Am I cooked?

You're not cooked, but you do need to act fast and strategically. Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's what you should focus on:

1. Leverage Your Connections

• Your father’s connections at GS and other banks are a huge advantage. Start reaching out to them immediately. Ask for informational interviews, advice, and insights into how you can position yourself for opportunities. Networking is key, and as WSO threads emphasize, connections often trump skills and GPA.

2. Boost Your GPA

• A 3.2 GPA at a top 10 school is not ideal, but it’s not a dealbreaker. Focus on taking easier electives or classes where you can excel to raise your GPA. Even a slight improvement can make a difference, especially if you can get it closer to a 3.5.

3. Strengthen Your Resume

• Join a finance-related club or organization on campus, such as an investment fund or consulting group. Leadership roles in these clubs can significantly enhance your profile.
• Seek out internships, even if they’re unpaid or at smaller firms. Experience is critical, and as WSO threads suggest, even working with a business broker or a local boutique firm can help you build relevant skills.

4. Network Aggressively

• Attend networking events, career fairs, and alumni meetups. Focus on building relationships with alumni from your school who are in finance. As one WSO thread highlights, alumni bases can be a goldmine for networking opportunities.
• Use LinkedIn to connect with professionals in the industry and request short calls to learn about their career paths and advice.

5. Prepare for Interviews

• Start studying technical finance concepts and behavioral interview questions. Resources like the WSO Investment Banking Prep course can help you get up to speed quickly.
• Practice your story—why you’re interested in finance, how your background aligns, and what you bring to the table. Be ready to address your GPA and how you’re working to improve it.

6. Consider Delayed Recruiting

• If you can’t secure a summer internship this year, focus on building your profile for junior year recruiting. Use the summer to gain relevant experience, even if it’s not at a big-name firm. Boutique firms, wealth management, or even roles in corporate finance can be stepping stones.

7. Grad School as a Backup

• Grad school isn’t necessary at this stage, especially since you’re at a target school. Focus on improving your profile now. However, if you don’t land a role post-graduation, an MBA from a top program can be a great way to reset and re-enter the recruiting process.

Final Thoughts

You’re not out of the game, but you need to hustle. As WSO threads emphasize, networking and persistence can often outweigh a less-than-stellar GPA. Start taking action now, and you’ll significantly improve your chances.

Sources: Low GPA, trying to get my foot in the door. What do I do?, Did my GPA screw up my application?, Obvious weakness?, On Campus Recruitment and Networking: A guide, Non-Target Recruiting Guide Part I: Resume and Networking