UMICH ECON for Investment Banking
Is a Umich (LSA) econ student with a 3.7 with strong involvement in Ross clubs competitive for IB jobs? Will they get interviews or is a 3.7 gpa too low?
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Umich student here. I had the same GPA and broke into a top BB/EB. I am in the business school but went through recruiting with many friends who were not. To be quite honest, I don’t think it matters much if you’re in Ross or not. My econ friends got plenty of interviews at top firms. Only difference is they often had to have an explanation for why they “chose” econ vs business.
In terms of the GPA, you probably will not get selected straight from an application without networking as some of your Ross/high GPA peers will. You’re going to have to network a good amount. Other than that though, recruiting won’t be that bad and you’ll get a lot of the same opportunities as your Ross buddies, but with a bit (or sometimes a lot) more networking.
Do you think the GPA will be a set-back in terms of getting interviews for top BB/EB if I network sufficiently? I've heard GPA min is anywhere from 3.5/3.6 to 3.8/3.9 so I'm not sure if I am competitive with networking.
You’ll be competitive but I wouldn’t recommend sending your resume along with your cold emails as some of your peers may. Talk to people first and then send them your resume once they already like you and have asked for your resume. They’re not going to stop pulling for you just because you have a 3.7.
Overall, you’re just going to have to make people like you before they see your GPA. However this isn’t a huge deal because a 3.7 isn’t awful. If you had a 3.5/3.6 this would apply more. I really don’t think anyone cared about my 3.7 other than one 2nd round interviewer at an EB who was fine with my explanation.
Did you find yourself having a hard time getting interviews with a 3.7? I've heard the cut-off is honestly 3.5 and anything above that is just a check in the box. I plan on networking extensively, but I worry the 3.7 will hold me back and be an auto-ding
If you are in the IBC, you should be fine.
What’s IBC?
What are the odds of getting a Evercore/Moelis/Lazard/GS/MS with a 3.7 if you network? Will you be dinged for the 3.7 or is it just not going to get your foot through the door as easily as say a 3.8+ would?
I did it with that GPA and I’m not the only one. However most of your strongest competition will be 3.8+ naturally. You may need to network more to get in the door but once you’ve got the interview, your GPA doesn’t really matter anymore.
Just grind your technicals now so you’re better than your 3.8+ peers and be prepared to network come next semester.
Umich LSA Alum here- had interviews at literally all the firms with a 3.7. Just gotta network and be nice when talking to these people. Umich alum are so helpful and people don't care if you're in ross or not. Go to all the recruiting events and get the business cards like everyone else. Good luck!
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