Can you get en entry-level job at an investment banking firm (small or large) with a 3.0 GPA?

Hello,

I am a rising senior at top 50 liberal arts schools majoring in Economics. My GPA is a 3.0 unfortunately and I was just wondering how hard it will be to get an entry-level position at an investment banking firm. I am not interested in the tops firms-more small boutique firms.

Thanks

 
Best Response

Yes;

Most definitely. Top 50 means I'm willing to bet there is an alumni somewhere running a small IBD boutique or an analyst/associate somewhere.

Less than 3.0 just means you don't get the benefit of any OCR it doesn't knock you out of finance, just huge BBs and MMs and even that is 100% out of question.

Network, take a couple analysts or associates out to lunch/dinner, get to know them and make a connection. You'll get an in. I can guarantee if I'm hiring someone or even if I have sway and some kid comes and shows me he can do the work, he's willing to make an effort to make me like him and I like him, I'll probably choose him regardless of GPA, major or school.

"It is better to have a friendship based on business, than a business based on friendship." - Rockefeller. "Live fast, die hard. Leave a good looking body." - Navy SEAL
 

Thanks UTDFinanceGuy, I appreciate the quick response. I go to DePauw University in Greencastle, IN. What do you think the annual salary of an entry-level analyst with a boutique investment/private equity firm would be? I am really not looking for a huge salary, just a place where I can learn and bunch and grow.

 

You most likely can't be an Investment or PE analyst without doing banking first, unless you have some serious connections (in which case you wouldn't be posting here). And not going to sugarcoat it, getting into IB with a 3.0 from DePauw is going to be tough. I would search LinkedIn for alumni at small firms in non-major markets. Networking is probably your only shot, good luck.

 

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