What is considered a good GPA for analysts who wants to work in M&A? Have been told the M&A group is the cream of the crop in banking. Will someone confirm and provide some stats. Thanks
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There is no such thing as a universal M&A group. Bear and I'm pretty sure GS don't even have specific M&A groups. Some industry groups are WAY better than M&A at certain banks. Generally to get into a top group at a BB you better be an all star in all regards- that means a 3.8-4.0 GPA, 2-3 leadership positions, a great internship or two, and some good connections and charisma.
There's no "good GPA" or "required GPA" to work in M&A; as gomes3pc said, some banks don't even have separate M&A groups or if they do, the industry groups are better.
It's a common misconception that M&A is always the best group or that you "need" to be in M&A to get certain jobs.
The reality is if you are smart, hard-working and have great deal experience, you can get any job you want (well, working at a top BB also helps....). At some banks the best deals and experience might be found in the M&A group; at others, they might be elsewhere.
It's up to you to research this and figure out what's good and what isn't, but in general you're fairly safe at a BB regardless of the group.
for MS their average hire has a 3.7
Thanks for your deliberate responses. People always talk about being smart. Now, how can you really judge if one is smart or not without spending time with them? Aren't GPA and test scores the main indicators of intelligences and persistence. I mean, you can be the smartest guy out there; but if you're not willing to work hard or interested in learning, I doubt you'll have a high GPA (assuming you're going to a top school).
That's what interviews are for. =)
Everyone looks shiny on paper, but I can usually decipher pretty quickly how much horsepower is under the hood during an interview.
Some of you have noted that with some banks, its better to NOT be in the M&A group and to be in an industry group instead. For the following banks, could any of you tell me (in your opinions) if its better to be in M&A or if its better to be in an industry group, along with which industry group (if applicable)? I'd really appreciate it, thanks so much:
Lehman Bros, Morgan Stanley, JPMorgan, Citigroup.
THANKS
i am also curious to know how these banks fare after the write-downs. Are their IBD's affected tremendoussly? question specifically targeted towards MS and Citi. Thanks
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