Nuclear engineers who work in design

[madhisoka]

Hi, do large nuclear power design companies ask for high GPA/Average ? companies like terrapower Westinghouse...? Is a successful engineering career linked with high gpa/average ?

 

[berkeman]

Hi, do large nuclear power design companies ask for high GPA/Average ? companies like terrapower Westinghouse...? Is a successful engineering career linked with high gpa/average ?

I would think (hope?) that good grades in the technical classes that apply directly to the work would matter to the folks who do the interviewing and hiring. If your grades in side classes (like English or Art or whatever other classes you are required to take) are lower and that pulls your GPA down a bit, that probably would not matter much. My final undergraduate GPA was 3.67/4.0, but my GPA in technical subjects was closer to 3.9.

 

[gmax137]

If your grades in side classes (like English or Art or whatever other classes you are required to take) are lower and that pulls your GPA down a bit, that probably would not matter much.

No, I disagree with this. An engineer who can't write up their analysis/calculation clearly, who can't write a compelling proposal, who can't write understandable reports, is nearly worthless in anything other than an entry level position. These "side courses" are all about these writing skills.

 

[madhisoka]

so its all about the GPA when it comes to having a successful career right ?

 

[Nidum]

Getting good qualifications usually helps to get a good starting position .

Whether you have a successful career or not depends on how good an engineer you are .

 

[berkeman]

No, I disagree with this. An engineer who can't write up their analysis/calculation clearly, who can't write a compelling proposal, who can't write understandable reports, is nearly worthless in anything other than an entry level position. These "side courses" are all about these writing skills.

I agree that writing skills are important, but unless a young candidate has a lot of typos on their resume, that's not going to come up in the interview process. Good writing and presentation skills are definitely important throughout your career. A Technical Writing class with a high grade would stand out on any resume that I'm reviewing, as would an active membership in a Toastmasters organization, for example.

 

[berkeman]

so its all about the GPA when it comes to having a successful career right ?

That's not what I said. I said that If it were up to me, I'd want you to have good grades in the classes that directly applied to the *Nuclear Engineering Design* job that I was interviewing you for. I of course do my own assessment in interviews of the abilities of applicants, but to get in the door for an interview, you have to look like you qualify. If you have low grades in classes like calculus, DEs, material science, or any other classes that directly apply to Nuclear Engineering Design work, that will likely keep you from getting very far in the interview process. And for good reason, IMO.

 

[madhisoka]

That's not what I said. I said that If it were up to me, I'd want you to have good grades in the classes that directly applied to the *Nuclear Engineering Design* job that I was interviewing you for. I of course do my own assessment in interviews of the abilities of applicants, but to get in the door for an interview, you have to look like you qualify. If you have low grades in classes like calculus, DEs, material science, or any other classes that directly apply to Nuclear Engineering Design work, that will likely keep you from getting very far in the interview process. And for good reason, IMO.

Got it, thank you