Low GPA, Junior Year Undergraduate, Looking for Summer Internship in IB, IN NEED OF ADVICE
Hi everyone, this is my first time posting on here. But I really wanted advice on my dilemma.
I'm a junior at a semi-target school (a top 20 ranked school). I have a super bad GPA due to tons of ongoing family issues, and I'm also working three jobs during school for financial reasons. It's above a 2.5 but below a 3.0...
I had a 4.0 in high school because up until college, school was the only thing I cared about. When I came into college, I had no idea what the world of finance entailed. It took me up until now to really understand what it takes to get into IB. My parents didn't go to college, so me even getting into college was a huge deal for them, but I've had to navigate through school by myself my entire life. I definitely made some mistakes my freshman year, cared more about finding a community at school, learning to enjoy my life, and being too relaxed with grades. I tried a lot harder when my sophomore year came. I joined more relevant clubs, but my grades still suffered because of the reasons I listed and just because I kept feeling like my freshman year GPA was anchoring me.
I SOMEHOW got an internship this past summer at a well known asset management/PE firm in a back office role. My HR manager was super kind and understanding, and since it wasn't a front office role, I was able to land the internship. And of course, I worked my ass off in that role, did a great job (from what all my supervisors told me), and left on great terms with people and was even offered a reference if I ever needed it. I met such great people there and that's what made me know that I want to pursue IB.
I started junior year super strong, got great grades, went to countless networking events, and even landed some interviews. But every time my GPA came up in an interview (since it's not listed on my resume), the interviews went downhill as I could tell they weren't interested in me anymore.
I know I can handle IB, and I have the genuine interest in finance as well. I've worked long hours since I was in high school and work them now. I've studied the IB material that upperclassmen have given me, even signed up for a technical interview bootcamp my school hosted, and have been reaching out to my school's alum for advice on how to break into IB. During my internship, I was fine too. I guess just college and test taking isn't my forte. My confidence kinda dwindles during interviews too because I'm so insecure and scared about being asked about my GPA.
So what I wanted to ask was that is it still possible for me to land an internship in IB? Any advice would be appreciated as well!
Thank you for reading!
Honestly man, I'd try and get a really solid internship at a large, well-known firm in the space you're interested in (JNJ for Healthcare, Exxon for Energy, etc.). Do a couple years there and then go get your MBA. If you're sold on IB long-term, the MBA will help greatly with recruiting and you get to restart networking and your GPA.
Hi! Thanks for the advice. What would you say to going that route vs still trying for roles at smaller/regional firms or even at my school's investment fund?
I think it depends on your personal network and risk-aversion. You risk not having exposure to deal flow at one of those firms, or being pigeon-holed if they're a niche firm (LMM buyside, etc.). Not sure the details of this investment fund, but if they have solid AUM and exposure to good PE funds/hedge funds, it could be good buyside experience. You'd probably make more at a regional than what I suggested, but it'd be a lot more stable.
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