Keep Getting Dinged--From Target, Good GPA

Hey Y'all,

I'm from a target Ivy, have a good GPA (rounded 3.9), have some good extracurricular positions, and prior internships in economics research and Asset Management. I don't think this entitles me in any way to an interview, but from what I've read and from what comments I've received on my resume through networking, it seems like I'm in good shape as far as qualification.

I'm a sophomore, but depending on how many courses I take per semester, I could graduate in Fall 2012. If I take summer courses, I could graduate in Spring 2012. My investment management internship was, I believe, relevant for the fields I'm applying to--I did due diligence on companies and pitched stocks to the MDs and executives of the firm.

I wouldn't be worried if I hadn't heard back from the firms that I've applied to for Summer 2011 internships. The problem is, I keep getting rejected early, within a week or so of my applications.

What do y'all think? Is this an issue of sophomore standing? Should I wait until January when on-campus interviews start before I start getting nervous?

Any comments would be appreciated!

Halifax

 

Maybe I should further clarify--I am not applying for junior positions. I'm applying to those firms that I have read offer sophomore positions as well. Also, due to unique circumstances (severe illness) I was actually in the running for junior positions last year, which is how I got the internship at the asset management firm. They offered me the job knowing that I would technically be a sophomore (as far as graduation credits go) this year.

 
Babyj18777:
Based on your resume I wouldn't hire you because I'd be afraid you would outshine me.

Good way to go through life...

If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses - Henry Ford
 

You're in a great position, like nycIBD said, the interviews will definitely come with that resume.

I didn't see anything awful on first glance at resume, so just keep networking and keep at it and I'm sure you will end up exactly where you want to be.

 

Babyj18777--

I love the analytical aspect of engineering, but I love finance more. I can build things/program/fool around with chemicals in my spare time, and I do. I got to a point where I was reading finance blogs and talking about finance every day and realized that I don't want to be an engineer, though I do heavily respect them.

 

you should wait for on-campus recruiting - sounds like you're proactively applying on your own a bit early. if you've developed a good rapport with a recruiter, it's worth asking them for feedback - maybe something needs to be changed on your resume or can simply be the timing issue.. good luck!

 
DavidKappoKaplan:
I would not put the egg picking/farming internship on my resume. You could work it in somehow in one of your stories during the interview, but I don't think it looks strong on your CV. Just my 2 cents...
+1.

Not relevant at all, flesh out some of the other stuff instead. Not sure about the realty thing either - I don't think you should ever have an experience/item with only one/two lines to describe it. Cut them both out, flesh out the other stuff.

Don't worry though kid. You're obviously smart - get a good internship next year and you'll get a great job. If you really want to graduate early, then send in the forms and change your grad date. That way people will take you much more seriously for internships this year, too.

 

You're going to be fine. I wouldn't try to graduate early, just keep building your experience and prepare for the gig you really want. Also, if you find a good internship during the year you could consider taking a couple quarters off and working (only if it's worth it). Then you'd be right on pace when you came back. Good luck.

"Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard. But if talent works hard, you're fucked. I suggest you get some talent."
 

I'm guessing you're at U Penn Engineering trying to transfer to Wharton or something. Either way, not too many Ivies have undergrad business programs ;).

You're miles ahead from normal people. You'll be fine, just keep being persistent and keep an open mind. Please do not commit suicide if you don't land a BB sophomore internship; see if there are any smaller banks / local boutiques offering unpaid internships while in school. As long as you land one, recruiting for junior year SA positions will be much easier.

 
Best Response

I guess just a couple of minor things on the resume.... I would get rid of physics and engineering from the coursework section (generally just put "relevant coursework" on there ie econ, finance, math courses). I would also get rid of the high school section, unless you went to a very well known or prestigious one; definitely keep the SAT scores on there though. I would also get rid of the farm thing, and expand upon the econ internship.

As far as majoring in engineering vs finance, I would definitely stick with engineering unless you're dead set on IB (and even then I'm not so sure). If you want something on the markets side though, no question stick with engineering. One of the best decisions I made was to not major in finance and study engineering/physics. No question it's been tough going through, but absolutely worth it in my opinion. And I had no problems getting interviews either with my degree, but I'm going into S&T.

 
downtown22:
I guess just a couple of minor things on the resume.... I would get rid of physics and engineering from the coursework section (generally just put "relevant coursework" on there ie econ, finance, math courses, etc...). I would also get rid of the high school section, unless you went to a very well known or prestigious one; definitely keep the SAT scores on there though. I would also get rid of the farm thing, and expand upon the econ internship.

As far as majoring in engineering vs finance, I would definitely stick with engineering unless you're dead set on IB (and even then I'm not so sure). If you want something on the markets side though, no question stick with engineering. One of the best decisions I made was to not major in finance and study engineering/physics. No question it's been tough going through, but absolutely worth it in my opinion. And I had no problems getting interviews either with my degree, but I'm going into S&T.

 

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