I have an IB interview and my GPA is shit, what do I do?

I am a senior graduating college tomorrow. I was able to land an interview at a middle market bank, no GPA on resume through Linkedin easy apply.

I currently have a 2.8, I had some personal problems to deal with my freshman year but I am closing out my senior year with all As and some Bs here and there. I do have internship experience in management consulting and ER at my schools fund.

I know my technicals like the back of my hand, I am just afraid if they ask me about my gpa it will be an auto ding.

I have been interviewing at banks big and small for equity and credit research and gpa has never come up once, im pretty sure this is not the case in IB however. 

 
Most Helpful

Had a similar situation myself - not 2.8, but still lower than what banks wanted to see. From experience, I can tell you that it's not gonna be easy. Some banks will hear your GPA and won't call you back and there's nothing you can do about it. You're gonna get rejected a lot, and the quicker you come to terms with that, the easier it becomes.

With that said, there are banks out there that could give you a look despite the GPA, as long as you know how to talk to it. Here's how I answered when asked about mine:

  • Tell them your GPA
  • Explain the circumstances you were dealing with. Doesn't need a ton of detail, but something more concrete than just "I was having personal issues"
  • Tell them the issues have cleared up and you're able to focus on school again
  • Find a good GPA in your transcript - this is the most important part. Tell them your major GPA / junior+senior year GPA / last 3 semesters GPA / whatever the best number you have is. You want them to know that your cumulative GPA is not a reflection of your ability, and it goes a long way if you are able to actually quantify that for them.

Good luck - it's an uphill battle, but it has been done before.

 

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