My GPA is currently a 3.6. My last two semester GPA's were 3.4 and 3.35, at a semi target school known for grade deflation. My lowest grade was a B-, and I got at least 2 of those.
This was due to some pretty severe bouts of depression and test anxiety, both of which are much more under control now.
I'm at an internship right now where I will probably get an offer - but I'd like to re-recruit for full time.
How do a I explain / what do I say for these lower grades?
It was a terrible time, I'm proud I even did as well as I did, and given that I got this internship, certain extracurriculars, and how much I did actually learn, I consider it a successful school year. Not sure if interviewers would see it that way though.
As far as I'm concerned, a 3.6 is good enough to get in the door. It's not like they go through your transcripts in extreme detail (although some companies do- I've heard more of the big 4 doing this than IBanks but I might be wrong). The overall most recent GPA that is going on your resume is the most important one. I struggled with test anxiety and depression too for the past year and my overall GPA actually jumped down to your last semester GPA. But I'm still going strong, in the same situation as you are- it's fine. You can't undo what happened so work with what you've got. I actually explain my reasoning during the interview when asked and if it's a good enough reason, they usually respect you for being honest. Be proud of your accomplishments (within reasoning) and work on selling yourself past those two numbers. Good luck!
I agree - I don't think most companies will comb through my transcript, which is what I had to even do to figure out these GPAs.
Did you explain that you struggled with anxiety in interviews? That seems risky.
Dude, I went through depression for nearly a year in college, and it was really bad. I worked a lot, I went to school a lot, and the only time I felt good was sleeping and the two minutes after waking. My grades sucked that year (I am talking like C to B- averages) - I wasn't even at any type of target school - but don't let it worry you. Your grades are much better than mine were. You'll be fine. Network, get some extracurriculars in, etc.
I wouldn't advise this strategy 99% of the time, but I did get to the fifth and final round of interviews at a Chicago IB, and on the initial, first-round interview questions I discussed my bouts with depression and how I managed it by becoming more proactive, etc. I essentially turned it into a success story. But that could've gone very wrong (well, at least not hearing back...I guess that's not 'very wrong') because not all interviewers want to hear about your emotional problems. I think turning it into a positive story might have helped me a bit.
Either way, you know what to do, and it's not the end of the world if you don't get into your dream job immediately. Build up relevant experience, etc. I wanted to get into IB last summer, and I am in Omaha, NE working at a small M&A advisory. It gets old fast, but that's just my opinion. I'd like to get back into Asset Management, as I was before, but just with a portfolio manager that isn't so heavily into distressed debt/equity. Or start my own business (again)...
Also, I should mention that if you didn't get into your preferred firm or position, a while at a similar position will work wonders. I've gotten calls from headhunters in other, larger cities and calls from large firms, but I can't justify moving to a new place where i don't know anyone. Plus my current type of job in a low-cost city isn't too shabby either!
Thank you for sharing this. I know my grades aren't really that bad, and the extracurricular I did well at was impressive and involved a lot of networking. I also probably have an offer from a former internship that wouldn't care about all this because I worked there before.
If I were asked about declining grades, I know I work well and come off well in interviews, so I don't think it would be disastrous to say I had test anxiety and how I have learned to manage it, and how it doesn't affect actual working (I'm so much better at work than school).
That isn't low at all? GPA cut off is just a threshold, used to filter out any sub standard applicants (under 3.5 usually)
Will depression and some poor grades kill my chances of landing a job? (Originally Posted: 02/28/2016)
Long story short, my first year of Uni was completely withdrawn because of depression. The next 3 semesters I managed to pass with C’s and B’s. I eventually got my shit sorted and smashed my last 3/4 semesters with about an A+ average, but my GPA and transcript took an absolute beating because of the previous years.
My question(s): what’s the best way to go about applying for a job? Naturally, anybody who looks at my transcript and sees that I have 8 papers withdrawn will ask why. Would it be best to upfront about it at the start and make it part of my story be like “I had a shit time with depression and it severely affected my study but I overcome and managed it” or will I be viewed as a liability. I’m a different person than what I was a few years ago and know I can handle the environment of finance but it may be difficult for a future employer to take my word for it.
Thanks in advance for any help.
Bump
Anyone?
Network. It will be an uphill battle, but send out some emails, network and you can get there.
I would not mention depression specifically. If at all possible split your GPA's (general and major courses). Mention that after dealing with personal issues that you made Dean's List/had several straight 4.0 GPA's semesters. A recruiter may be lenient and view that as you having a lot of personal momentum into your first full time role.
As the last commentor stated, the important of networking can not be understated. Good luck.
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Thanks for the input guys!
Hi mate, whats your overrall GPA? That is the only thing you need to disclose and the only thing the firm cares about. I havent once heard of any firm asking for your transcripts or breaking your grades down per class, only the end result. Looks like you would be on 3.3 - 3.5 GPA?
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