Ivy League Student with 3.3 GPA College Resume?
I'm a junior at an Ivy applying for summer internships for consulting firms and some strategy divisions at banks. Should I leave my 3.3 GPA on my resume?
Concerns:
- I've read that generally you should leave your GPA on your resume or else people will assume that it is under 3.0. I have a pretty good SAT score from high school that I know some firms ask for, but I wouldn't list the SAT score without my GPA. Should I include this information on my resumes IF companies do not ask for this information explicitly?
- Some of the bank positions I've read have said that their cutoff is 3.2 -- is this just something they say? Is there an informal cutoff that is actually around 3.5?
- What consulting firms would I have a chance at with decent consulting experience and my GPA? I've heard Bain/McKinsey/BCG have cutoffs around 3.7 for my school.
I'm specifically talking about for the resume drop portion of the summer internship application, because I've heard that once you get to the interview stage it's all about the interview?
Should I Leave a Low GPA on Resume?
Generally speaking, our users suggest leaving your GPA on your resume as not putting it on implies that your GPA is low (sub 3.0). However, our users also recommended putting on a major or concentration GPA if that is significantly higher.
If I were you I would leave it on. When I look at resumes if its not on there I automatically assume its under a 3.0. Even if there is a cutoff at 3.5, if you don't have anything on there you won't get through the door.Network, try and get in touch with someone at the firm that can maybe flag your resume to bring you in for an interview. Then study up (WSO guides) and rock the interview.
GPA Application Cut Offs in Banking and Consulting
Some banks and consulting firms will have a stated cut off GPA for different positions that you may be applying for. Our users shared that the stated or unstated cut off will be 3.5 or 3.6 but often times, the cut off is flexible on a case by case basis.
informal cut off is usually higher. my bank's cut off was a 3.5 or 3.6, but our average incoming class GPA is much higher.Also, for consulting, at my target I don't think they interviewed anyone below a 3.8
Anyone ever gotten a partner referral for MBB recruiting? I know at Deloitte, the published GPA cutoff was a 3.5, but if you had a partner referral, could get around the requirement. Worth thinking about if that would work for you.I also know many that got BB jobs with GPAs below 3.5 from a non-HYP school, so that is definitely possible.
Went to a target. I've gotten interviews from top-tier firms with a 3.0. No McKinsey and Bain, but BCG and Booz offered me interviews on the consulting side. Also gotten interviews from BAML, GS, DB, Laz, Evcore, Centerview, and a handful of other "elite boutiques" as well with that GPA. It's not a harsh cutoff - I'm pretty sure if the rest of your interview is interesting/impressive (or you're a diversity hire...?) you can get at least a few interviews.
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If I were you I would leave it on. When I look at resumes if its not on there I automatically assume its under a 3.0. Even if there is a cutoff at 3.5, if you don't have anything on there you won't get through the door.
Network, try and get in touch with someone at the firm that can maybe flag your resume to bring you in for an interview. Then study up (WSO guides) and rock the interview.
Good luck!
informal cut off is usually higher. my bank's cut off was a 3.5 or 3.6, but our average incoming class GPA is much higher.
also, for consulting, at my target I don't think they interviewed anyone below a 3.8
3.8 cutoff? Wow, consulting is harsh. Seems like finance is much more forgiving of a low gpa...
I guess the consensus is leave it in. Personally, when I look at resumes, I looked at the school and experience first. If they had great exp and a tough major (not something fluffy), I let the grade slide. If it was a great gpa at podunk university... well, not being from US, I wouldn't know what to think since I wouldn't have a good idea of the program's quality, so if the kid has really good exp, I just disregard and focus on the rest of the profile.
So for me it would go: 1) great exp, great gpa, great school 2) great exp, so-so gpa, great school 3) so-so exp, great gpa, great school or great exp, great gpa, non target/unknown school 4) great/good exp, decent gpa, non or semi target, good/so-so exp, so-so gpa, great school
and so on...
I would say great experience obtained by someone from a non-target along with a great gpa would be nice to see, I can appreciate a kid who can hustle. Someone from an Ivy with a low-ish gpa, I guess that depends on the major. If it's fluffy, or if you're from a school where marks are often inflated, it means you were either consistently lazy, or had some personal circumstance - life got in the way. But again, if you have really good exp already, it says something about your skills outside of the classroom. So... hopefully you had some good previous experience that will catch the recruiters' eye?
