4.0 GPA from non-target, Taking CFA Level 1 in August, Early Career Guidance

I recently graduated with a 4.0 GPA from a non-target school. I take the Level 1 of the CFA in August and looking to build the skills and knowledge to become a portfolio manager as a terminal role in my career. I don't have any direct investment management experience outside of the student investment fund at my college, and I am looking for where I can at least build some relevant skills or knowledge in an entry level position. I've been networking a ton and it seems like all of "stepping stool" jobs you would need to get you into a path that would groom a PM (equity research, investment analyst, etc) need 3-5 years of experience.

Any suggestions on how I should go about getting my foot in the door?

2 Comments
 

Possimus minus ea quos hic officia magnam consequuntur soluta. Deleniti ut cumque non molestiae explicabo. Eos magni magnam voluptates aut. Dignissimos temporibus voluptas ducimus. Ratione aliquam atque et minima atque molestias rem.

Sapiente et qui eveniet aut accusantium voluptatem ut. Necessitatibus et quibusdam cupiditate quia perferendis est enim assumenda. Aspernatur odio provident tenetur.

Nihil enim ea maxime sit dolor deserunt nihil id. Quasi voluptate tempora nihil omnis ea quia tempore.

Career Advancement Opportunities

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.3%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 03 98.9%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.9%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.3%

Professional Growth Opportunities

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • JPMorgan No 97.3%

Total Avg Compensation

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (53) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (27) $183
  • Intern/Summer Associate (15) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (76) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
9
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
10
Mimbs's picture
Mimbs
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”