Aligning with Employer Expectations: The Role of GPA in Co-op Candidate Evaluation

The University of Cincinnati (UC) began cooperative education in 1906, integrating experience with academics. UC’s College of Engineering & Applied Science (CEAS) sustains this practice, requiring students to alternate academic semesters with full-time co-op positions. While co-op is a key factor in students’ decision to attend UC, the job search process for a first co-op experience can be a significant source of stress for students. Many students, particularly those with lower grade point averages (GPAs), worry about their competitiveness in the job market. This case study explores the impact of GPA on securing a first co-op position and identifies actionable strategies to support students in their job search. Utilizing institutional data, employer surveys, and roundtable discussions with electrical and chemical engineering employer partners, we found that while GPA plays a role, employers also prioritize personal qualities, extracurricular involvement, and professional communication skills. Employers emphasized the importance of human connection in hiring decisions. These insights offer valuable guidance for co-op faculty for advising and instruction. By leveraging both quantitative and qualitative data, career education practitioners can better prepare students—especially those with lower GPAs—for a successful job search. Future research should expand this study to other engineering disciplines and industries.