I agree with Billy Ray: no GPA usually means below 3.0, so I’d just list it.
Do you have a major/concentration GPA that is significantly higher? If that's the case, you could pit that instead.
i had a friend who would put "finance courses: 3.7" ; "electives: 3.1" LOOL
Hello all!
Here is a double post very similar to this post - if you have time could you please respond as well?
I am a junior at HYP, and am double majoring in Economics and Latin American Studies, and hoping to go apply for both banking and consulting internships this summer. I have a very specific GPA question - please help!
I have a 3.60 GPA Latin American Studies, 3.33 GPA in Economics and a 3.30 GPA flat overall. Currently on my resume the section is as follows:
Major: Econ & Latin American Studies. Latin American Studies GPA: 3.6, Econ GPA: 3.33
Does this look shady? Since I'm listing Econ before Latin American Studies, but post the other GPA first. Also, since my Econ GPA is already low, and really close to my actual overall GPA, does it make it seem like my actual GPA is actually a lot lower than both? Should I list all three?
Any suggestions appreciated!
Fortunately I have a high SAT score..
If you're at Princeton, you're average. If you're at Harvard, your gpa is shit, especially with the majors you picked. Don't know what the story is at Yale.
MBB doesn't care about your major GPA. At all. You need to list your cumulative GPA, or it will be thrown out. And with your GPA there's very little chance you'll get an interview (yes, even from HYP).
At any bank? Or just the BB? Do I still have a shot at smaller banks?
Anyone ever gotten a partner referral for MBB recruiting? I know at Deloitte, the published GPA cutoff was a 3.5, but if you had a partner referral, could get around the requirement. Worth thinking about if that would work for you.
I also know many that got BB jobs with GPAs below 3.5 from a non-HYP school, so that is definitely possible.
I'm sorry dude, don't even bother applying to MBB, and do list your overall GPA and apply to second and third-tier firms.
Leaving out your GPA in this case would be pretty silly. And if it's in a tough STEM major that's really not that bad at all, regardless of whatever arbitrary cutoffs that McKinsey or The Goldman Sachs might have.
I'll tell you a little trick though, find a way to put down something (next to your overall GPA) GPA related that mitigates it somewhat. Sometimes you just have to be a little creative, if you don't fight for yourself don't expect anyone else to.
Ivy student with 3.3 GPA - include on CV? (Originally Posted: 01/08/2014)
I'm a junior at an Ivy applying for summer interships for consulting firms and some strategy divisions at banks. Should I leave my 3.3 GPA on my resume?
Concerns: 1) I've read that generally you should leave your GPA on your resume or else people will assume that it is under 3.0. I have a pretty good SAT score from high school that I know some firms ask for, but I wouldn't list the SAT score without my GPA. Should I include this information on my resumes IF companies do not ask for this information explicitly?
2) Some of the bank positions I've read have said that their cutoff is 3.2 -- is this just something they say? Is there an informal cutoff that is actually around 3.5?
3) What consulting firms would I have a chance at with decent consulting experience and my GPA? I've heard Bain/McKinsey/BCG have cutoffs around 3.7 for my school.
Thanks!
I'm specifically talking about getting to the interview stage. I've heard that once you get to that stage it's just all about the interview and not the GPA - I'm specifically talking about the resume drop portion of applications.
Went to a target. I've gotten interviews from top-tier firms with a 3.0. No McKinsey and Bain, but BCG and Booz offered me interviews on the consulting side. Also gotten interviews from BAML, GS, DB, Laz, Evcore, Centerview, and a handful of other "elite boutiques" as well with that GPA. It's not a harsh cutoff - I'm pretty sure if the rest of your interview is interesting/impressive (or you're a diversity hire...?) you can get at least a few interviews.
Is a woman considered a diversity hire? Ha. I was also wondering if you did a lot of networking to get those interviews?
If you are in college, leave it on. Once you have some work experience, take it off.
I think if the SAT score is good, then you should put it on there so you should put your gpa as well.
