3.33 GPA woman at target
Hey, want to know chances for Summer ‘27 IB recruiting. Been feeling kind of bummed out this sem and didn’t do networking because was afraid I wouldn’t get any responses due to a low GPA (going into recruiting with a 3.33). Scored a 1510 on SAT if that’s relevant. I’m a sophomore (woman) at a target business school (ross/stern/mcdonough). Had a rough freshman year but did better this fall semester, earning a 3.75 gpa. Did a WM internship at a major BB last summer, have a few congressional campaigns/internships on resume, and am involved in a finance program at my school, getting experience with DCFs and equity research.
Just wondering if I start networking right now what my chances are for summer ‘27 IB recruiting—I know it’s late. Do you think I should try recruiting for Public Finance groups given my political experiences? I know that low gpa and lack of networking hold me back. I’m ok with MM and am also looking into recruiting for consulting (is MBB recruiting later on even possible if I raise GPA by then?) if I strike out of IB recruiting. What do you guys think? Been feeling very discouraged and lacking confidence.
You should be completely fine. Just target MM’s
You'd do fine. Just apply to diversity programs, they're lenient on GPAs. Worse case scenario you can pivot to an easy 9-5 career. Or even marry a finance bro and you can live with an IB salary without the hours. Nothing to stress about here. The world is your oyster.
A little surprised the others are giving such reassuring answers. A 3.5 is generally the cutoff for banks reviewing resumes, anything below usually gets scrapped unless you get fed through the channel by a referral/good networking. I know the DEI programs help a lot, so being a woman is definitely in your favor here.. but I don't know if it helps to the point of getting a 3.3 through without extensive networking, even if it is from a target. There are plenty of women (especially at these targets) that will take advantage of the DEI programs and simultaneously have the minimum GPA requirements.
I'll be brutally honest, which is what I think you need to hear if you want to break in. Your mindset right now is not what it needs to be to break in. Saying that you didn't network this semester because you're afraid of not getting any responses due to low GPA, is completely the wrong way to go about things. Your GPA is not competitive whatsoever for recruiting, and the only way to make up for that deficit is by networking. You need to not only network, but network twice as hard as other kids to make up. Don't just blast out emails, but you better pick your targets for calls and execute on these calls like your life depends on it.
I hope I'm not coming off too callous here, I just don't agree with the cushy "you're fine" answers. You're not out of the race completely, it's definitely possible. But you need to hustle like hell now, way harder than these other comments are suggesting.
Do you think MM is possible with me starting networking this late?
It definitely does. The female profiles I saw getting hired definitely tell you that.
Absolutely agree with this, OP needs to lock in and grind. I spoke to some underclassmen at my target who are recruiting this season, the women who are getting the interviews have 3.7+ GPA and networked like crazy since September. They are also technical and well spoken, and this is the type of candidates you’ll see at these programs and interviews. I would not place all your bets on the diversity programs.
I would add that in the process of networking, your differentiator should be in showing your dedication and drive. Why should they pick you over a super target candidate with a higher GPA? I’d try to flush your story out, show that you are hungry, you work harder than everyone else, and you’re willing to do whatever it takes to make up for that. That means showing an upward trajectory in your grades, really honing your technicals and industry knowledge.
The worst thing you can do is to not do anything. Interviews are rolling out, so take this break to really get back on track. Dont just aim for DEI programs but also regular processes, regional offices, MM, and MBBs. Try to build quality connections who will vouch for you despite your GPA. You can do this, it will miserable for a few months but over sooner than you’d expect.
doesnt hurt to try to pad ur gpa this/next sem and gear up for MBB recruiting later on
You’re mostly fine
Ipsa temporibus animi aut sit excepturi. Sint natus accusamus inventore aperiam recusandae animi omnis. Ut quae qui sapiente perferendis corporis eos repellat. Sit possimus nam laboriosam corrupti. Consequatur consequatur maxime tempora quis. Assumenda error est optio nobis delectus aut ad.
Omnis et sit enim fuga autem laboriosam. Assumenda eos accusamus aut sed repellendus atque voluptates id.
Quam temporibus perspiciatis repellat tenetur et. Reprehenderit impedit cumque enim libero possimus omnis.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...