How can I get into investment banking or equity research?
Hello, I am a junior at a non-target and I want to get into equity research or investment banking. Unfortunately, I am don't have the best grades and my GPA right now is a 2.9. I don't have the best experience and I didn't build any projects or get an internship yet. I am a member of a small investment club and I do like it. What can I do to increase my chances of getting what I want to do after college? I am not talking about immediately after college but I am willing to try and see what I can do. What is some advice that you can give me to succeed?
Intern here so take what I say with a grain of salt. But, with your GPA, I don't think you're going to be in much of a running for SA positions at IB's for example (again, not trying to be rude). But, I do suggest you do what you love. Stick with that club, do you own research, try to get into a MM or transfer into one after getting a job out of college. Your grades don't define your ability to perform a job function as much as it may seem like the end all if you're not confident in it.
Wish you the best of luck!
not even MMs, some are even more selective than BBs. It would be extremely hard with a 2.9
Generally you want at least a 3.5 or so to be considered for positions, so I’d recommend really trying to maximize your academic performance asap.
Separately, start networking to get some contacts in the industry. Set up LinkedIn and reach out to people in the industry
How can I increase my grades and increase my chances of getting into high finance roles?
Grades are up to you to figure out. If you have a 2.9 clearly your habits could use correcting and you should speak with your teachers about it.
To prepare for high finance roles, I answered this. Grades and networking. Also carry on with the investment club and try to get any relevant internships to fill your resume.
lol
But I have a 2.9 right now in my third year of college. I am not sure if I can get up to a 3.5 GPA by the end of my college years.
I was in a similar position, but am in BB ER currently. I sat for my CFA exams while doing sort of a stepping stone role out of college before breaking into ER. Definitely possible, you’ll just have to put in more effort now bc of your grades unfortunately. I would suggest building your own company specific models and reports to use as taking points to either get your foot in the door or during an interview.
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Network and get internships. Would target a job as close as possible to the roles you want to make it easier to lateral in the future. For example CB, TAS, etc
However would definitely try to graduate with at least a 3.2+ GPA
What are some other ways that I can increase my chances of getting into these careers? What skills can I learn?
Why do you have a 2.9 GPA in junior year? not to be rude but GPA also tells a story about your work ethic
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