3.3 GPA non-target, 770 GMAT, only 1 year of credit analyst experience....what should my timeline look like

I graduated from a non-target with a 3.3 GPA. Not great, I know.

I took the GMAT recently, scored a 770.

I have completed the first 2 levels of the CFA exam. I hear this won't do much, but I figured it can't hurt to include and would demonstrate interest in finance.

I am closing in on a year of credit analyst experience in the Wells Fargo Capital Finance Financial Analyst Program (FAP). I have a year before that of unrelated work experience (entry-level risk management role at a bank).

I intend on staying at Wells Fargo for at least the remainder of the FAP. After that, I would like to move into a division, either within Wells Fargo (I love the people and culture here) or, if that doesn't work out, at another bank/financial institution.

Assuming I spend 2.5 years with the FAP (the usual total time it takes to "complete"), what "level" and how many more years of work experience should I accumulate before I can be considered at least somewhat of an adequate candidate for a good finance-geared MBA program?

I suppose that might be tough to answer, but I'd be happy to provide more information if it helps.

3 Comments
 

If you have 3 or less years of work experience, you'll be considered "early career."

From 3 to 6 you're well within the bulge; apply when ready.

The truth is you're the weak. And I'm the tyranny of evil men. But I'm tryin', Ringo. I'm tryin' real hard to be the shepherd.
 
Best Response

Sed est iure tempora mollitia consequatur ut. Corporis dicta est voluptatem assumenda et corrupti. Facere temporibus animi distinctio est. Assumenda esse non omnis.

Career Advancement Opportunities

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 99.0%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Guggenheim Partners 02 97.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 97.4%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 99.0%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.9%
  • BMO Capital Markets 13 97.4%

Professional Growth Opportunities

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 99.0%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • JPMorgan No 97.4%

Total Avg Compensation

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (57) $264
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (29) $183
  • 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
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
10
Mimbs's picture
Mimbs
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...”