Interested in IB, No chance?

Hey, y'all! I hope everyone is staying safe under these circumstances. I am currently a sophomore at a target but I have a very low GPA. The highest I can raise it up is up to a 3.1 this semester. I've had a few health issues that caused me to leave school for a while. This is my first semester where my grades are nearly perfect. I am interested in getting into investment banking because of the skills it allows you to develop but also the exit opportunities it provides. I want a successful career in finance and I know if I could successfully manage to get into IB, I can do it. I have a good work ethic and I have my entire life except for my freshmen year which forced me to take a leave of absence from school to reevaluate myself. I don't know if I can make it because of my GPA. I applied to a couple of internships this year (for 2020) and was rejected. Are there any skills I can develop during quarantine to improve my chances? What would you recommend in my case? I'm also considering an MBA or Masters in Finance as I can raise my GPA to a 3.6 by graduation. Thank you for taking the time to read my post and respond. Hope you're staying safe and well.

7 Comments
 
Funniest

'skills it develops and exit ops' we know bro, we all just wanna be rich here

 

Idk how strong your "target" is, but you can still definitely get interviews if its a top tier school with a 3.1. I'd make sure I'm networking like crazy, and trying to find people who will go to bat for you. I would also make sure to drill all the technical questions on the guide(s) to make sure when you do get an interview, you can crush it. You might not end up at GS or EVR, but there are a ton of solid banks you can start at -- plus you can always lateral.

 

Depends on what type of target you're at but I know people who had a 3.1 - 3.3 at H/Y/P/W and got internships at more-established boutiques (not quite sure how to categorize them) such as MTS Health Partners or FT Partners. Maybe, albeit there's probably a really low chance, you can network and get a lower BB offer, but otherwise strong boutiques are probably your best bet. You can always lateral after a year when experience matters more than GPA

 
Most Helpful

Despite the opinions of many on this site - you certainly have the ability to do IB. You're a sophmore, so now is the time you need to buckle down and give forth all your effort. An internship for this upcoming summer may not be feasible, but fear not, covid may play in your favor here, as plenty of firms won't have an intern class this summer. Take this time to invest in your studies.

Few other tips:

  • Consider retaking courses this summer that you achieved less than a B in. Not entirely necessary, but a higher GPA is always beneficial.
  • Network. Don't be a pest, though. No one likes a pest and please don't begin flooding connections DM's.
  • Stop thinking about an MBA. Focus on the present - securing an internship. This should be a top priority.
  • Follow the markets extensively. Though quiet right now, M&A will begin to ramp up dramatically imo and the more you know, the more valuable you'll be.

Good luck.

 

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