Incoming freshman at George Washington University. Am I cooked?
I'm an incoming freshman to GWU majoring in International Relations. I was a pretty eh student in high school (1440 sat), but improved a lot in junior and senior year and I'm ready to buckle down in college. I think I can get around a 3.9 GPA given my conversations with teachers and recent academic performance. I'm also interested in double majoring in Economics. My only worry is what career path is in front of me. I would like to not be poor and it seems that getting a job in the government doesn't really happen anymore which leaves NGOs which don't pay well. How hard will it be for me to get a fire ass job in IB or consulting? Any advice on how I should approach university would also be greatly appreciated. Should I try to transfer to T20? Thanks!
Breaking into IB or consulting from GWU is definitely possible, but it will require a strategic approach. Based on the most helpful WSO content, here’s what you need to know and do:
Maximize Your GPA: A 3.9 GPA is a strong target and will help you stand out. High academic performance is critical for competitive fields like IB and consulting.
Double Major in Economics: Adding Economics to your International Relations major is a smart move. Economics is more quantitative and aligns better with the skill set sought in IB and consulting.
Networking is Key: Start building your network early. Leverage GWU’s location in D.C. to connect with alumni in finance and consulting. Attend networking events, join relevant clubs, and use LinkedIn to reach out to professionals.
Join Relevant Clubs: Participate in finance or consulting-related student organizations. Leadership roles in these clubs can demonstrate your interest and commitment to recruiters.
Secure Internships Early: Aim for internships as early as your freshman or sophomore year. Even unpaid internships at small firms can provide valuable experience and help you build your resume.
Consider Transferring: If you’re aiming for top-tier IB or consulting roles, transferring to a T20 school could improve your chances. Schools like Georgetown, UVA (McIntire), or NYU (Stern) have stronger placement records in these fields. However, transferring is competitive and should only be pursued if you can maintain your GPA and secure strong recommendations.
Prepare for Interviews: Start early with technical and behavioral prep for IB and consulting interviews. Resources like the WSO IB Prep Course or Consulting Case Prep materials can be invaluable.
Explore Alternative Career Paths: While IB and consulting are lucrative, don’t overlook other high-paying fields like corporate finance, tech, or even roles in international organizations with strong compensation packages.
By following these steps, you can position yourself for success in competitive fields. GWU’s location and your proactive approach can make a significant difference.
Sources: Georgetown U Student Investment Fund (GUSIF)?, Georgetown U Student Investment Fund (GUSIF)?, IB in Greater Washington DC, Undergrad School OPTIONS (please help), MSF Class of 2018
It’ll be as hard as you allow it to be. There are plenty of small IBs in Washington D.C. you can intern at and gain experience. However, unfortunately every single kid at Georgetown will have an upper hand in recruiting. You could very well be that GW to GS and the likes considering I’m not sure how many kids go for IB/finance from your school, but I would prepare a few transfer apps just in case. 80% lack of target school can be made up with work experience though if you can hit the ground running.
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