International Student/ Non Target/ 2.5 GPA/ No Internships, Any hope to break in?

Hello, I just found this great community, so as the title says, I am graduating this Summer (Finance major), and I am wondering if there is any hope of getting into investment banking, I can network like crazy in the next months (just started) but I am not sure if my gpa would still hold me back so what do you think? I did very bad in school because I started 2 business during that time.

Thank you all.

14 Comments
 

Why go into IB if you, presumably, have already two thriving companies?

The key problem here is that you are an international student and will need a company to sponsor you, which means that most boutiques and small firms won't be interested in your profile. You could try to network in your home country, work at a boutique there, lateral to an IB in your home country and then move internally to their US office.

 

It depends what country you'll actually be in. If you'll be in Europe, then you'll be fine and can transition to NYC internally probably a lot easier than if you work, for example, in Madagascar. Again, you shouldn't apply for a US boutique in even 2 years. They most likely won't sponsor you, even less so if you are currently living and working in another country. It might be tough to hear, but your best bet would be to get in through the MBA route or to move internally at a BB. With your current GPA, you (very likely) won't get into a BB unless you have an extensive, strong network. Factor in the sponsorship problem and your chances drop even further. So I would focus my efforts on getting a position in your home geography (again, depends where that really is) and work my ass off there.

Feel free to pm me.

 

If under 25, you still have a chance, but it will cost you. The cost may be greater than the reward, but you will achieve it

You may however have to do a Ms program, and do well on the GRE/GMAT before hand - all doable.

 

Enim harum consectetur quisquam et nisi et natus. Modi sed quia quis qui tenetur. Consectetur et iure non nostrum.

Repudiandae dolore sunt voluptates eos excepturi. Vel eligendi enim veniam. Reprehenderit libero laborum ad nemo repellendus.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.2%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.2%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.6%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.2%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (43) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (75) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (67) $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
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
10
Mimbs's picture
Mimbs
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...”