Is it Possible with a 3.1 GPA?

Hey! I'm just ending off my first year in a five year Computer Science & Business double degree program at 2 separate universities (combined partnership program) the University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University, with a 3.1 GPA. This summer, I've lined up a software engineering gig at big five (Canadian bank think TD, RBC etc) and a part-time venture capital analyst spot on the West Coast in the US mostly handling sourcing, a few management calls, and a bit of modeling.

I'm not sure how much I can improve my GPA given the courses are getting tougher, so ideally, but like to raise it to a 3.3 by year three, but maintaining at least a 3.1 is my baseline, and I'm aiming not to drop below 3.0. Career-wise, full-time software engineering isn't for me. I'm keen on consulting, especially at MBB in Canada or the US, and I'm also interested in product management. - I've considered investing roles as well, but I know a GPA under 3.6 can be a major hurdle for most PE and VC roles. I have 1-2 contacts who might refer me to an MBB firm, though we aren't very close. Do you think my GPA might hold me back? Any advice would be greatly appreciated—thanks!

4 Comments
 

My advice would be to focus. 

I think you really want to bring that GPA up . Internships and other stuff is optional but you want that GPA up

also if you enjoy tech but don’t want to be a programmer consider PM and PMM as interesting starter roles before your mba 

If you want to do finance then really you need much higher grades. Make that your priority

 

Thanks, I appreciate it. I'm definitely gonna try my best to boost my GPA, though I'm in a tough spot since I can't drop the more challenging Computer Science side of my double degree due to program requirements. would a 3.4 be an end all be all?

 

I’m not sure. The Canadian finance community is fairly small and competitive. So if you’re trying to get IB at a bank you should be gunning for a top 20% GPA

Comp sci from Waterloo is recognized as a top program in Silicon Valley. I’d drop the Laurier business side and work way harder at comp sci, assuming you have the talent and drive 

try to intern in PM in the Bay Area at a cool company.  Then you can always do growth equity or something 

 

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