How much does an employee referral matter?

I know an IBD VP at a top BB (MS, GS JPM) who is willing to push my resume through the firm and vouch for me.

 I want to work in Equity Research, are cross division references a thing? I am currently a senior at a non-target. I have some relevant internships and experience, I currently have a consulting internship, have done ER for my schools investment fund and I have other internships and work experience in writing. 

My only concern is my GPA, its pretty crap due to a bad freshman and sophomore year, however I have been able to juggle 2 internships and a part time job on top of school and studying for the CFA level I and get almost all A's my senior year. I leave it off my resume, and I have never been asked once (I have interviewed at boutique and mm banks for ER) i just don't know if this would be the case at a BB. 

One final question, would I still need to go through the standard application portal if I am being referred? I am afraid I would get autofiltered by the system if I were to apply online. One of the HR bosses is an alumni of my school if that helps. Sorry for the somewhat dumb questions, I was just curious. 

2 Comments
 
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Did the exact same, had a VP refer me for a lateral role and got the role after going through the interviews. 

The VP did not use the referral system, but sent my CV and Cover Letter to the team. It definitely helped me get to round 1, but after that I needed to stand on my own 2 feet. As for the system referral, I did that for a friend, it seemed to have the same effect. But either way I think not using the system gives a stronger chance since the VP probably has justify why they pushed your CV to the team and the team will keep it in mind when looking through CVs.

Wouldn't worry too much on experience. Seems solid. Yes you should apply on the standard portal so they have your record on file.

 

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