Awful A level grades, 1st class BA Degree. any chance? (UK)
Hey guys,
Graduated recently and I wanted to know my chances in IB, if i network and somehow pass the screening, is there a chance? My main drive to go into IB are the opportunities to build my investment portfolio. Also working with big clients, making a difference etc. What other roles should i look into that can still help me on this journey? I've looked into auditing and its not what i want to do. Advisory and consultant roles do seem interesting but i have not given it much thought. I have been applying but no luck so far, though i have shifted my focus to insight weeks and free voluntary works at smaller places (Finance related) as a potential way to build up my resume.
Here a breakdown of my grades and subjects.
A- levels: Business studies - C Economics - D AS level: IT - E
1.1 (BA) Degree Accounting & Finance at mid-low rank university (Average 3.6-4 GPA according to several sources) Relevant modules Liquidity & Risk management - 75% (1.) Corporate finance - 61% (2.1) No relevant banking experience, but i do have part time admin and hospitality experience. 5-7 years.
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Firstly, just how non-target is the Uni? Secondly, the HR in London are notorious for being assholes when it comes to A-levels. You also usually need at least 3 A-levels so you will need to sit another A-level. In terms of recruiting, the easiest way would probably be a recognized Master’s Programme; and GMAT.
If you want to break into banking - and I mean real banking, not HSBC - 99% of banks look at your undergrads grades. Having said that, no-experience is definitely a minus on your CV. Imo, it's gonna be tough for you in these conditions, as networking in Uk is not as important as in US. My advice is to apply for summer internships and off-cycle (just in case), but in the meantime, I would focus on securing an off-cycle in a small PE found or in a small boutique, studying for the GMAT and getting an offer from a target uni (Oxbridge, UCL, LSE, LBS)
HSBC has real banking.. Not sure what you're trying to imply with that comment.
It implies that places like HSBC, Lloyds, Santander etc look at your A levels - which is redicoulous. And it implies that even if you have low A level, you can still apply to banking, as there are at least 25 places in London where you can get a valuable experience - more valuable than in the places where they look at your A level
Replying to both comments here, 1; its mid table in overall ranking tables (The guardian), but its not a target uni at all for investment, we do get big 4 companies here for events but no investment banks i believe.
Thanks for the replies thus far, keep them rolling in!
What does mid table mean - either it's a London uni (ucl or imperial), oxbridge or Warwick. If not then then the uni really matters. What uni is it? If you re talking Manchester level or bellow then it s really an uphill battle.
QUESTION: what uni is it?
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You need ABB minimum. Some places AAB.
Never knew that teller in IB was a real thing....but what do I know, I'm new to finance 😂
Not sure what people are on about here… I’ve worked at various banks in the UK and nobody has asked for A Levels grades.
Honest advice is, you won’t get into IB directly.
You need to do Audit, Corp Dev, AM, Big 4… something you can pivot into IB after a year or so.
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