Until you've got a year or so in your first post-college job, include your GPA. A 3.3 isn't terrible, and your SAT scores will prove that you're a non-retard.
Hi All! Here is a similar question: Please respond if you guys have suggestions?
I am a junior at HYP, and am double majoring in Economics and Latin American Studies, and hoping to go apply for both banking and consulting internships this summer. I have a very specific GPA question - please help!
I have a 3.60 GPA Latin American Studies, 3.33 GPA in Economics and a 3.30 GPA flat overall. Currently on my resume the section is as follows:
Major: Econ & Latin American Studies. Latin American Studies GPA: 3.6, Econ GPA: 3.33
Does this look shady? Since I'm listing Econ before Latin American Studies, but post the other GPA first. Also, since my Econ GPA is already low, and really close to my actual overall GPA, does it make it seem like my actual GPA is actually a lot lower than both? Should I list all three?
Any suggestions appreciated!
Fortunately I have a high SAT score..
You'll get better advice from the Yale career center than from idiots on WSO at 140 am.
Had same gpa at an ivy. It probably affects getting a job within IB but I wouldn't know since I didn't apply to any IB jobs (I had and still have zero interest in IB). My friends that had 3.6+ were able to pretty easily though.
Like above user, I got a job really late... I think after I graduated actually. I'm extremely happy with where I'm at now (2nd job post-college, was pretty happy with the first too) though...
you don't have the option to leave it off. people who say to do that have no idea how recruiting at top places works -- your GPA is a large factor in whether or not you get an interview, for better or worse, and it is mandatory that you list it and your SAT scores on your resume or it will most likely be filtered out instantly if you're applying via OCI. to the other guy, they care exclusively about your cumulative, overall GPA so the major-specific shit is just taking up space. no one asks for it. I guess if it makes you feel better, you can list both, but it won't help you at all, and it might annoy a resume screener.
3.3 from target? - Internship last year at F500 (Originally Posted: 01/14/2010)
Hey guys, i have a 3.3 from Duke... econ/pub pol major, internship last year at F500 company, moderate extracurrics... what consulting firms should i look at?
Jack Mihoff & Company is a good one to look at.
You should definitely look at MBB.
You should LOOK at everything. The only cost to you for applying is composing cover letters, and honestly you're a student - you have plenty of free time. If you know anyone at MBB, you should set up a casual conversation about their work and how you're interested in consulting - again, only cost to you is time.
At the same time, be realistic. Your GPA is pretty low, at least from the anecdotal evidence I have and the resumes I've reviewed (NOT at MBB, but a reasonably selective strategy boutique... take it or leave it). Your best shot at MBB is going to be networking. There are plenty of firms out there for which the Duke name will open doors even if the GPA is a bit low - LEK is one that, again, anecdotally, springs to mind.
Good luck!
^whoa man u got big head after sending in that MBB offer, your best shot is going to be networking?!! no.
c'mon we all know MBB gives first round interviews to basically anyone decent who applies if it's on-campus. u see like 100 people at the career center... puhleez
you should submit to everything. BCG tends to have a very large number of first round interview slots (200 at some schools).
what kind of consulting are you interested in? honestly, your question is way to vague for us to meaningfully help you.
other than that, I've hard that MBB's might have a hard 3.5GPA cut off... target or not. I'd verify this with your career center before blindly sending out applications to firms that would automatically weed you out.
You still have a shot at MBB if you are a campus leader or have extraordinary extracurriculars. Or, if you want to work at MBB full time, do your best to get into a top BB (GS / MS) or some other "brand" internship.
McK in particular is known for taking student government / high profile club officers so it's possible but still difficult.
i have a 3.31 GPA at a target school. Now what? (Originally Posted: 09/09/2013)
I'm a junior and I STILL don't have an internship lined up for next summer. I do have a cousin who works at JP Morgan though, he knows friends in Evercore, KKR, and McKinsey. How much of an influence will he have on my life if he's on good terms with the managing directors at Evercore and knows an associate at McKinsey very well?
How are we supposed to answer this? You should ask him....
Generally speaking, someone junior (even if they have a great relationship with their MDs) may does have much influence besides being able to put your resume in the review pile - especially if the group is recruiting during the normal recruiting period and has a buttload of top tier students with better experience and grades looking to get in.
