Econ major - low GPA - about to graduate
I am an International Trade & Finance major, Chinese Culture and Commerce minor at a SEC school about to graduate in December. This past summer I studied Mandarin Chinese in Beijing but outside of this study abroad experience I haven't done any internships or relevant job experience related to finance.
When I started school I was a horrible student dropping out my first semester while pledging and following that up with several below par semesters. Once I got my shit together I started working really hard in school and have obtained a 3.60 GPA on my last 60 credit hours of coursework, but still have an overall GPA of 3.05.
Since I'm graduating in a few months I'm trying to look at what options I have. Is there any possibility I could get into IB or land a job on Wall Street? I was also looking at possibly trying to become a financial planner since I may have killed any shot I had at trying to get into IB. I have an interview with Northwestern Mutual next week about a position as a financial representative but I've heard mixed reviews about going down that path. Right now I feel like that might be the only opportunity I have to at least get experience and try to prove myself. Do you think I would have any chance of getting in at the Merrill Lynch and Morgan Stanley type firms? Any suggestions of what I should do?
What SEC school do you go to?
LSU
GPA is as relevant or irrelevant as you want it to be. If I were you, I would move to Texas (Dallas) as it is close enough to LA that you could still tap an LSU alumni base. From there try and garner some experience while looking at a masters program (UT-Austin).
Also look into professional certifications like the CPA. You could also look into the CFA as well.
While Northwestern Mutual is a sweat shop, it could be worth it for a year if they will sponsor you to get some FINRA licences.
I would stop thinking about Wall Street if you are truly interested in IB, look at local markets. Like I said, Texas is the energy sector of the country and will have a great boutique and MM presence.
Always use what you consider weaknesses as strengths.
Really emphasize your GPA these last semesters. It's a better piece of work to evaluate you then previous semesters, since it's most relevant.
LSU is just not a known commodity outside of football. To get something substantial on your resume, I wouldn't do anything like Northwestern I'd take those contract or contract to hire jobs you get from some agency firms for their top corporations(like oil & gas in Houston). Do a year there on a contract, or two years worth and get that high level of exposure.
I'm really trying to start out in New York, NY because my gf who just graduated just got a corporate finance job out there. The problem is that I don't have any contacts out there and the alumni network is pretty thin.
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