I want to go to Corp. Finance - but I go to a non-target and I have a 3.4

Any tips/companies that would be friendly to my situation? Working on getting my GPA up this semester, but I feel like I can't compete with anyone else and I don't know if it's worth to pursue finance. I go to Tulane and my resume is p good but I've applied to basically all the big banks and haven't heard back

4 Comments
 
Most Helpful

Assuming you want to do M&A advisory (IB) based on saying you're applying to banks (vs corporate development / finance in industry), I would do what the above post suggested a branch out to corporate finance or M&A roles at the big 4, boutique/regional banks, and boutique/regional advisory and accounting firms. The accounting firms may only have FDD, valuations, or similar internships which would also be good experience and you could try to leverage to a full-time IB or other M&A advisory role. You could also apply to corporate/commercial banking internships at big banks and regional/boutique banks. Networking will also help, try to find anyone whether it be family friends, alumni (better if there's a connection like fraternity, club, etc.), or cold-emailing to analysts/associates at regional/boutique banks you'll have a better shot at getting a coffee/meeting. Check the IB forums for all of the networking posts.

I had a 3.4 undergrad at a non-target as well, I know the feeling of not gaining much traction applying while in undergrad. Went through big 4 audit, now report to the CFO at a large pe-backed portfolio company. Hope this helps, good luck!

 

Suscipit dolor nostrum odio. Vitae voluptatem sit expedita et. Et quos reprehenderit repellendus soluta id nam magni.

Nostrum et molestiae quasi quia earum. Non voluptas veniam quia dolor consectetur. Id rerum eligendi cumque dicta perspiciatis beatae ut.

Career Advancement Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 08 97.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 02 97.3%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Evercore No 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.8%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.3%

Professional Growth Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 97.3%

Total Avg Compensation

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (48) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (25) $178
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (83) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (75) $101
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
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
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...”