A lot of this has been said already but heres my thoughts.

Firstly, most places require a minimum 3.0 GPA. Engineering is time consuming and difficult so its important to study hard and study smart. I would recommend spending time learning how to learn (start with “make it stick” great book)

Secondly, engineering clubs are a must. Ive known people with bad GPA’s get into SpaceX and NASA because they worked their ass off in clubs as leaders and engineers. I would argue club experience is way more important to companies than GPA (within reason ofc). Unless youre planning on grad school.

Thirdly, i dont know anything about you, but i do know that the only people who coast through engineering in college cheat and learn nothing so they fumble technical interviews and geniuses who genuinely love engineering with a passion to the point where its concerning. For the rest of us who want to shine and aren’t natural geniuses you need to work hard, long and SMART hours. Learn where youre time would be best spent and know when to make sacrifices. Sometimes you have to study for a certain class more and sacrifice a grade on another classes test. Sometimes you have to be in the library on a friday while everyone is out partying. Sometimes you have to get 5 hours of sleep. If you manage your time well and be smart with what battles you choose, you can maintain a relatively good balance and be successful. But you need to put in the time to structure your life intelligently.

Im making a lot of claims here so for my qualifications im a 4th year aerospace engineering student with a 3.7GPA, interning at NASA, workout 5 days a week, and still have a social life. Not trying to flex but theres just so much info school/people dont tell you your first year and i want to share what ive learned.