Grades or work experience? Options

[lemondrop]

I'm a sophomore in college and I was simply wondering, upon looking for a job after graduation, which factor is more important: grades or work experience?

[Ivisionary]

I know that if you are applying for competitive positions right out of college, grades will be an important factor. When I was interning at an investment bank, they told me in order for potential employees to even be looked at, they had to have at least a 3.5 GPA. The insurance company at which I currently intern requires that you have at least a 3.3 GPA.

Since companies don't expect for undergrads to have work experience, a lot of questions asked during interviews will be related to school experience, like how you've demonstrated leadership, teamwork, and initiative.

It's always recommended that you apply for an internship during summer of your junior year to show employers that you are serious about the field that you are going into. Experience is always a plus, but it depends on what field/position you're seeking. I don't think it's an absolute requirement for most starting/analyst positions.

Also, realize that work experience can count for or against you. If you got bad reviews during your previous work or if you did not excel in what you did, then it won't help you at all.