I am frustrated (First post ever)

Profile:
Undergrad student in Germany
No academic background (family site)
Mom and dad are immigrants
GPA: IBD is looking for in a candidate and what they're expecting, but I am wondering if there is a perfect candidate at all?
How can I know that I have strong analytical, strategic skills at this young age?
It is frustrating for me because I am eager to learn during an internship/part-time working student position, but when I compare myself with my peers it seems to impossible for me to get a position. I would even work for free, just to get more business experiences, that's how frustrating I am.

Don't get me wrong, I am not a whiny/negative person. I am rather a happy person I love to surround myself with intellectual people and talk about everything, especially Finance and Economics/Business.
But for god sakes, I need some advice on this.

 
anonymuse1:
I am reading a lot about, what IBD is looking for in a candidate and what they're expecting, but I am wondering if there is a perfect candidate at all?

IBD looks for young people with a track record of achievement. High GPA and a good school act as proof that someone can perform to a standard. While school/grades are somewhat based on sitting down and memorizing material, entry level IBD is similar... very mundane and long hours and you need to be able to grind it out. Work ethic is the key to success and GPA is generally a good indicator of that. There are some exceptions of course, but IBD is very competitive and firms usually have the luxury of taking only 3.5+ students.

Your first step should be to address the GPA and be honest with yourself about why it is low and what you are going to do to fix it. If you're first or second year, you probably just need to spend more time on the material and comprehend more, but it can be fixed.

As for work experience, start emailing small firms in your area to see if they'll let you come in part-time, after school, to get some exposure to the industry. Offer to work unpaid if you want. This will be good for your resume and get you some marketable skills. I would prioritize GPA over work though, so if needed focus on your GPA this year and wait until summer for an internship.

Array
 
Most Helpful

Velit est numquam debitis voluptate nulla unde blanditiis provident. Cupiditate nesciunt doloribus voluptatem rerum vel.

Ad aut mollitia exercitationem quisquam consequatur. Alias laborum occaecati totam aspernatur ducimus. Consequatur quia omnis adipisci. Sapiente voluptatum dolorem hic eaque vero officia iste.

Eius architecto similique culpa fuga molestias. Quibusdam in consequatur qui omnis ex.

Career Advancement Opportunities

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 19 98.8%
  • Harris Williams & Co. New 98.3%
  • Lazard Freres 02 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 03 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.8%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 03 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (19) $385
  • Associates (87) $260
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (14) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (66) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (205) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (146) $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
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
5
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
6
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.8
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
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...”