Q&A: Non-Target to BB S&T Summer Offer
Just trying to give a little back to the WSO community because I definitely used this site quite a bit when I was going through the recruiting process... So, I just received a Sales and Trading SA offer a few weeks ago at a BB for this coming summer. I wouldn't say I'm from a non-target, but I guess more of a semi-target? Top 25 LAC, definitely has some alum in the industry both in senior positions and some recent grads. A couple BB's come to campus to recruit, although this is a recent development. I'm an Econ major and I have around a 3.4 GPA. I worked in finance last summer at a middle market lending firm, but this role was in my hometown and not in the city where I've been offered a summer spot. So fire away, any questions about the networking process, what the interviews were like, etc.
Did you ever feel like GPA held you back either through networking or the actual interview process?
I have fairly good reception from various alums and other people before sending the resume, but things do tend to get cold especially at the top banks when the gpa gets mentioned (mines also ~3.4). Very solid internship + leadership exp but I can't help but know that its the expectation to have all 3 locked down to have a good shot.
It held me back much less than I thought it would, and it is something that can definitely be worked around. People will ask, but have some sort of 'story' prepared for when they do and it should be all good. It's a 3.4, it might not be great but it definitely won't determine whether you get an internship or not. If anything, it will just be a hurdle to jump at the beginning of the process when you're getting your foot in the door.
Congrats your offer! What are your graduation plans?
1) What was your networking process (cold emails/calls, OCR, have someone refer you)?
2) Did you use any WSO guides ?
Also surprised by the GPA, good job on getting past that. Gratz.
Lots of using your school LinkedIn network to find names and firms, then I used my alumni directory to get email addresses. Sent a bunch of "Hey my name is ___ and I'm interested in opportunities in finance. Do you have a minute to chat?" emails. Usually would speak to a few people until they asked for my resume, at which point I;d be on their radar and hopefully get an interview after applying. I have no WSO or any other sort of guides.
Don't become head over heels. Get the FT offer. Good luck!
I would like to know the opposite side, if you have an opinion on it. What if you have an absolutely stellar GPA? How is it valued? Especially when combined with an IBD internship and other college activities.
Congratulations by the way!
I mean a great GPA is absolutely a great thing, and combined with great work experience and extra curriculars should land you interviews for sure. But it seems to me that all those things just prove to the firm that you're capable of working hard and are dedicated and driven. If you're unable to prove to them in your interviews why you want that specific role, and most importantly, that you're someone who is enjoyable to work with, you probably won't have much luck. Again, everyone has different experiences and results. This is just sort of what I gathered from the process.
Hey man thanks for taking the time to do this.
What would you do right now if you were a junior at a target without a summer internship lined up? Let's say you have a solid resume with a high gpa.
Thanks
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