Hello guys,
I recently started applying for internships at investment banks and asset management firms. I've been doing my best to get my applications in early. However, I have been dinged at the very first stage every time so far.
A lot of the time it will be because the psychometric test is part of the first round, which is fine as I know it's a weakness of mine and so I can start working towards that. However, I have been getting rejected even from places which don't include tests in their first round, and I believe that my CV/cover letter are up to scratch. I go to a semi target with a decent but not stellar grade for my first year (I think the equivalent GPA is like 3.4) and I study mathematics. I also have a fair amount of decent ECs under my belt.
Let's assume for a sec that my cover letter/CV are indeed up to standard as I believe (just for the sake of this question I'm about to drop). Do you think my grades and quality of school are enough to let me down in the initial screening? Would someone with my grades and school need to rely more on networking to get such internships?
Thanks in advance.
Its a dog eat dog world man. Unfortunately even though you go to a good school and have a fine GPA (many places may ding you or not even look at your resume if it isn't above a certain standard - I was told BMO wont look at anyone without a 3.75+ this year). Networking is the only advice I can offer, and has been the only way I get interviews coming out of a non-target. Best of luck to you