Getting into investment banking with low GPA
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Posted: Oct 21, 2023
It is not simple and not recommended, but getting into investment banking with a low GPA is still possible. Investment banking is a tough industry to get into; they pay well for a reason, so they expect to hire the best, which typically includes the best GPA. The expected minimum GPA needed is 3.5.
Some tips on what to do when you have a low GPA would be to:
1. Be able to explain the reasons for the lower performance.
2. Make sure your non-GPA credentials are extraordinary (recommendations and extracurricular activities)
3. Consider improving your chances with a higher GPA from graduate school.
4. Network with others
5. Lower expectations and consider other options with lower requirements. You can retry again later in your career after you get a foot in the door.
Don't completely give up hope, though. Below is a list of people who have mentioned getting into investment banking with lower-than-usual GPAs.
Investment bankers with low GPAs |
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|---|---|---|
| Poster | Description | Source |
| Johnny Cashflow | I was non-target and similar GPA [3.3]. It took quite a bit of time to finally get an interview, let alone a job. Broke into the industry by cold calling the president of a boutique investment bank. Told him specifically why I was interested in HIS company. I did a ton of research on the deals the firm did, who the buyer was, the strategic rationale, commented on his website, had prepared list of thoughtful questions about their transactions, etc. Nothing generic, | Wall Street Oasis |
| Nightman Cometh | I broke in with a 3.3. I didn't think it was too hard but then again I probably got lucky..... Just network a ton. So long as you aren't below a 3.0, there are definitely people out there who will lend a hand. It's still gonna be difficult and I really wish I tried harder in school. A low gpa is a huge eyesore on a resume, and it really is one of the best screening methods for candidates. Not everyone can overcome it, but obviously don't give up. Keep hustling and things should work out eventually. | Wall Street Oasis |
| wwhl | You need a very compelling story about why you. I had the same GPA [3.3] at a major non target and attended networking events and insight series stuff. Told people what I was about and what I can deliver. Your story is your brand so make sure it’s authentic and powerful. Helped me land a summer doing IB and now doing it full time. It’s def not easy but confidence is key. Believe you can do it and be open to changing your course if you don’t land the job you want. It’s about where you end, not start. | Wall Street Oasis |
| EstimatedProfit | Graduated with an MSF from a semi target after leaving undergrad with a 2.5. Left grad school with a 3.3 and networked my way into a small M&A focused internship for the summer. Took the opportunity extremely seriously and tried to absorb as much as I was able to, and after eventually getting a call back from a BB, I was able to impress them with my knowledge of the industry in spite of what my GPA would suggest and am starting this coming Monday. | Wall Street Oasis |
| SlangingDealsGuy | My route (Wouldn't recommend it) - Respected school in the state but little known outside the Midwest. - Similar [3.0] GPA in Undergrad. Worked a shitty job out of school (2009 Grad) - Acquired MBA & CFA and finally got in at 29 (Associate) | Wall Street Oasis |
| Analyst 2 in IB - Cov | Don't think GPA is a big issue after you land your first solid gig; can personally tell you I have a ~2.3 GPA (from top target), currently at a top EB and landing interviews at MFs and UMM PE funds and the like. The hardest part was landing that first role - was extremely difficult and getting firms to look past your GPA is extremely challenging. I grinded ridiculously hard, knew by technicals back to front, had an iron clad story and would not take no for an answer. | Wall Street Oasis |
| AngelOfMusic | Graduated in ‘18 from a non target in nyc. Terrible GPA, like really really terrible. Almost got kicked out of my major. Internships at no name shops and got rejected from everywhere I ever applied too but no matter what kept on networking. Took an MO role at a BB (being a veteran helped me land the role) and while I was there I networked a lot. Eventually I was able to land a Junior trading position interview right before Covid and did very well. When you finally get those FO interviews, you better be perf | Wall Street Oasis |
| Intern in IB-M&A | GPA is overblown on this site. Had interviews for 2023 SA from an UMM PE, 3 EBs and got an EB offer with a 3.3. Networking and knowing how to interview is way more important | Wall Street Oasis |
| Associate 3 in PE - LBOs | I was a 3.4 from a LAC in Midwest (oberlin/grinnell/macalester/Carleton) and ended up at a tier 2 BB by sheer force of hustling..my work experience was good and people have told me I come across gregarious...don’t let some Fools tell you that it can’t be done. Use that as a motivation to push through. | Wall Street Oasis |
| kingsofcapital | you’ll be fine. I had a 3.2 and got into JPM, MS IBD summer internship. It’s gonna take some work. recruit like hell with the people in your school. find one to three people at each bank that will back you up. i explained my gpa by owning up to it and saying that I had a tough start in college due to a new transition period. some people have it, some people don’t. what matters is the most recent performance. | Wall Street Oasis |
| BigCut4598 | This is what I did with a 2.6. Very unrelated back office role for a year, found someone to take a chance on me and moved into credit risk for another year, then easily broke into CIB banking at a BB. I’m older than all of the other analysts but no one cares. | |
| jazzy3113 | I would apply to back office or operations role at an investment bank. Work hard for a year or two and then try to lateral to a credit role.....No need to lose hope. I had a 2.3 and made it straight into investment banking. | |
| theweatherman1212 | [2.5 GPA] Bb ib associate. Spent time in military as officer. Got in top mba. | |
