I'm an undergrad EE/CS from a top 5 engineering school with one first author publication at "a top conference" and I will have fantastic references from very well known researchers in my field (publishing this plus working with them for 2.5 years by the time I graduate). I will hopefully have at least one more of these publications by the time I graduate if all goes well.
My GPA is low because I basically just took as many hard technical classes as I could fit into my schedule every semester (just over a 3.0) while doing research / first authoring (so yes, now I realize that was a poor choice). I just wanted to get as much out of my education as I could fit in. I feel like I will have proved my worth as a researcher but I realize the GPA is extremely hard to look past (especially after skimming topics here).
In experience of applying, what would be your suggestions? I would like to get a higher degree at some point, but I am not sure which degree or where I would be qualified for. Also I'm not sure a lesser school masters or PhD degree would be worth it after a great undergrad school degree.
Notably, I like research, but I could see there being industry jobs I'd like too (I think research is probably out).
Help?