How do I fix my situation?
Hi Everyone,
Quick Background: Was an engineering major, failed out, switched to Economics going into my junior year, got my act together, and got on the dean's list (finding out I had ADHD and getting medicated was a huge factor). I'm graduating this spring, I currently have a 2.7, best case I graduate with a 3.1 GPA.
I go to top 15 public university, and my plan is: to get a stellar GRE score, graduate with at least a 3.0, get into a good MSF program (Vandy, UChicago) then break into consulting ideally. The only relevant experience I have is a consulting internship through the school. Applied to about 1000 internships for this summer but had no luck.
I realize that I'm pretty late in the game and I'm still playing catch up. But assuming that cost is not an issue, what advice would you offer me?
I'm applying for FT jobs (Finance, and business analyst roles) but a lot of them have minimum GPAs and ask for transcripts. Should I focus on getting into grad school, or getting a FT job?
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some actionable steps to address your situation:
Focus on GPA Improvement:
Leverage Your Consulting Internship:
Prepare for the GRE:
Target Graduate Programs:
Networking:
Career Center Resources:
Apply Broadly:
Consider Alternative Paths:
Stay Persistent:
Seek Feedback:
By following these steps, you can improve your chances of securing a full-time job or getting into a reputable graduate program, ultimately helping you break into consulting or finance.
Sources: Should I Slow Down?, Q&A: Former MBB Consultant, Did my GPA screw up my application?, From weighing 280 pounds and a 2.5 GPA at a Non-Target, to 200 pounds and an Interview with McKinsey, Q&A: Former MBB Consultant
MSf may or may not be useful depending type of consulting you're going into. What roles/ firms are you targeting?
I'm targeting analyst/business analyst roles in boutique firms. The same roles that undergrads get I believe. Do you think I should target the bigger firms if I'm getting the master's?
I've spoken to some people at Deloitte who said they offer the same roles for undergrads and masters students, and a masters "wouldn't hurt". For me, the main value comes from the fact that I would have a do-over for my transcript, and good networking prospects (although OSU is not lacking in this aspect).
I forgot to mention that I won't be paying for my master's. In fact, I would be paid to do it, but I'll be 25 by the time I graduate.
Sorry, maybe my Q wasn't clear.
Are you looking to go into strategy, implementation, audit, rx, etc.?
The pipeline into these roles is slightly different. And yes, a masters doesn't "hurt" but it also doesn't mean you come in at a role any higher than a UG would.
I guess if you feel that your UG record wouldn't get you in, the masters could offset some of that, assuming you get into a reputable program and do well there.
No worries! I want to be in strategy. As you said, it won't hurt having the masters, but would it be a plus on my resume when I'm competing for entry-level in strategy firms?
Overall, what do you think about this plan? and do you think there are things that I should be better/more focused on?
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