sophomore dilemma

im a sophomore from a semi-target business school - ross school of business. im considering to pursue a career in IBD and ultimately in hedge fund or PE firms. IBD is probably the single most competitive jungle in the world. i know almost all BB firms have pretty damn attractive sophomore programs but the chance is slim. im trying to secure a "legitimate" summer intern this summer either in boutiques firms or PE & hedge funds (while apply to BB). so whats the best and graceful sophomore strategy? should i avoid directly applying to IBD this year but, instead, apply to PWM or research department to enhance my chance? background:

7 Comments
 

I would call Ross a target. It is a top business school. Start looking for boutique shops or call up some alumni. You have a good GPA and the prereq PWM internship early on. You should do fine.

 

Definitely get the GPA up. 3.8 at Ross isn't top 5%. Everyone who gets the GS, MS and MBB interviews has over a 4.2.

Trust me, it'll get annoying come recruiting when the same people get the interview slots.

PWM or anything finance related will get you the interviews.

 
Best Response
moofasaDefinitely get the GPA up. 3.8 at Ross isn't top 5%. Everyone who gets the GS, MS and MBB interviews has over a 4.2.

Trust me, it'll get annoying come recruiting when the same people get the interview slots.

PWM or anything finance related will get you the interviews.

i was in LSA and the max GPA is 4.0. im starting ross this fall and thanks for ur advice.

 

Rerum ex laborum soluta voluptates. Esse voluptas aliquid aut occaecati voluptates dolor. Sed quo non sit id odit ex dolor.

Sit in voluptas nam occaecati iste. Dignissimos velit suscipit iste sequi debitis voluptatem nam. Nostrum tenetur nemo sunt quae non. Non assumenda magnam qui sint et aliquam magnam. Fugiat amet temporibus et qui ut distinctio et commodi. Nobis blanditiis et et consequuntur facilis iusto veritatis. Ut sapiente dolor ducimus voluptatem repellat.

Dolor voluptatibus hic est nemo animi minus. Cumque praesentium eos in quis rerum aut harum. Minus beatae voluptas rerum exercitationem atque nulla nihil et. Voluptatibus reprehenderit quidem voluptates facere voluptas accusamus a rem. Sed omnis quia qui porro. Est eum placeat eum tenetur ad ut sit.

Career Advancement Opportunities

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.9%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.4%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.9%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.9%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.4%

Professional Growth Opportunities

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • JPMorgan No 97.4%

Total Avg Compensation

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (57) $264
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (28) $184
  • Intern/Summer Associate (16) $161
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (76) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
10
numi's picture
numi
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”