this 'work' on your resume.

Steven G ⋅ U.S. Army, Sergeant ⋅ 9 years served

Keir,

I think if you can do both then it may be worth it ! You would get the education and the experience so you would be well rounded and perhaps have an advantage over some of the others in the field.

Dali Rivera ⋅ Abingdon, MD U.S. Army, Staff Sergeant ⋅ 10 years served

When it comes to your GPA, schools don't know if you are working and don't care if you are working while going to school full-time. You earn what you earn. Where it matters is when you apply for grants and scholarships. As long as you meet the minimum required GPA to apply, you can then explain yourself if you are allowed to write an essay. Some times, this makes a difference. I had a 3.33 GPA because I got an F on a math class and I still got some grants because the math class didn't really matter towards my degree plan. However, if I would have been in the sciences or math field, it would have hurt me really bad. The other thing is that being a working adult sometimes helps you earn a professor's respect because they understand that you are taking yourself seriously to earn a degree. This can be a benefit to encourage them to take it a bit easier on you or help you more. Good luck!

Kim Gamero ⋅ Boise, ID AECOM ⋅ 8 years experience

If you have other work experience and won't be 22 with just your degree, you could probably go either way. A lot of companies offer summer internships, and that is a good way to gain experience prior to getting your degree.

Michael Sabato ⋅ U.S. Marine Corps, Corporal ⋅ 4 years served

I think that depends on what you are trying to achieve with your degree. I have been working in my field of interest for 4 years. I am only getting a degree because I am essentially getting paid to do so. Having a degree in my profession isn't necessary in order to make money. It always helps but I am more going for the financial gain.

Something else you might want to take into consideration would be the scholarships you can be awarded by keeping your GPA up.