Do grades matter anymore?

Just got a FT analyst role for next year at a boutique bank. I’m doing an MS program and currently going through final projects/exams for the semester. I’m struggling to stay motivated to maintain the same GPA I had throughout undergrad (~3.9). I’d love to be able to take it a little bit easier entering my last semester compared to how I’ve approached school up to this point, and I’ve heard so many people say that “getting into the industry is the hardest part.” It makes me wonder if future prospective employers (other banks, PE, VC, etc.) would care if my GPA in grad school isn’t as high as my undergraduate one was, as I will now have experience in the industry.

I’m by no means saying I plan to barely pass the remainder of my classes, but would having a near-4.0 average compared to the 3.5-3.7 range make a difference down the road?

 
Most Helpful

You have one more semester to go...I don't know why you wouldn't try hard to maintain your gpa. I'm not sure on your financial situation but if you're paying at all for school it's a no-brainer to finish strong with a 3.9 gpa instead of a 3.5. The marginal amount of better life you would have for ~4-5 months with a 3.5 gpa does not make up for a 3.9 gpa on your masters program. Sure, you'll be fine either way, but I don't know why you'd ever do that. Take a month off before you finish school / start full time to have a bit of time for yourself

 

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