What to do as a rising senior at a non-target with no IB experience

I have 3.9 GPA from a non-target (large state school) and plan to graduate in December (1 semester ahead of typical schedule). I interned at a F500 as a junior and worked at a bank for 2 years prior to that. My first choice would be working in IB after I graduate. I may have a position lined up at a local AM firm for the summer, but its not a sure thing.

Should I take the CFA Level 1 in December?
Should I go after a MSF at a better University after I graduate? (Washington University in St. Louis would be my most likely options as of now, contingent on a good GMAT)
Any opinions on whether or not I should push my graduation back a semester and graduate in May 2019? I have gotten mixed opinions on this from most of the people I have spoken with.
What would be my next best career path given my situation, that would help me lateral, if I did not break into IB after I graduate?

Thanks in advance for any advice / guidance.

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Isaiah_53_5 💎🙌💎🙌💎

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jgw22:
I have 3.9 GPA from a non-target (large state school) and plan to graduate in December (1 semester ahead of typical schedule). I interned at a F500 as a junior and worked at a bank for 2 years prior to that. My first choice would be working in IB after I graduate. I may have a position lined up at a local AM firm for the summer, but its not a sure thing.
Should I take the CFA Level 1 in December? Should I go after a MSF at a better University after I graduate? (Washington University in St. Louis would be my most likely options as of now, contingent on a good GMAT) Any opinions on whether or not I should push my graduation back a semester and graduate in May 2019? I have gotten mixed opinions on this from most of the people I have spoken with. What would be my next best career path given my situation, that would help me lateral, if I did not break into IB after I graduate?

Thanks in advance for any advice / guidance.

Push back your graduation date until May 2019. Pick up a minor or additional major if needed while getting a 4.0. What is your current major? You don't need to take the CFA exam or GMAT before you graduate. It is unnecessary, not the right time, and you have other things to focus on.

Put all your effort into getting the best position you can for post May 2019. With a 3.9 you should be able to get something good (interviews with BBs and probably at least a regional IB offer with a 3.9 or some good offers at management consultancies).

Work a few years and then go for a T10 MBA. With a uGPA of 3.9 or 3.92+ and a high GMAT and good work experience, you should have your pick at B schools and then whatever position you desire within reason.

Just remember that this whole next year will be a lot of time reaching out, connecting, networking, working on applications for hours with no results, hammering away day after day, getting 3 good interviews and getting shot down in all of them, starting over, networking, applying to hundreds of places just to get that one good offer. Don't underestimate the amount of effort required to land a good first gig. You need that extra semester not only to place you in the normal recruiting timeline, but also for the extra time required to apply and network. You should be knocking on doors every day.

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"If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them." - Bruce Lee

Isaiah_53_5 💎🙌💎🙌💎

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jgw22:

Isaiah_53_5:
Push back your graduation date until May 2019. Pick up a minor or additional major if needed while getting a 4.0. What is your current major? You don't need to take the CFA exam or GMAT before you graduate. It is unnecessary, not the right time, and you have other things to focus on.

My major is Finance. Most bankers I have talked to have told me that the CFA will not help me so probably will not take that route. I wish I would have pushed my graduation last semester because I had the opportunity to be the student VP of the honor society I am in and the student representative to the college of business counsel, but was unable to because of my early graduation. I definitely made a mistake by not pushing it back sooner.

Isaiah_53_5:
Put all your effort into getting the best position you can for post May 2019. With a 3.9 you should be able to get something good (interviews with BBs and probably at least a regional IB offer with a 3.9 or some good offers at management consultancies).
I had a very difficult time even getting an interview anywhere this last year. I had 2 phone interviews for some back office roles but that is it. So I had, for the most part, ruled out BBs. Obviously networking is key, but I still assumed I would be wasting my time. I've spent a lot of time this summer on my resume, with the hopes that it will help me for the next recruiting season.
Isaiah_53_5:
Work a few years and then go for a T10 MBA. With a uGPA of 3.9 or 3.92+ and a high GMAT and good work experience, you should have your pick at B schools and then whatever position you desire within reason.
Whats the significance of having a 3.92+? it just seems oddly specific. I have around a 3.88 right now but I will get a 4.0 my last two semesters, so should be above a 3.9 when I graduate.
Thanks for the advice. It will be tough, but I am still going to go for it.

I didn't mean anything in particular by the '3.92'. Just meant to capture the effect of more 4.0s hitting your grades.

Keep trying. You have almost a whole year to get some good offers. You basically have this last final semester to prop up any ECs as well as leadership activities. Think of what makes you stand out as a candidate, your strengths, and play to those when networking and talking to hiring managers.

The alumni connection is key though. The career center at your school should know some of the industry connections and may be able to help you.