Is Networking Enough to Overcome a Non-Target and Low GPA for IB?
Hi all,
I trust in your sincerity. I am 23 years old and currently in my third year of economics at a non-target university (Bergamo), with a GPA of 3.2. I started university later due to family financial reasons.
In my first year, I interned in accounting at BDO, then at Deloitte in Audit boths in Milan. Thanks to a partner at Deloitte, I was able to secure an internship at McKinsey in Paris. My dream and goal is to work in IB at a bulge bracket firm. I cannot accept any job other than that.
I now have to decide which master's program to pursue. I am aware that getting into my target firms requires a top business school (e.g., Bocconi, LSE, HEC). However, the problem is that I don't have the budget (essentially 0), and my academic performance is not exceptional. The only asset I have is my network.
My mentor, a partner at Deloitte, told me, "You’ll make it, you're a determined guy." However, lately, it feels impossible. I am starting to feel the weight of age (since a master lasts 2 years, I would be 25 or 26), and the odds are against me — only 1% of people from non-target schools make it. I don’t want to overdo it with drama, but I feel my life would be unfulfilling and sad if I don’t make it. At the same time, when I look at the reality of the situation, the chances seem almost nonexistent.
Any opinions or thoughts
Out of curiosity, why not try to rotate into the Private Equity & Principal Investors team within McKinsey? You would develop exposure to transaction advisory in one of the largest firms in the world and you could use that would be time at Master's developing your skillset. After 1-1.5 years, you could lateral in a stronger market.
Just my two cents.
I am also italian, and I am kind of similar situation (ended my master at 26 in a target abroad).
In full honesty, I think that IB in italy is very difficult since the class is very small, a better option is to try a target master and after ib in ldn. I also noticed that almost all the recruiting in italy is a sort of family and friends circle, both ib and consulting.
I decided to take a different route and remain in a big 4 tas abroad, and try to pivot in a boutique in this country later.
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