Would one graded course make sense for me? (Anyone in HR?)

[TESUAbroad]

I have some work experience(1 year digital marketing at a small business, 1 year field sales/promoter medium sized business, 7 months Sales Admin. Intern at a Global Tech company).

But, I'm in my mid twenties and I'm worried I will be asked about GPA, as I will be a "recent graduate" to HR and won't have enough work experience in the relevant field of marketing. Would it make sense for me to take one course that's graded so I can avoid awkward question(s) and be seen amidst a pile of resumes?

My goal would be to work in the tech sector in either San Francisco or Los Angeles.
It would cost me around $1350 more than just taking a TECEP, but if it boosts my resume by a significant factor, I think it is definitely worth it. What do you think?

Any advice would me much appreciated!

[jsd]

I'm not in the field you're going into, but I've never been asked my GPA and I've had HR folks tell me that not many people put their GPA on their resume (and they're not that interested in it anyway). For companies that are actually interested in your GPA, they're likely to ask for transcripts. They'll probably easily be able to see your GPA was based on one course.

[TESUAbroad]

I'm not in the field you're going into, but I've never been asked my GPA and I've had HR folks tell me that not many people put their GPA on their resume (and they're not that interested in it anyway). For companies that are actually interested in your GPA, they're likely to ask for transcripts. They'll probably easily be able to see your GPA was based on one course.

I highly doubt they would ask for a transcript, thanks for the input though.

[jsd]

Again, I've never personally run into, but it's not especially unheard of -- if it's a company that actually cares about GPA, why wouldn't they want to verify it?.

You're more likely to be applying for companies who do no care about your GPA.

[videogamesrock]

I don't think GPA would be a deal breaker. Do they even verify education anymore?

[davewill]

I would be more worried about claiming a high GPA and then having it come out that it was based on one course. I would say that unless you want to take multiple courses, preferably in your AOS, it isn't worth doing.

[dfrecore]

I worked in HR for years - several high tech companies in the Silicon Valley. I've never asked about GPA from anyone. Never discussed it. No manager ever asked about it. Work experience was king. The only companies I knew that asked for GPA were in certain fields, or very high-level positions, and then they did ask for transcripts. So just 1 grade at a school is not a bonus, and a complete waste of time in my opinion.

And, we ALWAYS verified that someone graduated from the school they said they did. ALWAYS. Deal-breaker there, to say you graduated but didn't.

[jsd]

Thanks, dfrecore. That's basically what I was getting at. You're not likely to be interviewing with companies who care about GPA, but if you ever do, they'll want you to back it up with a transcript request. And that one course GPA will look odd.

[TESUAbroad]

I've decided to not pursue the graded course, thanks for the advice. :iagree: