Internship to Full Time
Hi everyone,
So I received an offer from a BB for a WM internship this summer (for reference when I applied I had a 3.9 GPA from a semi target school). However, since then my GPA has gone down to a 3.7 because my superday was during finals week so I didn’t do as well as I would have liked because I knew the interview was more important. However, is this something that is going to hold me back when it comes to considering me for a FT position? Ideally I would like to work there post grad and I know they hire you for your internship with the intent to hire you post grad and it really comes down to the work you put in during the summer but I just wanted to make sure this isn’t something that’s going to set me back and I can chill out a bit.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, a drop from a 3.9 to a 3.7 GPA, especially from a semi-target school, is unlikely to significantly impact your transition from an internship to a full-time position, particularly in Wealth Management (WM) at a Bulge Bracket (BB) firm. Here's why:
Performance Over GPA: BB firms, especially in WM, value the work you do during your internship more than a slight fluctuation in GPA. Your ability to demonstrate strong work ethic, adaptability, and the skills necessary for the job will have a more substantial impact on your full-time offer prospects.
Explanation Ready: If asked, have a concise explanation ready for the GPA drop that highlights your prioritization and decision-making skills. Emphasizing that you focused on the superday because you understood the importance of practical experience alongside academic achievements can be a positive spin.
Networking and Mentorship: Utilize your time during the internship to network within the firm and seek mentorship. Building strong relationships and getting people to vouch for your performance and fit within the company culture can significantly outweigh minor GPA concerns.
Continuous Improvement: Show that you are committed to continuous improvement. If there are opportunities to highlight how you've addressed any academic shortcomings or how you've excelled in areas relevant to your desired role, take them.
GPA Still Competitive: A 3.7 GPA is still competitive, especially coming from a semi-target school. It demonstrates a high level of academic achievement. Coupled with a successful internship, it should not be a barrier to receiving a full-time offer.
In summary, while maintaining a high GPA is important, BB firms are more interested in your overall performance, including how you apply yourself during the internship and how well you fit within the team and company culture. Focus on excelling in your internship duties, building strong professional relationships, and demonstrating your commitment to the field.
Sources: https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/low-gpa-but-have-experience-in-the-field-what-do-i-do?customgpt=1, Did my GPA screw up my application?, 2019 Investment Banking Full Time Recruiting - Do I Have a Chance?, Going from a non-target with low GPA to landing a hedge fund Internship, Q&A: VP in Private Equity (Growth Equity + LBO)...Post-MBA...Formerly IB Analyst
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