Rejected from investment program
I go to a non target that has a very prestigious investment fund that also competes in national competitions (always top 3). I recently applied and got rejected. This summer I will internship at a Fortune 500 tech company in Silicone Valley and in the 2025 summer I got an IB internship with a reputable MM bank in SF. You can also only join my schools investment program for you junior and senior year so for my sophomore year I got in touch with the directors to become a lab assistant with the program so I have also been doing this. All things considered I figured I would have a somewhat easy time of getting into my own schools program so it came to a suprise to me when I was rejected. I also was not given a reason why but the only thing I can think of is my GPA which is a 3.0 due to issues I was dealing with early freshman year but I have done a lot to remedy that year and even made Deans list last semester and this semester I have all As. This investment program was supposed to be my chance to gain financial modeling and excel skills to prepare myself for IB so now I am a little unsure what to do. Does anyone have any advice or was in similar situations?
Navigating rejection, especially from a prestigious program at your school, can indeed be a tough pill to swallow. However, your journey so far and the steps you've taken towards your career in investment banking (IB) are commendable. Here's how you can leverage your experiences and continue to prepare for your future in IB:
Leverage Your Current Opportunities: Your upcoming internships at a Fortune 500 tech company in Silicon Valley and a reputable middle-market (MM) bank in San Francisco are golden opportunities. Focus on excelling in these roles, as they will provide you with valuable experience and skills that are highly regarded in the finance industry. Networking during your internships can also open doors to future opportunities.
Self-Learning and Online Resources: While being part of an investment program provides structured learning, there are numerous resources available for you to gain financial modeling and Excel skills. Platforms like Wall Street Oasis (WSO) offer courses, certifications, and resources such as the WSO Elite Modeling Package. Engaging with these materials can help you build the skills you were hoping to gain from the investment program.
Networking and Mentorship: Continue to network within your school's finance community and beyond. Reaching out to alumni working in IB or related fields can provide you with insights and advice on navigating your career path. Additionally, finding a mentor through platforms like WSO can offer personalized guidance and support.
Addressing Your GPA: While your GPA is a concern for you, it's clear you've made significant improvements. When discussing your academic record in interviews or networking conversations, focus on your upward trajectory and the challenges you've overcome. Your resilience and determination can be seen as strengths.
Alternative Clubs and Competitions: If your school has other finance or investment clubs, consider joining them. Participating in case competitions, even those not directly related to your school, can also be a great way to showcase your skills and learn from others.
Reflect and Prepare for Next Steps: Use this rejection as a learning opportunity. Reflect on any feedback you might have received or seek out feedback if possible. Use this to prepare for future applications, whether for internships, jobs, or other programs.
Remember, a single rejection does not define your career. Your proactive approach and the steps you've already taken speak volumes about your potential. Keep pushing forward, and use every opportunity and resource available to you to continue building your skills and network.
Sources: Rock Bottom but ain't giving up, Advice from an ex-IB MD - The Importance Of Failure, Low GPA, trying to get my foot in the door. What do I do?, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/first-rejection?customgpt=1, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/low-gpa-but-have-experience-in-the-field-what-do-i-do?customgpt=1
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