GPA Non-Target

I am currently a junior at a non-target with over a year as an intern for a buyside firm and will be doing M&A for smaller boutique in NYC for Summer 2024. After my summer internship in NYC I will return to the firm near my college for my senior year. I am a member of the honors college at my university and am a member of our student run investment fund. I am wondering if a 3.75 GPA will hurt me in the recruiting in the future despite the experience I will have under my belt. I had a strong GPA during SA recruiting - but have struggled to keep it up balancing work on top of an honors business cohort curriculum. Curious to know your thoughts - thank you in advance. (Will have worked 25hrs/wk both junior and senior year)

6 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, a 3.75 GPA, especially from a non-target school, is generally considered strong and competitive, particularly in the context of finance and consulting recruitment. Your GPA, combined with your extensive internship experience in both a buyside firm and an M&A role at a boutique in NYC, positions you well. The fact that you are also involved in your university's honors college and a student-run investment fund further strengthens your profile.

In high finance, while a high GPA is important, recruitment also heavily values practical experience and demonstrated interest in the field, both of which you have. Your commitment to working 25 hours per week during your junior and senior years shows a strong work ethic and time management skills, which are highly valued in the industry.

However, it's crucial to continue networking and leveraging your experiences and connections. In competitive fields like investment banking and private equity, networking can significantly impact your ability to secure interviews and offers, sometimes even compensating for a less than perfect GPA.

In summary, maintain your GPA as much as possible, but also focus on excelling in your internships and building strong professional relationships. These elements combined will be key in your future recruiting endeavors.

Sources: Did my GPA screw up my application?, At what point does GPA hit diminishing returns for recruitment?, is the gpa cut off still 3.5?, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/low-gpa-but-have-experience-in-the-field-what-do-i-do?customgpt=1, More classics from resumes/cover letters

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

1) nobody gives a fuck how many hours you work a week during school.

2) your GPA is fine. You can relax.

 

I didn’t assume it to be. I’m telling you that your GPA can’t be justified because of how many hours a week you work. Not that it needs to be but that’s what’s implied when you list them together btw. Seems like an excuse. Don’t bring it up unless asked.

 

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