Explaining GPA in Networking Call?

I don't have the sexiest GPA (3.6/4.0) and this is due to my freshman year second semester. A family member had a traumatizing medical incident and it affected my exams and I received a C- and C+ grades in two courses.

Before that semester and subsequent semesters, my semester GPA has been a 3.8+ and I have A's in all my relevant courses. I'm worried about not being taken seriously due to my lower GPA, and a VP I have spoken with in the past brought it up and said it would be difficult for me to get first rounds if I can't explain why.                          

I always thought to just suck it up and ignore it but now I'm wondering, is it okay to try to explain my GPA in a networking call?  I obviously wouldn't go into full detail and would frame it as a weakness in recruiting and focus on my upwards trend.

10 Comments
 

I’m in a similar position but have a 3.32/4.0. I’m just going to say something about extracurriculars having a huge effect on it. I’m super involved on campus but still am worried.

 
Most Helpful

Had a similar GPA and signed to an EB. I always left my GPA off my resume for networking calls. If they asked why it’s not there (which was rare), I explained my situation. You need to have a good explanation to show you are still hardworking and capable of doing the job. It will mostly come up when you are interviewing. That’s when you need a real solid answer. For networking, just make solid connections and they will vouch for you and be able to explain your story to others to get you an interview if they like you. Trust me, someone at the bank backing you and your low GPA is how you will get interviews and move forward to next rounds. That goes much further than you explaining it

 

completely agree, just worried that eventually they will be interested in passing my resume on and my GPA will change their minds if I haven't provided a reason.

 

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