Selling yourself at non-target school's
As a sophomore at a non-target school (that I believe is highly underrated), I have sought out as many ways as possible to differentiate myself so far as a student.
I'm not just the average business major - finance concentration, I study mathematical economics with a minor in physics, in addition to all of the IB relevant finance courses available -- I just don't get a label on my diploma saying 'Finance'. I came in with many credits, so it gave me a leg up in classes to the point where most of the time I am the only sophomore there. This helped me compete with juniors/seniors for internships; I landed a research position in PE and will continue this internship over the summer in office, and eventually will manage interns this fall.
However, due to some very unfortunate events which directly impeded on my ability to study/work, I have a piss poor GPA (3.2). All of my grades are at or above a B-, however it still sucks. I haven't stopped trying to make my brand and set myself apart, but I feel like I might be screwed for IB recruiting next semester. What should I expect moving forward and how can I prepare myself to get in the door? Will I even land an interview?
You don't put an apostrophe in "Schools."
Learn basic English and then come back.
^ clearly some butthurt douche...
Coming from a non-target myself, you'll find most (if not all) your opportunity from networking. Reach into your alum network as they will understand how underrated your school is and how that has played a difficult role with employment opportunities.
I think it's awesome you've steered away from a traditional finance degree and are challenging yourself with physics and complex math. 3.2 isn't terrible for what you're studying but you should definitely concentrate your focus on getting that to a 3.5. Take some summer and online courses and/or some easy GPA boosters.
But to finally answer your question, prepare yourself by throwing as much shit as possible at the wall. Network with more people than you think is possible. Ask for opportunities even if you think it'll be awkward. Reach out to alum, teachers, family friends, friends family's friends, etc. Just know that it IS possible to get yourself in the door but it won't be handed to you coming from a non-target...
Best of luck!
The challenging major/minor and poor GPA will both be secondary if you network. That's how every non-target here made it, and if someone is willing to vouch for you from within the firm they won't care about your GPA. A non-target with a GPA below firms' minimums is never going to just land an interview through an online app, it's all going to come down to your ability and persistence in networking. If you want an interview you'll have to go get it because it won't come to you.
Yea but it’s also unlikely for someone to stick their neck out for a non target with a 3.2 vs a non target 3.8. I would say the majority of the non targets I’ve seen are closer to the second.
I don't disagree that it's more common, but if someone likes you and is convinced you can do the job that's how you'll get an interview. The auto-rejects usually come in, as you said, in the resume scanning part of the process. Once you're in the door and someone will talk to you you have your chance to impress. For the full-time offer I got, for final round interviews no resumes were given out. No one even knew my GPA (with the caveat that I am a non-target in the 3.8+ category. Which leads into why I think taking a harder major at a non-target is a bad idea).
I’ll be honest all I ever really looked at is school, major, and gpa. Without knowing the difficultly of being a physics or math major I still thought that if it was below a 3.5-3.6 it was an automatic no. Is it fair? Probably not. I also never really read the relevant courses, felt like that is a waste.
To go with this, when I was recruiting from my non-target I spoke with a couple VP alumni at a BB bank (think Citi/CS/BAML) and within five minutes they told me that it was great that I had a high GPA because the cutoff is a 3.8 for non-targets even if they recommended me. Not saying it is impossible, but it will be extremely difficult to go to a BB
I think the best route is to prioritize GPA over the next couple years and get it as high as possible. If you can work at a MM or boutique bank and graduate with a high GPA a lateral move will definitely be possible.
Agree with everything that's been said so far, your GPA is going to hurt you especially being from a non-target. In a lot of cases, GPA is looked at over major...so a 3.8 finance only may get an interview over a 3.2 double or triple major that has harder classes. Take some summer classes online and do your best this semester.
With that said, networking is your way in. You have good work experience, start emailing now. Get in touch with boutiques too as they are less strict with GPA requirements
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