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.

 

This is not true in my experience. I have worked at a European MM bank and an American BB and in both cases HR reviewed CVs before they came to us. They were always vetted by degree grade and the university itself. The vast majority of candidates have 1sts and a handful have 2:1s. I have never seen a 2:2. This is for both our graduate schemes and OCs 

 

nah just go do Consulting. You sound like you're more fit for that than IB.

 

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