D+ on Transcript
Hey guys,
I've been reading posts here at WSO for some time. This is actually my first thread; thanks to all who are taking the time to read it.
A little bit about myself: I am a senior at a non-target liberal arts and have a 3.5 cumulative GPA in a humanities major. I really put my heart into trying to land something last semester; I spent hundreds of hours teaching myself the technical questions (learned, and relearned four different guides), relentlessly mock interviewed with friends, networking my ass off, and ended up interviewing with twelve different banks in three different countries. I made a couple of final rounds but have nothing in hand. I also worked my ass off for a number of fellowships (Fulbright, etc.) that I'm still waiting to hear back from. There isn't a whole lot I didn't do, and I became incredibly burnt out. I've learned my lesson since.
Predictably, the semester took a toll on me and my studies. In retrospect, I mustered an effort that would warrant a 3.0. With the exception of one class, that is what I received. However, one of my professors unexpectedly docked my grade heavily for missing class for interviews (i.e. not specified in syllabus, he never explicitly stated that absence would affect my grade) What was a B- (based on midterms) going into the final ended as a D+; I had a 2.6 for the semester, lowering my overall GPA from a 3.7 to a 3.5. The worst part about this is that the class was accounting, and I really did understand that stuff.
The GPA drop, while disconcerting, isn't my biggest concern. Rather, that D+ in Accounting specifically, is such a red flag that I fear finance, is over. It is the only finance-related course I have taken. I haven't talked to the professor yet, but he probably isn't going to change the grade.
Realistically, what are my options at this point? I could try and swing an under the table internship, but I feel once someone sees my transcript, its over. While I did have my heart set on investment banking, I realize that no one is ever entitled to a job, and I shouldn't chase opportunities that just aren't there. A lot of grad school applications have already passed; I guess I could delay graduation for another shot and also raise my GPA? Do something absolutely crazy? Brutal honesty appreciated.
Thank you very much.
Btw, I realize that investment banking, and life in general, will be much more difficult than last semester was, and that things shouldn't have come to this. I'm taking substantive and serious measures to work on myself and recalibrate my overall approach to life to prevent future burnout, etc. It won't happen again.
i dont think a lot of people care or even look at your transcript while you are applying for jobs (only after you accept, and even then its not liked you lied on your resume so that should be no problem). the main issue is the drop from a 3.7. with all of the prep, networking, and interviewing you've done, i also don't think this will significantly hamper you. reach out to your contacts again and see what other opportunities u can come up with (boutiques, etc). delaying graduation without getting an additional masters degree would be a huge mistake imho. financial employers typically like a very ridgid recruitment process and if u graduated late you would be an off-cycle applicant that wouldnt fit well within their system. i think itd be better to find some kind of finance related work now and then try to lateral or crush the gmat and go straight to B-school. just my 2 cents
don't worry, most won't look at your transcript until background check
just try to pull up your cumulative GPA and don't lie on your resume
Never give up man, its not over! Its over when you want it to be, keep full throttling this career placement search and you will succeed as long as you don't repeat the mistakes you made in your burnout semester.
I failed a class & I have a job. Big deal, just sell yourself better. Believe it or not, you are in the best position to keep applying to banks and networking...why.... because you got heart kid. Don't let a low grade tell you otherwise, words and letters don't control us.
Dude, guys get jobs that fail entire semesters. Shake it off...
Sounds like your semester was exactly as shitty, and shitty in the same way, as mine was. Well, I ended up with a C in one of my only finance classes. Although I ended up with an IBD offer at the end of the summer from my internship, I hated it so I didn't take it and re-interviewed in S&T at 5 bulge brackets in the Fall.
The C never came up once, and some companies didn't even ask for a transcript with my application. Since a 3.5 doesn't really seem to merit a thorough investigation of your transcript, I really wouldn't worry about it--even if they do ask for a transcript, think about the poor bastard with 150 resumes AND transcripts he has to go through in 10 minutes. Chances are he won't see it if he's not looking for it. If it does come up an interview (which I don't think it will), don't apologize, just confidently explain the choice you made. Keep pushing man, you'll get there.
3rd party does background check and they dont check grades in specific classes. Your life is not over...
My worst grade (okay, it was a B-) when applying for IBD jobs was financial accounting. It didn't hurt me one bit. Considering your cumulative GPA is still high, don't let this particular situation discourage you. Sounds like the semester was still a success given that you learned a LOT of relevant info to IBD. Keep plugging away.
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