3.3 GPA and Non-Target University

I have some concerns as I graduated with a 3.3 GPA and from a non-target university (Oral Roberts University). A matter of fact, some job applications don't even have the university. This university might be unknown in I-banking but its known in accounting for Oil and Gas in Tulsa, OK. As a undergraduate, I also did work comparable to some university graduate courses. My biggest project was an analysis of MGM Mirage and the Gambling industry paired with a strategic plan to raise revenues by a 100M or more. (One of the options we considered was the idea of social gaming that came out today in their conference call.)

I know the 3.3 GPA is not ideal for I-banking and from a non-target university. However, I feel like that I gained skills through working to pay off tuition throughout school. I did personal financial planning, waiting tables, and my favorite was car sales. I improved my interpersonal relationship skills and within two months I achieved salesman of the month and was making close to $6000/month before graduating.

I managed to get an internship for a boutique firm in January performing the modeling for potential M&A deals. I know it is recruiting season and I'm looking to be more competitive for the job. I'm ready to show what I have to offer in interviews. For me and other graduates who may be in the same position, what advice would you give?

Thank you,

Texas Tim

3 Comments
 

It sounds like you have good experiences and relevant coursework. A 3.3 GPA is a little low but I don't think it's that bad at all, if you tell people you worked while at school they will consider that as a part of why your GPA isn't 3.5+. Unfortunately, full-time recruiting for BBs, notable MMs, and elite boutiques ended in 2011 for the class of 2012, so your best bet would be a small boutique. You should go onto LInkedIn and/or your school's career services website and look up all the people in banking who went to your school and reach out to them to ask advice. Check out www.mergersandinquistions.com for must-read networking and recruiting advice.

 

Add value.

Networking is great for advertising you are looking for a job, but it's even better when you can advertise that you'd add value to any firm because of your analyst skills.

Get an internship. Work really hard - harder than everyone else. Prove you are someone worth hiring. Let other people know you were a rockstar analyst / intern, and keep on going.

 

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