But keep in mind: him being your cousin, there's conflict of interest. If they say something like "how do you know this kid, why should we look at him vs. this other guy at so and so target school with prior internships or 3.9 GPA?" - he needs to have reasons for up-selling you. If you have something on your resume that stands out, point it out to him. But him being your cousin can also work against you in some people's view (unless you're some princeling with top-ranking Chinese government official parents)
Also, who your cousin recommends the MDs to consider is also a reflection of him. So... again, I'm sure he'll pass your resume to an MD/Director/VP and it'll be read by someone other than HR or an analyst, but unless you have something else sellable on your resume, your cousin can only do so much.
Wow you are clueless for being at a "target". Recruiting hasn't even started yet, dumbass.
resume drops started today. tomorrow is career fair. I think I still have time.
This post screams non-target
Why would you expect that being related to a person who knows a (junior) person at McKinsey would be helpful? Do you seriously expect that this opens doors? Agree with everyone above -- only a non-target would think like this.
Dude it's early september... recruiting for junior year SA positions is long over. Your best bet is to try to get in by applying for positions in BO.
2/10
PM me if you want to learn how to troll.
Is 3.31 GPA too low for consulting?
Generally. Consulting usually has higher GPA hurdles, but networking is key either way.
Yes for MBB. Lower-tier is possible (Big 4, etc.)
3.35 from Top 10 Undergrad Business School - Is it super major red flag when applying to top MBA programs? (Originally Posted: 03/29/2015)
Hey everyone,
I'll be graduating in a few months with a BBA in Finance from McCombs School of Business (UT Austin) and I am estimating that I will finish with a 3.35 GPA in Finance. The main reason contributing to this bad GPA is my performance during my freshman year, particularly in Calc I and II (I received a C and D respectively), so that killed my GPA potential early on. Later on I managed to do relatively good overall during the next 3 years particularly in my other quant classes (statistics) leading to 3 year performance after freshman year averaging around a B+ overall.
Eventually I would like to go to a top MBA program and I am worried my GPA (especially coming from a pretty good Undergrad B school) will kill those ambitions since I feel that AdComs would think that since my GPA says I didn't do well at a top 10 undergrad B-school I won't be a good fit for a Top MBA program. In terms of other MBA admissions criteria, I have a decent job lined up (at least I would hope so) doing Risk Management/Internal Audit for Bank of America Merill Lynch and in terms of GMAT I have been prepping for that since February and is looking good so far (hitting 690+ consistently on the tests I have taken - looking to knock it out in June) so the only other criteria (aside from essay/recs) I've been worried about is my GPA.
With all of this I am looking for some guidance. Should I be freaking out or not? If so what do you think will help overcome my GPA issue? I was thinking about taking Calc I and II at a community college again when I start working and get A's to show the adcoms I am capable in those quant classes, but not sure how much it would help. Would love to hear your feedback, guidance and suggestions!
TL;DR: I'm projected to have a 3.35 GPA from a top 10 undergrad business school (McCombs - UT Austin) and I am worried it will significantly hurt my chances for top MBA admissions. Should I be worried? If so what should I do to overcome this issue?
Take a look at the average undergrad GPA's.
You're not that far outside the average. If you can push the GMAT north of 700 your stats will be in line for most Top 15 programs, and if not you'll be above par for the top regional programs.
Also keep in mid that how well you execute your application can go a long ways. I'm going to a top-20, regionally strong program.....and with a low 700 GMAT, 3.0 GPA in liberal arts I beat out applicants with much higher stats. One guy on another message board had a 760 GMAT and a 3.5 engineering GPA. The guy blows me out of the water stats wise but I was a better fit for that program and effectively articulated that.
Yeah, just bolster your credentials with great work experience and recommendation letters. GPA should be ok and retaking those classes I feel is unnecessary. Make sure your GMAT (>720 at least) is strong and you have good extracurriculars/outside involvement as well.
With a solid GMAT, you'd be able to ease some doubts. But still, with that GPA in a business major, I think itd be tough for you to look at the top 3 MBA programs.
