Seeking Advice on Breaking into BB with Current GPA
Hello everyone,
I’m a freshman at Johns Hopkins University with a GPA of 3.67 (though I’m presenting it as 3.7 on my resume) and anticipate maintaining around a 3.7 when I apply for summer internships next year. I’m majoring in Biomedical Engineering, with plans to add either an Economics double major or minor. I’m curious if pursuing an Economics minor could be a disadvantage.
This summer, I’m taking on an unpaid consulting internship, conducting research in Economics, and holding a board position in the finance club.
I’m reaching out for any guidance you may have. Given my 3.7 GPA from a semi/non-target school, does that significantly impede my chances with top bulge bracket firms? Should I also consider seeking off-cycle internship opportunities in private equity or other fields to bolster my experience?
So far, I’ve built a solid network and established meaningful connections, including chatting with a kind VP at Goldman Sachs (an alumnus of my school) and having friends with full-time offers at JPMorgan and Morgan Stanley.
My main questions are: is my GPA (3.67) considered competitive? What additional actions should I take to improve my chances? What advice would you give your past self in a similar situation?
Thank you for your insights, and I hope to share my knowledge with others in the future!
One response
First of all, it’s great to see how proactive you are about building your profile and seeking advice—this attitude will serve you well in your career, especially in competitive fields like investment banking.
Regarding your GPA: A 3.67 is certainly strong, and while top boutiques and bulge brackets often have high academic standards, your GPA doesn’t automatically screen you out, especially if you’re able to bring other valuable experiences to the table. However, being from a semi/non-target school can add some additional challenges. It’s essential to highlight your strengths in networking, internships, and relevant experiences.
As for your potential Economics minor, it should not hurt you; in fact, it can complement your Biomedical Engineering major and showcase your analytical skills, which are valuable in finance roles. Just ensure that you maintain a strong GPA through it.
Regarding internships, having a relevant experience, even if it’s unpaid, will certainly help you stand out. If you can find off-cycle internships in areas like private equity or venture capital, that would benefit you immensely. Gaining diverse experiences will give you more to discuss in interviews and demonstrate your versatility and commitment to the finance field.
Since you’re already networking effectively, keep nurturing those connections. When it comes time to apply for internships, leveraging these relationships can sometimes lead to referrals or insights about opportunities.
To bolster your candidacy even further, consider the following:
Skill Development: Make sure to develop skills in financial modeling, Excel, and valuation techniques. Online courses can help enhance your technical skills.
Projects and Experience: If you can, start a small finance-related project or case study that showcases your analytical skills. Perhaps look for case competitions; they can also be a great way to meet others in the field.
Stay Informed: Keep up with industry trends and news. Being well-informed about current events in finance and the markets shows your genuine interest in the field.
Practicing Interviews: Start practicing technical and behavioral interview questions. Resources like Wall Street Oasis or Investopedia can help.
Seek Feedback: After interviews, reach out for feedback if possible—it can provide valuable insights into areas you can improve.
As for what I would advise my past self: stay persistent and patient. The path to top firms can be challenging, and rejection doesn’t define your capabilities. Celebrate your progress and learn from every experience.
Good luck, and remember, perseverance is key in this competitive field! Keep moving forward, and you’ll find your opportunities.