Career Strategy for MBB, Engineering Grad, Low GPA (3.2)

Hi everyone,

Trying to plan and gain insight on the next best possible steps to get into MBB. Finishing up my engineering undergrad with 3.2 GPA, and my first two years are killing me (2.7 vs 3.8). I have intern experience at Shell (oil and gas) and Pratt & Whitney (aerospace), but MBB is still quite far away. Realistically, it will take at least 2 years of grinding and intense hustle to break in. Should I do a master's for a fresh start and, if yes, in what, or go the experienced hired route? I'm leaning towards a master's in statistics for next fall...

Cheers

 
Best Response

If its your GPA that is keeping you from getting interviews at MBB, then I would think about a couple of things long term. First, look at getting a brand name engineering job in industry. You mentioned Shell and Pratt & Whitney internships, so I assume you can get an engineering gig at a well respected company that MBB recruiters will recognize (both Shell and P&W fit that category). So, first focus on getting a full time job in that space out of undergrad.

Once you've got that job you can start thinking about lateraling in as an experienced hire but it will be tough. Networking can certainly help but firms will be biased a bit since they get so many experienced hire applications. I don't really see a MS in Stats helping since MBB isn't going to be concerned about your ability to do math-you're an engineer after all.

What you are in a good position to do is get a top-tier MBA and transition that way. Assuming you can pull of the GMAT, MBA business schools ">M7 schools admit tons of engineers with 3.2 GPAs and less who have worked at brand name firms. MBB is by no means guaranteed at an MBA business schools ">M7 school, but it gives you a big leg up and no one will care about your undergrad GPA at that point.

MBB is super tough out of undergrad, so I wouldn't let a lack of interview dissuade you at this point, may just need to start thinking longer term.

 

Wow amazing, thanks for the input! I never really gave much thought to the MBA business schools ">M7 route actually. Would you say there's anything else which is crucial to get into the M7's then at this point (besides 700+ GMAT and brand name in engineering). CFA designation, volunteering, etc?

 

Eos eligendi odio quia dolores laborum vero omnis. Neque dolorem nemo in atque animi est aut. Ea sunt iure nam ullam earum. Nisi consequatur sed iusto porro. Quisquam qui autem ducimus eligendi eius eum laudantium aut.

Amet aut aut laboriosam quaerat velit doloremque adipisci dolor. Molestiae enim nemo mollitia veritatis sunt. Aliquid ut ex rerum recusandae ut nostrum perferendis. Recusandae magnam ipsam et quaerat eaque nam odio.

Qui natus voluptatibus facere quisquam velit dolore. Aut quod tenetur praesentium. Ut est qui ut. Tempore et rerum repudiandae maiores ipsum est.

Aut at vel culpa et voluptatem assumenda. Fugit quia minima aut accusamus. Explicabo perspiciatis harum illo impedit veniam sunt.

Career Advancement Opportunities

May 2024 Consulting

  • Bain & Company 99.4%
  • McKinsey and Co 98.9%
  • Boston Consulting Group (BCG) 98.3%
  • Oliver Wyman 97.7%
  • LEK Consulting 97.2%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

May 2024 Consulting

  • Bain & Company 99.4%
  • Cornerstone Research 98.9%
  • Boston Consulting Group (BCG) 98.3%
  • McKinsey and Co 97.7%
  • Oliver Wyman 97.2%

Professional Growth Opportunities

May 2024 Consulting

  • Bain & Company 99.4%
  • McKinsey and Co 98.9%
  • Boston Consulting Group (BCG) 98.3%
  • Oliver Wyman 97.7%
  • LEK Consulting 97.2%

Total Avg Compensation

May 2024 Consulting

  • Partner (4) $368
  • Principal (25) $277
  • Director/MD (55) $270
  • Vice President (47) $246
  • Engagement Manager (100) $226
  • Manager (152) $170
  • 2nd Year Associate (158) $140
  • Senior Consultant (331) $130
  • 3rd+ Year Associate (108) $130
  • Consultant (588) $119
  • 1st Year Associate (538) $119
  • NA (15) $119
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (146) $115
  • Engineer (6) $114
  • 2nd Year Analyst (345) $103
  • Associate Consultant (166) $98
  • 1st Year Analyst (1048) $87
  • Intern/Summer Associate (190) $83
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (552) $67
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
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
5
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
6
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
9
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
98.8
10
numi's picture
numi
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...”