I got into Kellogg with a 3.35 from a comparable school, you're fine. I had an operations finance background. That said, you will need to get a high GMAT.
To echo what others have said, get your GMAT above the median at programs you are applying to and that should assuage any doubt of your academic capability to the ADCOMs.
As someone who took CALC I and CALC II I can understand why you struggled in those courses, they were tough!
The "D" in calculus is still not pretty. C isn't as bad. What courses did you do better in later on that might be considered equally difficult, and that might counterbalance the D?
Someone above said "bolster your experience with recommendation letters," but I wouldn't put all my eggs in that basket. Rec letters are usually positive and don't end up being dealmakers. The thing you want to do is show that you are focused and have a good analytical mind. You could consider retaking the class, but is there something else you can do that would end up demonstrating your ability to perform well in a quantitative subject in school? If you get say a 49 on the quant section of the GMAT, that might eliminate the problem. So don't think about overall gmat scores, but subscores. That's more important.
Still, you ask, "should I be freaking out?" and the answer is no. It's very competitive, but as long as you apply to more than just Harvard and Stanford, and the rest of your application falls into place, you should be fine.
GPA will probably most hurt for H/S. Probably for Wharton as well but not sure. You should be ok in terms of the rest of the schools though.
Since you'll probably be applying 3-5 years out, many things can change in terms of B-School admissions and yourself so try to keep improving yourself and getting involved and really shaping your story and keep up with the admissions game when you apply.
Also, if you need to add some other credits in the mean time:
http://hbx.hbs.edu/hbx-core/
I feel like this program is aimed at people who didn't do undergrad B-school (similar to Pre-Med Post Bacc programs)? Just curious would it help OP in any way?
Doing well at work will help more than anything else. Get a promotion or two and you should be in good shape. Many of the applicants will have virtually no quant background at all, whereas you will be working in Risk at a major investment bank.
3.3 Fin-econ major from Columbia going for S&T (Originally Posted: 02/06/2013)
Hello All,
Long time reader, first time poster. For the past year, I've been interning in the middle office of a blue-ribbon HF in NYC. As stated above, I'm currently swinging for the fences at BB S&T divisions. Landed a couple of interviews so far, we'll see what happens. Hedging my bets with Asset Management and equity research. Appreciate any advice, thoughts, or feedback.
whats your long term career goal? hedge fund? if thats the case, definitely take ER.
3.3 Target w/ Boutique RE Investment Banking Experience Worried about Junior Year SA BB position (Originally Posted: 09/17/2014)
Hey guys so I'm mainly worried about my GPA. Go to a ivy league.
I have good leadership experience and work experience.
I'm networking aggresively but I feel like that might not be able to even get interviews for the first round for BB. Thoughts?
More than doable. You have to reach out and cast a wide net. Having a target name on your resume is enough to open doors, however it is up to you to network effectively and push for interviews.
I applied with the same GPA / boutique IBD experience / target as a junior and had no issues securing first round interviews with BBs. Even a BB with a 3.5 cutoff for OCR. GPA was never brought up in interviews except for one superday.
You will definitely have to make an effort to network (I was part of a finance club that had accelerated recruiting for members so didn't have to network as much).
3.3 GPA Non-Target School Military Veteran (Originally Posted: 03/15/2016)
All throughout these forums I see people talk about how a 3.5+ GPA is needed to even be looked at in Investment Banking. My situation is a bit unique and I was wondering if you feel my edge will be enough to land an interview even though I have a 3.3 GPA.
I am a Marine Corps veteran in NYC. Just finished my BBA in Finance with a Financial Services concentration. Since April 2015 I've been interning at a small broker dealer (Middle Market) covering a sector. I am constantly building relationships with CFO's, CEO's, Treasurers, etc. I do an equity research piece for sector coverage purposes, I am tasked with both debt and equity capital markets, BUT NO FINANCIAL MODELING! this is whats killing me. I know the GPA is out of range, but keep in mind I worked the entire time went to school (kind of regretting this now).
What do you guys think are the chances here? I interned from April to December and was hired full time in March.
I appreciate any take.
Honestly if you have already graduated and are working at a small broker it is probably going to be difficult.
