By Margarida Gomes
Many students stress about life after graduation. For them, the step beyond college feels like one of the most difficult transitions they’ll ever face. A strong academic record, including a solid GPA, can be an important part of preparing for that future. In many cases, organizations use GPA as a key reference when hiring new employees.
Understanding this, McPherson College has taken proactive steps to support students academically. One person who plays a major role in this is Linda Barrett, the Coordinator of Student Success and Engagement. Linda works closely with students who are struggling academically, helping them stay on track and ultimately graduate with a strong GPA. She also oversees the college’s tutoring program, matching students with qualified tutors who can help them succeed. Tutors at McPherson aren’t chosen randomly. Linda explained that for students to become tutors in a specific course, they must be approved by the professor who teaches that course. Without that approval, they cannot serve as tutors. This process ensures that all tutors are truly prepared and capable of helping their peers.
Interestingly, Linda mentioned that many students who seek help aren’t struggling with the material itself, but rather with time management. Organizing study schedules and managing coursework deadlines has become a common challenge among today’s students. To address this, Linda overseas study groups led by tutors, where students are encouraged to stay and work until they’ve completed their assignments or studied for upcoming exams. These sessions provide structured time and accountability—exactly what many students need.
Recognizing the importance of academic performance is essential, but there’s more to preparing for a successful career than just grades. According to Amy Beckman, Executive Director of Career and Experiential Learning at McPherson College, internships and hands-on experience are just as important—if not more so—than GPA. Amy referenced a study showing that in 70% of hiring decisions, employers prioritize skills and experiences over GPA. In most cases, GPA becomes a deciding factor only when candidates are otherwise equally qualified. That’s why she works so closely with students to help them build strong resumes filled with relevant experiences.
When meeting with students, Amy starts by having a conversation to learn about their interests—whether they’re drawn to business, healthcare, or another field. This helps narrow their focus and makes it easier to find internships that align with their goals. Amy believes in gradually preparing students for the job market, starting as early as their freshman year. From there, she helps them build resumes, apply for internships, and gain the skills they’ll need after graduation. Amy recommends that students complete internships during their sophomore and junior years. By senior year, the focus shifts to securing internships that could potentially lead to full-time job offers. Even when that’s not possible, she encourages seniors to begin applying for jobs in their final semester, so they don’t feel overwhelmed after graduation. “It’s an easier process if you do it gradually,” she says.
As this story shows, McPherson College offers valuable resources to help students navigate both their academic lives and their transition into the workforce. Whether through the academic support provided by Linda Barrett or the career coaching from Amy Beckman, students have all the tools they need to take the next step with confidence. Sometimes, all it takes is reaching out—whether by email or a conversation with an advisor—to start that journey.
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