Possible at all to get into IB with a 2:2?

I made a big mistake and didn’t focus on my studies during my undergraduate, ended up with a 2:2 in economics from a semi-target.

I’m doing a Master’s degree in management from a school like LBS/INSEAD/HEC.

My question is, if I do well in my masters (it’s in management not in finance, which would already be a disadvantage) and let say network to the point that I manage to get a referral from an MD/VP (which I already know would be difficult), would it be possible for me to land an IB role (including those that explicitly state 2:1 as a requirement)?

Also, if I somehow manage to land a role, would the 2:2 continues to be a problem later on in my career if I hope to lateral to a BB?

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Going to be a real uphill battle, yes; particularly if you don't have extenuating circumstances. I'd work on formulating a better narrative than "I didn't focus during my studies" as this is a poor excuse. When/if you get asked in interviews, you need to be able to explain why you didn't get a 2:1 at minimum and then show what you've done retroactively to a) compensate and b) prove you are not a 2:2 calibre candidate. On the latter, I would strongly emphasise the importance of getting a distinction/prizes. Just my two cents but hope this helps.

 

Mate of mine got a 2:2 due to glandular fever in his second year. He went to a target uni, but admits he dossed around more than he should have. He did 6 mos in PE then M&A at a bank no-one’s really heard of, got great deal expirience and became obsessed with working 80hours even when his whole firm didn’t, proved this in interviews and now is at a MOE/LAZ coverage group. Said he got his work ethic from applying to hundreds of firms in the first place.

 

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