That being said, start reaching out to vets on linkedin asap, as they will be your absolute best shot. Don't bother reaching out to hr folks or online apps, you will be wasting your time. Get in front of other vets there in NYC and see if they can refer you. Also, by saying start reaching out to vets asap, by asap I mean last week. That would be the only real chance I can see of you getting into the industry without getting an mba.
cayo275 Thanks for the reply. So you don't think structuring my resume appropriately will help with the online application process if apply as an experienced analyst?
This week I've been considering applying to Canada, a few analyst positions are open there.
I'm going to take your advice on reaching out to as many vets as possible via Linkedin, however I do want to consider all my options.
Keep in mind the firm I am at will sponsor me for my Series 7, 63 and 79.
Also I have notified my leadership that I am interested in financial modeling, they've offered to pay for the Wall Street Prep course as soon as im done with my Finra exams.
With that being said, by year end I expect to have all Licenses as well as the wall street prep course accomplished.
I was hoping to apply to all analyst programs, as well military veteran programs for next season.
Let me know if all this has given you any other ways i might be able to conquer this beast.
.
Semper fidelis. I'm right there with you albeit a little farther behind. I came from a non-target school with a lower GPA but I was lucky to switch MOSs in the middle of my Marine Corps career. I'll be separating here in December from disbursing as a financial management officer and I've had decent luck contacting the various veteran outreach organizations. I think I'm going to need an MBA to truely be competative and I'm taking those steps, but I'm still shooting for an entry-level analyst position somewhere in the meantime. If I get in then I'll stay in...if I don't then its off to business school.
S/f
I'll try to shed some light on this as a veteran who's been through the recruiting process. The good news is that the veteran network is pretty solid in New York City. It's disproportionately made up of officers who are at the associate level (MBA's) but that doesn't mean they won't be helpful in the process. Ideally you want someone who can advocate for you in the recruiting process and that probably won't happen meaningfully at the analyst level.
First of all, I wouldn't say you're totally screwed with your GPA. It's above the cut off's I saw for most banks and I participated in on-campus recruiting from a target school. It's not ideal, but if you search around this forum you'll see dozens of threads on people who broke into the industry with less than stellar GPA's. It will require some aggressive networking and probably some luck. Your biggest obstacle will be where you fall on the timeline for recruiting. Your best bet would be to find a true IB internship, even at a boutique, with the possibility of being considered for a FT role. You can also look at vet programs, but they're fairly competitive these days with the number of people transitioning out of the military. Goldman's Veteran Integration Program (VIP) is very well known but unless you were a SOF officer or a fighter pilot don't bother. Goldman almost exclusively recruits officers when it comes to front office roles. BAML also has a program where you can start in a 3rd year analyst role, but I only know one person who was accepted.
I would definitely avoid trying to structure your resume for any experienced hire/lateral roles. At the end of the day your internship is just an internship. It demonstrates interest, it doesn't mean anyone is going to drop you into an experienced analyst role. Focus on a MM IB that will give you a chance to start as an intern and potentially prove yourself capable of the FT role. At the end of the day, banks like hiring vets - especially Marines - because they believe we're going to work our asses off. Whether or not that perception is accurate is an entirely different discussion, but you should take advantage of it regardless. Being an analyst in IB is a marathon of late nights and menial tasks. Not unlike life as a Lance Corporal. Try to take advantage of this without being obnoxious. No one wants to work with the guy who has to remind everyone he spent time in the military.
Get on LinkedIn and enter "Morgan Stanley Army" or "JP Morgan Military" into the search functions. Get creative with it, connect with vets, and start asking when they might be looking at FT hires. This technique literally added dozens of vets to my network. It takes time, but trust me you just need 1/10 people to vouch for you and that'll get you a first round somewhere. The rest is up to you.
3.3 as a Gpa.. (Originally Posted: 09/05/2012)
I am an undergraduate finance sophomore at Kelley School of Business at IU.. My freshmany grades have been 3.3.. But now I am studying super hard and trying to get all As.. If I continue to get good grades untill junior year, I believe my GPA will be around 3.5~3.6..
I am wondering if my low GPA will make it extremly difficult to get a job in the finance sector.. I am an international student and hope to work somewhere in the US or Asia..
