My sister got cancer and my grades took a hit
Hey everyone so I'm currently a sophomore at a non-target in Canada where I started my undergrad as a STEM student wanting to pursue a scientific career but later on discovering that I wanted something else instead, so I enrolled in the business program at my school and i've done quite well since considering I'm from a non-target. Since I transitioned I have gotten involved in a lot of great clubs at school, networked a ton, picked up a PE internship, and this summer joining a MM IB (at the level of CGF/RJ) as a IB-SA.
My concerns for 2023 SA recruitment are my grades, so my cGPA is in the low 3's while my major GPA since I switched has been about a 3.6-3.7 and the story is that I obviously hated my first program amongst many other personal issues but also I found out that my sister had cancer that same year which hindered my concentration/interest in school that year since I'd take care of her and spend my time helping her with things she'd need.
Things have picked up since then with my grades and internships so my hopes for the future have been lifted.
I'm currently prepping for my junior year summer recruitment and I am hoping to either get into the big5 or hopefully a BB/EB if I can. This week I plan on getting back on networking and reaching out to people in Canada and the US with people at all banks.
So I have never told people I spoke to from the industry about this at all as I always felt it'll look like I'm seeking some sympathy and thought to just focus on my strengths instead. However I think adding this to my story is essential to combat my grades when applying, and so here is my question..
Do you guys think it's a good idea to tell people about this, and if so, how do I say it or even bring it up without bringing them down or coming off as someone that makes excuses?
I think I have a solid shot at the moment to break into a brand name bank but I am always worried about this issue and any insight you guys have would be very appreciated. Thanks!
I would just make sure HR knows and any other potential decision makers know and is would be exceptional circumstances that impacted your performance. I would also keep it high level and say an immediate family member became very ill...or something along those lines.
How can you usually find out or even reach the decision makers, I try to avoid asking that in coffee chats just to avoid letting the person I’m speaking to feel like a stepping stone. Never been too sure how to approach this.
I think if you have developed and maintained strong connections on the associate-MD level through networking, it shoudln't be a problem landing an interview at minimum. I'd recommend voicing your concerns to them and if they really are a good connection they'll make sure you get an interview.
That’s definitely a great point, unfortunately in all my networking so far I have only been able to reach analysts and associates, only spoken to about 5 MDs. But I think with my experience so far I am planning on reaching out to more senior individuals in the coming weeks.
Yeah I think in terms of recruiting the associates/VP's do the bulk of the work in regards to reviewing resumes for first rounds. Just keep at it and im sure you'll make some good connections.
Bro sorry to hear about your sister going through cancer. I had a family member go through cancer when I was making a move from a big 4 to IB - not dissimilar to your situation. It was certainly a life altering event for myself so what I have to say to you next isn’t something I take lightly. Hope it helps in some way.
I wouldn’t proactively bring up the background that led you to lower grades - just draws attention to it unnecessarily. If asked, just cite that you did your best amidst challenging personal circumstances and have significantly turned it around (think of how a CEO in turnaround sits would tell the story). Focus on your best efforts and improvement. Beyond that, your ability to demonstrate interest and knowledge in deals / specific sectors outshines your grades once you’re past the screen. With CG/RJ on your resume you’re very likely to get looks from Big 5/some BB even with OK grades, which 3.6/3.7 is (assuming on a 4.0 scale, less so on a 4.33 scale but not necessarily a deal breaker). I’ve always preferred a 3.6 who can think on his feet/ask good questions/take good notes/have something to contribute than a 4.0 who thinks he’s the shit/places too much weight on that/misses the bigger picture of getting work done or making money (i.e. I don’t give a shit if the model is perfect theoretically. Let’s just get shit done on time without getting into non-value add debates/close the fucking deal without noticeable blips). There are many parts of the recruiting process where you can turn the table to your advantage (internship at solid shops in Canada, knowledge gained from a summer in IB, networking, technicals, etc.) to warrant taking a breather on circumstances outside of your control. Do your best, be yourself and you’ll do just fine.
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