I’m studying finance and marketing, and for the third time, I’m trying for a co-op but just keep getting rejected after what feel like good interviews. My GPA is 3.1, my resume is solid, and I can make it to the last round of interviews, but then I get a no. It feels like you only get a job these days if you know the right people or get really lucky. With the timing of my college years, it looks like I chose the worst time to go to school. Companies aren’t hiring much, and it feels like my university keeps letting more people in. It’s getting to the point where I worry I’ll end up with a job that has nothing to do with my degree.
First off, don’t worry too much about your GPA when it comes to securing a co-op position. It’s impressive that you’re getting interview opportunities, especially in the current job market. It might be helpful to figure out why you’re facing rejections. If you’re an international student, the issue could be related to visa sponsorship requirements at some companies. If that’s not the case, perhaps focusing on improving your interview skills could help. Remember, persistence is key. Don’t lose hope and keep trying. I myself applied to almost 300 positions before I landed my internship. Just keep pushing forward, and you’ll find the right opportunity eventually.
If you're getting interviews, especially second ones, you're on the right track but might just be facing a bit of bad luck. Keep going. Feel free to ask your coop coordinator or the people interviewing you for advice on how to get better, just make sure to stay professional.
Also, it’s a good idea to work hard on improving your grades. While your GPA becomes less important as you gain more work experience, many coops and entry-level jobs look at it closely when choosing who to interview. So, improving your GPA can really help you out in the long run.