Please give me some advice on what I should do here in college to make up my low GPA. I am getting involved in few activities as well.
Please use the search function :) and in your case I would say that your in a huge disadvantage because IU has a program that has to do with investment banking where placement into BBs is really high. Forgot what the program was called. But, I hope you figure it out!
.
Everyone here will tell say the same, but that's only because it's true - network. It is incumbent on all of us to make our own luck, regardless of our background, given how competitive this field has become. A great truism to keep in mind is that 80% of success is showing up. The more places you show up, the more likely it is that someone, somewhere, will give you a shot. Maximize those opportunities by maximizing your relationships. This starts with putting yourself out there, and picking up the phone.
Seriously?
Thanks. I see some mixed views on my circumstances.. I will try to take differnet advice and put it into my situation..
Get a relevant internship over the summer and apply for the Investment Banking Workshop. Get a 3.7 gpa and nail the interview, you're in.
Just try to come up with a plausible explanation should you be asked about your grades.
I personally think 3.3 is a decent grade as long as you show that you improve along the course.
Hope it helps.
Cheers,
Quint.
You will need to be better than your competition, for both the IBW (http://kelley.iu.edu/ibn/IBW/workshop.cfm) and for placement in finance — especially since you are not an American citizen. You will have to find a company that is willing to sponsor you, which makes things inherently difficult.
I would say your competition has a 3.7 GPA or greater, with on campus involvement (leadership roles), and a great personality. It's not impossible to make yourself standout in a crowd like that, but with a 3.3 GPA you will need to work hard at it. Good luck!
3.3 from target - Econ/Public Policy double major (Originally Posted: 01/14/2010)
Hey guys, I have 3.3 GPA from target, econ/public policy double major, intern at F500 last year, moderate extracurriculars (leadership in sorority, volunteer/philanthropy activities). is ibanking feasible for me and what firms should i be looking at?
Sorority? depends...if you're Kappa or Theta, then you're probably hot like this Theta girl I dated. IF you're from TriDelt, they will be checking you for STDs during the background check.
Coming from a target school, a 3.3 is definitely still not great, but above the minimum cutoff points. If I were you I would not limit myself to just a handful of firms - look to all of the BB shops, then go beyond that to MMs and boutiques. Coming from a target you should have an extensive alumni network, so if you haven't already, you really need to start using that to the fullest. Reach out to your network and begin asking questions, making connections, and ideally, gaining some support behind your candidacy (don't lead off your convos with your GPA and don't ask them if your GPA is a big deak - focus on making the connection, ask relevant questions that interest you).
Beyond that, to judge the merit of your internship, a F500 position can be solid on a resume, but if it is F500 ops or control, for example, that will carry much less weight than something more analytical in nature or some sort of corp fin role or acquisition-type of group (front office).
Your extracurricular experience is strong from a volunteer point of view, but you should look into any sort of finance/banking school club to become involved in both as a resume attiribute and as an additional avenue for networking.
Finally your major is what it is - econ is solid and will not be questioned - but public policy will definitely raise the questions of why that major and why did you decide on banking - how does that major relate. If you can answer these questions well, you'll be in good shape on that front. Again, coming from a target, it won't a big difference what you major in as long as you can answer the previous questions.
Good luck.
i assume you go to duke.
if you want to do banking and are hot- you will get a job (you won't even have to know what a dcf is or how to calculate EPS).
if you are a dog- then you will probably get the interview b/c the analysts looking over your resume will see that you are a girl and will want to interview you. they will then be disappointed that you are ugly, but, if you know your technical stuff, and come across well, you will have a good shot at making the cut. (in other words, they will treat you like one of the guys, and hire you on merit)
thanks!
Is there anyone who has gotten into ibanking from a target school with a 3.3?
duh
i had a 3.3 from a non-target and still got in. you just have to dominate your interviews.
same as eastcoast. also, network as much as you can.
"IF you're from TriDelt, they will be checking you for STDs during the background check."
Very true:)
i will still have an interview though with a 3.3?
someone will interview you, yes.
Being a girl is definitely an advantage. Don't worry, you'll get some interviews. Good luck
Girl not always advantage ... if the person screening ur resume is a girl - they might not wnat you in their group
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