Failed 3 times before I knew what I wanted to do, advice?
I have a poor academic history where I have straight Fs and Cs, where my cumulative GPA was 0.7 and 1.7. I have 3 required to withdraws on my transcript from two difference institutions.
Anyway, I figured out what I wanted to do and am highly motivated. I got into the University of Alberta with a 3.5GPA from a community college type school (Grant Macewan), by taking 8 courses for the year. I have a 3.5GPA in my last semester, including a 4.0 in the 3 finance courses I have taken. I believe I can raise my GPA to a 3.6 or 3.7 by the time I am done (I have 1.5 years left).
I am interested in an investment banking analyst position and I am worried my previous history going to come to haunt my in the application process. Is my application just going to be skipped over because of my history? Should I address my previous record on the cover letter?
I believe once I get an interview I would be able to explain my situation and am confident it won't be an issue at this point. I am very worried that I won't even get an interview since every place requires a transcript when applying.
Does anyone know how cases like mine are handled by those who are hiring?
network so you'll have a few people who will go to bat for you...
If you transferred, most employers wont know know about it or ask about it.
Dont put it on your resume. Dont disclose it to anyone until you get an offer. Then call HR and tell them "btw, I transferred schools."
How's your 3rd and 4th year GPA? All of the top Canadian MBAs only look at your 4th year GPA + GMAT, while most Canadian grad programs only look at your 3rd and 4th year GPA. How do you plan to raise your GPA from 0.7 to 3.6? Also, as other have mentioned, do network extensively and drop your story once you've built some rapport.
Doing well at UofA should place you decently enough for banks in Calgary. From what I've heard they don't really have any preference and will hire 50/50 between UofA and UofC.
That being said, networking is extremely important. As is going the extra mile to set yourself apart from other candidates.
I'm tempted to say your previous GPA from other schools aren't too important, but my concern would be if it would pop up in a background check and how you handle the eventual question of "Why are you x years old applying when you should be z years"
Qui optio velit sit. Eum dicta eum nam veritatis deleniti harum eius.
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