Fulltime IB

I go to a semi-target for IB, think Umich (non Ross) / Boston College / Williams / UVA / NYU (non stern). I have a 3.7 GPA in a liberal arts major, but I do have relevant internships, one at a micro boutique IB and a LMM IB.

To put it simply, I missed out on summer IB recruiting last year to focus on a business of mine and will be graduating in a month. Given this current market environment, is anything in IB possible? I'm not too plugged in, but I do know BB/EB/UMM are out of the picture and many banks have hiring freezes. I imagine things could be even worse at MM/Regional boutiques. What would you guys do in my shoes? If not IB, what else?

2 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, it seems like you're in a bit of a pickle, but don't worry, all is not lost. You're right that the current market environment is challenging, and many banks have put a freeze on hiring. However, that doesn't mean opportunities are completely non-existent.

Firstly, your 3.7 GPA and relevant internships are definitely a plus. While you may have missed out on summer IB recruiting, your experience and academic performance still make you a strong candidate.

In terms of what to do next, here are a few suggestions:

  1. Networking: This is always a good idea, regardless of the market environment. Reach out to alumni from your school who are working in the industry, attend virtual networking events, and make use of LinkedIn to connect with professionals in the field.

  2. Look at smaller firms: While BB/EB/UMM might be out of the picture, smaller boutiques might still be hiring. These firms often operate on leaner teams and might have a need for new hires.

  3. Consider related fields: If IB doesn't work out, there are other fields that value the same skill set. Roles in corporate finance, financial planning and analysis, or even consulting could be a good fit.

  4. Further education: If you're open to it, pursuing a Master's degree could help you ride out the current market downturn and give you another shot at recruiting when the market improves.

Remember, the path to IB isn't always a straight line. Many successful bankers have taken a more circuitous route to get where they are today. Keep your chin up and keep pushing forward!

Sources: On the off chance Investment Banking doesn't work out for me, You want a summer analyst offer? Here's how..., is the gpa cut off still 3.5?, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/low-gpa-but-have-experience-in-the-field-what-do-i-do?customgpt=1

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Placeat qui sequi voluptas facere unde sequi. Illum aliquam sunt fugit voluptate. Consectetur aspernatur voluptatem blanditiis dignissimos.

Alias doloribus aut ut omnis sunt itaque. Est id odit occaecati et impedit vel.

Praesentium adipisci rem fugit perspiciatis sed assumenda id. Aliquam modi iure ipsa autem voluptatum. Velit minus delectus amet rerum ea atque hic. Vel pariatur aut et provident hic ipsa aut.

Sunt sunt minus aut et officia et. Commodi minima et dolor nihil. Ut quidem neque minus doloribus voluptatem minima et.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.3%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.7%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.3%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (44) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (78) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (72) $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
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
6
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
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...”