MSF that starts in summer or fall?

Hey Monkeys,

Got a couple offers for some tier 2 MSF programs (according to rankings on WSO threads).
My cGPA is 3.3 which is under the 3.5 that most banks require for jobs in IB/ER.
I have an option to start in the summer at one school that will give me an opportunity to recruit with a 3.5+ gPA on my resume, or I can take a gamble on the extended time given to find a summer internship if I start school during the Fall.

Could you guys comment on the weight of a (likely boutique) internships over a 3.5+ without an internship?

Much appreciated,

-GT3RS

3 Comments
 

I would take the summer. You're unlikely to get a killer internship with your stats and weak stats + weak internship strong stats. Especially since starting over the summer doesn't preclude getting an internship (I did full time school and interned at a reputable shop for 30 hours a week).

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Best Response

Will the programs starting in the fall help you get an internship for the summer? I know the MSF I attended actively worked with students to help them get a summer internship. If you're looking for IB/ER, I really can't stress the importance of having that summer internship experience. Not only does it give you professional experience to talk about during your interviews, it will help you figure out if IB/ER is really something you want to do.

I know a fair number of people who had stats below yours and were able to find internships at boutiques; they were then able to leverage their experiences at the boutiques to find MM and BB offers. Finding the internship will take a heavy, heavy amount of networking, but from personal experience, it's very doable with hard work. The internship will really give you a boost during FT recruiting.

 

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