Can networking trump low GPA?

This isn't as true for consulting, especially if we're talking about MBB. Networking can get someone with a 3.5 an interview, but 3.3-3.4 is pushing it. Is it impossible? No. But there would have to be something very very impressive about the person otherwise. There simply are too many kids who are qualified.

No nothing will happen. If the supervisor liked you and never asked you for the GPA then it doesn't matter. You should be fine.

Agree with nelly0. Quit worrying and be happy you got that internship!!

Shouldn't be a problem. HR are like secretaries

Agreed, haha, about HR.

But yeah, you shouldn't have a problem at all - a low GPA is only a means of weeding people out in the early stages - once you make it past that and they want to hire you, a low GPA isn't going to hurt you. The only potential exception here could be if you blatantly lied - said you had a 3.9, they required above a 3.3 and you actually had a 2.9, for example.

In your situation you're good to go. Congrats on the offer.

Good job man.. Tell us how you did it and again, Congrats

Never bring it up, you're golden. If a conversation about schools, majors, etc comes up, change the subject onto sports, women, ANYTHING but GPA. Work you ass off so you can put some impressive shit on your resume and then go through the same process next year. Cut and repeat.

By the time you graduate, GPA will be a non-issue [DO try and to well throughout the rest of college]

I know this works because I did it.....

Yeah, right around there, although I know more than a few non-targets with 3.3 or 3.4s in there. However, these guys are by and far the exception and not the rule. Obviously, the higher the GPA, the better your chances.

Also, not all connections are equal.

I am in a non-target school and I have seen people getting summer internships at BBs with GPA's less than 3.5. I guess it depends on how good your connections are.

completely depends on how good the "connection" is...to say that there is a cut off is BS. Sure, your dad better be CEO at a BB somewhere if you have a 2.5, but I would not be surprised if someone landed in IB with a 3.0 with some decent connections (and decent interview skills).

I think an MD-level contact means that one can have a good, but not necessarily great GPA at his/her SPECIFIC INSTITUTION. I saw a guy with a 3.4 at a non-target land a BB IBD interview after impressing an MD he met through friends at the bank. However, the dean's list cutoff in his specific program was 3.4.

IBO should create some sort of worksheet where different stats are entered in, weighed differently, and then spit out a % or score for application strength...

Not the most accurate of all measures, but a rough estimate of chances.

Thoughts?

I've heard of MDs practically walking in whoever their connection is into the summer internship.

If you think about the status of a MD within an investment bank combined with the people they know very well such as other MDs and group heads along with corporate officers, they have A LOT of pull in getting someone into the firm.

I think it depends a lot on the nature of the connection's relationship to you. If it's your dad or mom, it obviously helps a lot more since (a) they gun harder to get you in and (b) the bank knows that they (the connection) care A LOT about getting you in so HR makes every effort to get you in. I know of people who've lived near or been family friends with someone senior (higher than MD) at a bank yet had no luck..I really think being related is key.

my question is once you are in do they base youre FT offer (assuming we are talking about an internship) on your connection or are you still getting carried by the connection?

Obviously, I guess it depends on the individual.

GPA doesnt matter

3.4 is a little low but doable. networking becomes more of a numbers game the lower your GPA is.

and to answer your last question, you can do the math. see if you can sign up for 4 credit courses or a summer course or something

Experience and reputation are always the trump card.

You are in OK shape if you get the full-time offer.

You are also in OK shape if you're in a difficult quantitative major where a 3.4 GPA is above average like engineering, math, or physics.

Ok great I was starting to consider ops for a minute.

i did it with a lower GPA... keep networking...

I know PIMCO will only recruit >3.5 GPA from Wharton (for undergrad). Take that as you may

With a weak GPA, you have two hurdles to overcome:

1) To get the interview. This can be tough unless you're a networking guru or have someone important in the organization that will go to bat for you. 2) Once at the interview, ease their fears over your GPA. With a 2.5 from a non-target, they'll think you're lazy and/or stupid. You need to articulate that you're a changed person from those 'C' days. Furthermore, you should demonstrate that it's not a true reflection of your capabilities, be it either intellectual or time management.