Experience trumps GPA and College Reputation

The most recent issue of The Atlantic cites a Chronicle of Higher Education study that places experience outside the classroom at a much higher premium than traditional academic achievement measures such as grades and coursework. In this national survey, when it comes to hiring decisions, employers look first to a graduate’s internship and work experience. This should not be taken as a blanket dismissal of academic experience as a factor in professional outcomes (not to mention the more general, and less instrumental, value of undergraduate education). The survey shows that the emphasis on non-academic preparation varies from one industry to another. It also does not account for how selection of major and success in coursework creates college internship and work opportunities in the first place.  

The Atlantic article also contains a link to the full Chronicle survey.

http://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2014/08/the-thing-employers-look-for-when-hiring-recent-graduates/378693/ 

Thanks to Scott Sprenger for the link.