My son is a third year engineering (EEE) from Bangalore. He is a bright child but his CGPA is quite low and as of now, he says he doesn't not want to pursue this field for masters. Earlier, the plan was to do Masters in US but the slump in IT has made us rethink that option. What are his career options? Will it possible to get into good colleges with a CGPA below 8.

Ans: Hello,

First and foremost, thank you for getting in touch with us. I am happy to hear that your son is currently pursuing the third year of his Engineering degree. To answer your question first, I would like to tell you that although a low CGPA can pose difficulties, it is not always a deciding element to achieve future success. Remember that people with a background in electrical engineering can opt from a broad range of job opportunities. Beyond earning a master's degree, your son can consider other professional pathways. He can take into account jobs in sectors viz., automation, renewable energy, telecommunications, or even opt for a career in the field of data science, business analytics, or software development. I would recommend that your son acquires hands-on experience through taking up entry-level jobs or engaging in internships. Not just that, bear in mind that getting in touch with and developing a robust job portfolio can help make up for a lower CGPA. In order to boost his abilities and for him to become a suitable candidate for employers, your son should also consider pursuing specialized courses or certificates.

Talking about higher studies, other than the GPA, several other variables viz., letters of recommendation, pertinent professional experience, as well as personal essays are also taken into account by certain universities. I would suggest that your son conducts an all-round study and applies to universities that take a comprehensive approach towards the admission process. While the entry prerequisites to top-notch universities may be strict, there are outstanding programs that take into account an applicant’s holistic profile. In order for your son to make an educated choice concerning his future, I would suggest that he acquires advice from experts in the industry as well as from academic advisors.

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