GPA and breaking in

Just joined WSO. Currently in the process of trying to beak into IB. Didn't go to an Ivy but a top 40 University that has a solid reputation. GPA is complete crap (around 2.8) mostly due to hanging around a bunch of knuckle heads at school not necessarily due to any academic struggles. However, I have been able to land a decent amount of interviews this summer making it to the final round at 2 places just through cold calling finding emails of MDs etc. as well as a decent amount of networking. My internships did involve finance but were not in banking. I have taken a lot of highly quantitative advanced econ courses that have helped on my resume and in which I actually got As. But I wanted to reach out and see if anyone has any advice for someone in my situation? Someone who has potential but maybe just didnt get their act together until a bit later. I know a bb is out of reach but if anyone has been in a similar situation and actually landed something at a boutique I would love to hear about it? Any info or general advice that could help me make it further in the process and close a job would be greatly appreciated

 

Networking hard is typically the answer to overcoming a bad GPA, so you're doing a good job on that front. The most important thing is being to explain why you got the grades that you did. If you have to make a good excuse because you don't have one, then do so.

Need a bit more info in order to help. Are you a senior looking for FT positions?

 

Recent graduate looking for FT positions. Pretty open to different things since I feel like I have to be. I have had 5 investment banking interviews this summer and made it to the final round of the last two ive had (all FT). GPA actually only came up in one and I got crushed BC I didnt have a good explanation planned. To be honest I am quite surprised I have been able to do as well as I have been doing. But I would like to hear any tips you may have. Have two more interviews this week

 

Honestly, I think you just need to be prepared to explain your GPA. The fact that you've done so well means that you know your shit. Make sure you're selling yourself well in the beginning of the interview, that you really know your technicals, and that you have a few stories prepared for behaviorals. Keep at it, man

 

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