2.6 GPA into strategy consulting?
Currently in my final year of university at a semi-target school studying economics. I’m extremely interested in strategy consulting but my GPA is shit. I almost failed out my first and second year but since then have maintained a GPA of around 3.5 which has let to a CGPA of 2.64.
Despite my GPA I have relatively solid work experience (1 year as a market research analyst at a reputable company + some other internships) and have always held a side job throughout university to support myself.
I’ve been networking like crazy and have secured two referrals from senior consultants at EY and Accenture. I didn’t mention my GPA to either..
Realistically, is it possible to break in with such a shit GPA? Has anybody done it successfully who is willing to share their approach? Any advice is welcome.
I’d recommend to not list it on your resume, and if anyone brings it up just let them know straight up and explain why
All major firms require you to disclose GPA on applications, and not having it would be a red flag for entry-level recruiting out of undergrad
.
Yes you can absolutely break in. Network hard, learn sought after skills (data science, financial modeling etc). You can also take the side-door: rotation or lateral into a corporate strategy role at a less sexy company and then leverage that for a full-time consulting gig at a consulting firm.
Appreciate the feedback! I’m doing my best so let’s hope for a miracle🔥
Had an absolute shit GPA and still recruited well (albeit for finance), PM me
Thanks! PM’d
del
I'm sorry, but at a cumulative GPA of 2.64, especially not from a top target, you will almost certainly not be looked at from any major strategy firm (which are MBB and the T2s, that's pretty much it for strategy) coming directly out of undergrad. Even if you had a referral from a senior partner you will not make it through resume screening, as there are just too many other good candidates that can be hard to pick from
Also worth pointing out that applications have closed or are closing very soon
If you really want to work in consulting, I would focus on telling a great story and getting high-level referrals from boutiques or regional firms, which can sometimes be more flexible in application processes if you can get a good referral
Thanks for sharing your take. I hope to god you’re wrong but unfortunately what you’re saying makes good sense.
That being said, I’m still going to give it my best shot because my CGPA (cliche as it may be) doesn’t represent my potential. My GPA in first and second year were destroyed for reasons that are now behind me.
If I do only make it to a regional or boutique firm, how would suggest I set myself up for a successful lateral to a T2 or even an MBB?
I believe you that your GPA does not represent you. After all, you seem to have worked harder than many others during college in terms of jobs
My biggest piece of advice would be to think longer term than most people. While getting a job at a top firm is probably off the table right now, that doesn't mean your career is doomed
IF you are dead-set on working for a top strategy consulting firm, what I would do is focus on (1) getting some sort of decent job with a decent company after graduating even if not consulting, (2) getting an unbelievable GMAT score, (3) doing a ton of extracurriculars outside of work in order to get into a T10 MBA 3-4 years after undergrad. People are suggesting lateraling, which while sure don't throw the option away, it's really not common and your GPA will still follow you at top firms for a few years
If you aren't dead-set on working for a top strategy consulting firm, focus on just getting a decent job where you feel there is career growth opportunity, do well, and don't overindex on the rat race for a year or two. Truthfully people care a lot less about what you do for a living than you think, and 'office job' is about as much as most people will really care/track. Not getting into consulting is not the end of the world, even if it might feel like it to you right now
Network like crazy, get a couple interviews, and the rest of that stuff won't matter. GPA gets you in the door, but I've seen plenty of 3.9s get passed over for kids with much lower grade-points that rocked the interview
Thanks for the feedback! Do you think it’s possible to get to the interview stage with a GPA as low as mine? Once I’m there I’m much more confident in my chances.
it's going to vary place-to-place. Network like your hair is on fire, cast a wide net, and you'll be more likely to get some invites.
Think the school you went to is also a big factor. GPA isn’t everything but you need something to compensate.
Fair point. My school IS a target school but I’m studying internationally so for U.S recruiting it’s still somewhat off brand.
You’re good brother. Intern at a start up or boutique (almost guaranteed to get past screening — not many applicants) and lateral. I’ve known dozens of kids who ended up at BB that had low gpa UG. All it means is that you won’t get BB as first gig. If you perform exceptionally at an internship at a smaller firm then they’ll overlook your academic performance. GPA isn’t a very good indicator of intelligence anyway. Banks like JPM and GS like 3.8+ because they know they’re the type of kids willing to push 90+ hours a week for average hourly
Thanks for the vote of confidence! I’m down to do it if my T2 recruiting doesn’t pan out. Do you know of any firms that would be a good starting place? Mainly searching in NYC and Boston. Could I shoot you a PM?
Cornerstone + Putnam are boutique consulting firms that aren't tough to get into and they still compete with top firms. You can PM
I was in a VERY similar boat. Almost failed out and had a 2.01 GPA end of my sophomore year, ended up graduating with a 2.94 2 years later, and made it into B4 consulting. Have faith in yourself and good luck!
That’s huge!! Congrats on getting in! I’m networking my ass off trying to make it happen. Can I shoot you a PM? Would love to hear how you made it happen.
Harum qui accusantium officia tenetur veniam. Voluptas est et et libero id omnis sit molestiae. Qui qui error asperiores sunt. Ducimus odit ut eos at placeat. Ut excepturi fugit quidem.
Illum sed quis ex consequuntur laborum. Nihil autem sequi blanditiis aut odit.
Ea non reiciendis esse quia est accusamus animi. Eos aliquam sunt quaerat eum debitis nihil. Ea mollitia quia enim est ut ullam consequatur. Odio aperiam rerum veniam excepturi ut.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...
Maxime vitae deleniti nemo quaerat. Ipsum mollitia sit ad sunt laborum quis odit. Magni sed et rem aut quo aspernatur. Quia et et laborum hic. Cumque molestiae est repudiandae autem non iste eaque at.
Officiis vitae alias dolor quia. Aut aliquam earum aut. Dolor sunt minus cupiditate eum qui eum nihil corporis. Id dolorem quam molestias ipsa itaque voluptate. Qui enim quas mollitia et.
Illum pariatur fugiat voluptates ratione neque est consequatur. Illum molestias ut illo maiores aliquam ipsam. Et enim soluta illo eum. Ad veniam quo eos qui nisi corporis. Ducimus laboriosam reiciendis et aut porro iure. Velit laudantium earum autem sunt qui aspernatur ut.
Ut aut ut molestiae incidunt. Soluta nihil eum enim voluptas. Neque enim quidem vitae.