GPA Matters… But It's Not Enough | Student Career Advice

The Truth About Grades Students Rarely Hear

During our interview with senior aerospace engineer Baktash Hamzehloo, we asked a question many students constantly debate:

Is GPA overrated?

His answer was more balanced—and more realistic—than most advice students hear online.

According to Baktash, grades do matter. But they are only one part of the picture.

A strong GPA can show:

• Discipline
• Consistency
• Work ethic
• Seriousness toward studies

But by itself, it does not guarantee success in internships, interviews, or long-term careers.

Why GPA Still Has Value

Today, many students swing between two extremes:

• "Grades are everything"
• "Grades don't matter at all"

The reality is somewhere in the middle.

As Baktash explained, poor grades can sometimes signal a lack of seriousness or commitment. Employers may question:

• Reliability
• Effort
• Consistency

Especially early in your career, GPA can act as one of the few measurable indicators companies have when evaluating students with limited experience.

That's why completely ignoring academics is usually a mistake.

But Here's the Problem

A perfect GPA does not automatically mean someone is ready for the real world.

According to Baktash, companies also look for:

• Communication skills
• Curiosity
• Personality
• Adaptability
• Initiative
• Real understanding

And this is where many students struggle.

Some students become extremely good at:

• Memorizing information
• Passing exams
• Following instructions

But when placed into:

• Team environments
• Interviews
• Practical projects
• Internships

They struggle to adapt beyond the classroom.

Real-World Example

Imagine two graduating students.

Student A

• Has a near-perfect GPA
• Rarely speaks during projects
• Struggles with communication
• Avoids real-world experiences

Student B

• Has solid but not perfect grades
• Worked part-time
• Built communication skills
• Participated in projects and internships
• Understands concepts deeply

Which student becomes more valuable long-term?

In many industries, employers prefer students who combine:

• Strong academics
• Real-world skills
• Self-awareness
• Curiosity

That balance matters far more than grades alone.

The Soft Skills Advantage

One of the most interesting points from the interview was when Baktash explained that even jobs like:

• Cashier
• Waiter
• Customer service roles

can develop valuable professional skills.

Why?

Because they teach:

• Communication
• Handling pressure
• Problem-solving
• Responsibility
• Independence

And according to him, those qualities often appear later in workplace performance.

This is something many students underestimate.

What Students Should Focus On

The goal should not be:

Ignore GPA.

The real goal is:

Build a complete profile.

Students should aim to combine:

• Good academic habits
• Communication skills
• Curiosity
• Real understanding
• Experience outside the classroom

Because employers are not only asking:

How smart are you?

They are asking:

Can we trust you to grow, learn, and contribute in real environments?

The Bigger Lesson

Grades can open doors.

But they are rarely the reason someone succeeds long-term.

According to Baktash, sustainable career growth comes from combining discipline with adaptability, communication, and continuous learning.

And students who understand that early gain a major advantage.

Credit & Interview Source

This article is based on insights shared during our interview with Baktash Hamzehloo, where he discussed engineering education, hiring, GPA, communication skills, and what employers actually look for in students and young professionals.