MBA-Level Interview - Explaining Poor Undergrad GPA
I am currently in a Canadian MBA program and have an upcoming interview for a 4-month analyst internship at one of the Big 5 banks. I have been asked to bring both my MBA and undergrad transcripts to the interview, and am now trying to plan to best way to address my poor undergrad GPA.
For reference, I currently have a 3.8 GPA at b-school and scored 690 on my GMAT, but my undergrad GPA was 3.0 due to a variety of reasons (laziness and other priorities at a young age being one of them).
I essentially started out with a mediocre 3.0 GPA first semester in undergrad thanks to partying and caring more about my social life, joining a frat, etc., then climbing to a 3.4 by end of sophomore year. However in my third year I had the opportunity to work for an organization running a student franchise in a managerial/sales role that had extremely high earnings potential. I was working 50-60 hour weeks during school to build that business, as well as one shift a week at my other job. Focusing on that business led me to become a top 10 franchisee nationwide (out of 200+).
Obviously, this led to me focusing less on my studies, and my GPA suffered accordingly. Then, right before my senior year, my best friend passed away extremely suddenly. I went into severe depression for the majority of the following year, and was not able to recover my grades (while also working 30 hours/week at another job).
Ever since graduating, I've had a chip on my shoulder and have been determined to not let my undergrad GPA haunt me, knowing I was capable of far more.
So what I'm wondering is, should I proactively address the poor GPA at the end of the interview if they don't inquire about it? Briefly explain why it was low, acknowledge I could have done better, explain what I learned and how I've adapted, and move on?
Thanks all!
I would just be honest and explain it exactly how you just did. You were immature and didn't take it seriously, but you've grown and learned from that. Don't need to include the year by year breakdown or any excuses. You now have a great GPA, did well on the GMAT and take your life / career seriously. You understand the hard work and commitment that goes into doing well in school and at work.
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