Need Advice Regarding SA and Job Search
Hey Everyone,
I've been reading this forum for a while and really appreciate the wealth of information on here. I'm a junior at a target school for banking. I'm a triple major in electrical engineering, mathematics, and political science. I want to get into S&T, and have had great past experience (2 internships in trading after freshman, sophmore years, trading commodities and derivatives on the trading floor at large reputable Fortune 10 firms). Now that I am a rising junior, I am looking to get into S&T at a BB or MM bank, my goal is to have a FT offer at a BB. I have no trouble in accessing them as I go to a target and they are very active in recruiting here.
My main concern is my GPA. Frankly, my engineering and math is just not working out. I am making consistent B and Cs in them esp. now that the courseload is getting harder. This is actually the average for my school (2.7-2.8 gpa for engineering and 2.5 for math) but after reading here, I know I need at least a 3.3 GPA. My Political Science major on the other hand, I have a 4.0 GPA because it is just way too easy compared to my engineering courses.
EC wise I am quite set, I am in a sorority on the executive committee, as well as the president of an investment club. These two ECs, plus my heavy courseload, as well as working part time all contributes to a not so spectaular GPA.... Personally I am very interested in engineering and math, and I really enjoy the challenge. If it wasn't for a job, I would be happy making 2.7 and 2.8s as long as I am learning and improving in that aspect. However, I cannot NOT have a job after graduation as I have quite amount of debt, and in that regard I am becoming really stressed towards what to do.
My issue is two fold. One, I really love trading, and have traded since high school in my PA. I was planning on going into the prop trading route, but I have realized that I need more job security and after networking and learning more about trading at a bank, that's where I really want to be. I have solid connections at a few of the BBs (2) with senior bankers and they have forwarded my resume to the HR. In addition, because my school is a target I was able to get 2-3 interviews with OCR. So, in total I have 5 upcoming interviews, and I'm hoping I get get 2 more with networking.
QUESTION 1: My problem is that I didn't put my cumulative gpa on my resume and only my major. I am quite sure they will grant me an interview however what will they do once they find out that my cumulative is a 2.9? That is what it is currently. I am positive this is below their cut off. I am quite sure that at some point they will ask for my transcript... Even though I have a hard major, great leadership, and am quite well rounded... I truly do believe 2.9 is inexcusable. Should I just cancel my first round interviews? I'm not sure what I am going to say if they ask for my transcript . This question is in regards to the BBS I have connections with as well as through OCR.
My current plan is just to go through with the first round interviews. If I even pass that, I drop the GPA bomb. Or, should I just wait until the second round? Or... just let them found out for themselves when they ask for transcripts (but I prefer to let them know ahead of time).
Secondly and QUESTION 2: I am wondering if GPA is the crucial factor should I just drop my engineering and math major and go for political science? Like I said, I have a 4.0 in poltiical science without putting in any effort. I am at the end of the rope regarding getting A's in engineering. This semester I have done every single problem in the book, hired a tutor etc, and still am getting only B and Cs. Next semester is not looking too great either as I have to take 2 upper level physics courses.
So - if my end goal is to get into a BB ST should I forgo my engineering/math major? The highest GPA I can even achieve if I drop my major would be 3.5 by end of senior year. I'm afraid if I continue my engineering and math major I may very well end up with 3.0 gpa by the time I graduate. However, the next issue is if I do not find a job in trading, I have no idea what I can do with a Political Science major, I am not interested in working for the government...
Any constructive advice would be very appreciated. Please don't judge me! Thanks.
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GPA is most important to help you get the interview. You've already got interviews, so you should be set. If you make it to the point where HR wants to see your transcripts, I don't see them dinging you based on your cumulative GPA (assuming this is after say, a second round interview and they really like you). From what I hear, leniency is given to engineering majors in the GPA department.
I can't give good advice because I too am a student but imo a 2.9 in Engineering, Math and Poli Sci from a target is not too shabby. That's a pretty beefy set of courses especially when combined with the fact that you go to a target and have some sweet extra creds.
best of luck to you.
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