Sub Par GPA w/ Decent Experience at a Semi-Target looking for FT Advice
WSO Investment Banking Forum:
I've heard/read a lot of what has come out of these threads over the past few months. However, while sitting in a cottage far, far away from my home is when I have finally decided to utilize this great resource. As we all know grades are starting to trickle in, and it looks like I'll be getting dropped off (again). Something always seems to pop up every single semester, and I know I'm not a complete Neanderthal because I tend to do extremely well on cognitive exams and standardized tests. In fact, this is likely why I continue to get interviewed despite my sub par GPA. However, at some point the types of courses I'm doing poorly in may start concerning employers in certain fields. I'll give you a good idea of my situation without giving away too much information:
Program of Study: Liberal Arts with a hint of Business/Technology
Extracurriculars (through Junior year)- Held four officer positions in college, attended five early insights, worked at a total of four paid roles, and participated in two unpaid positions. Many of these activities are in finance, business, marketing or sales. Additionally, one of these positions is in a boutique, private equity role that places well into investment banking (granted this could just be self selection).
Grades (through 2020)- Only one semester at/above a 3.5, looking at graduating with a 3.1 or so
Junior-year Summer: Accepted offer at a decent-sized retail bank
Goals: 65,000 - 70,000 starting salary; no preference for hours worked per week; willing to work anywhere with great exit options and a strong development program; one caveat being I will not do certain roles in New York (i.e. no middle/back office, no retail banks)
Options:
(1) Attempt to lateral within said retail bank from current division (nothing too crappy) to capital markets
(2) Network like crazy and aim for a LMM or MM bank preferably within healthcare, technology, or real estate
(3) Switch my focus to Associate Product Manager positions full-time and ignore IB completely
(4) Take the GMAT during the summer & use the score if it's above 700
(5) Accept a return offer at said retail bank (for the same position) and stop trying to ladder climb
What are we thinking here? I can't give up yet or should I? Do I have an equal chance in all my preferred fields? Is there a field I'm over looking that would be good for me? Thanks in advance, can't wait to see the WSO machine go to work (;
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