First

I have a 2.68 GPA, no research experience and nothing to offset that. I'm considering going into industry for a while to separate myself from my GPA, and then apply for a masters in computer engineering (specialization in computer architecture). If I decided to do that what kind of job, that I could realistically get, would help me the most?

I see. Makes sense. Thanks for the advice!

Hmm... that's what I thought. I've noticed some schools like California State University Long Beach set their requirement at 2.7 for the last 60 credit hours. How selective do you think they are? Would I have a chance at universities with lower requirements? If I choose to go into industry I assume I'd have to take a position that involves some sort of research if I plan on going to do masters after, right?

I'm a computer engineering student at this ABET-accredited university in the middle east. I graduate in December 2016. I'm a US citizen. A few months ago I was toying with the idea of doing a masters. During one of my courses I developed an interest in computer architecture and noticed that most jobs in the field require a masters or PhD. I asked a professor for a research opportunity. He agreed. A few days ago he got back to me and asked me if I was still interested in carrying out some research for him. I have a 2.68 GPA. Major GPA and GPA over last 2 years are more or less the same. Grades in some of the relevant courses are C's. I have an internship that will begin soon and probably help more than some research for landing a full time job for after I graduate. There's no use in turning down this internship opportunity for research unless I commit now to trying to get into a masters program. I'm planning on working on some projects related to computer architecture (hardware and software gameboy emulators) regardless but I don't think that will help. The only other thing I've got is competitive programming experience. I don't think that helps either. My recommendation letters, I assume, would probably be good. Some professors know me from programming contests. I've done well in them. Would doing any research this summer tip the scales in my favour? Would I have a chance of getting into a masters program at less selective universities?