How can a college student with a 2.6 GPA compete (for internships or jobs) with those with 3.2+?

Question

The top companies like Goldman Sachs, Merrill Lynch, and Citigroup won't even give me an interview with my 2.60 GPA. How will I ever get a job?

The top companies like Goldman Sachs, Merrill Lynch, and Citigroup won't even give me an interview with my 2.60 GPA. How will I ever get a job?

I'm a junior going for a BBA in Finance and Investments.

Answer 1

From the perspective of the so-called top employers, and many others, a 2.6 GPA screams below-average candidate. Let's be honest, the employers you mention offer positions that are demanding. Successful candidates at the top firms will enter a competitive environment and they will continue to be judged and compared against their peers.

I don't think you are doing yourself a favor by trying to get a position with a selective company. These companies are generally ruthless in their expectations. It will be quite stressful if you are truly a 2.6 GPA student. You could be fired. Statistically, there is a difference between 2.6 students and 3.5-4.0 students. If your GPA is not representative of your intelligance and effort, then what happened?

You should look for a firm that is understanding. Once employed, you should work on becoming a first-class performer for that firm. Become active in your industry (outside of your company) through professional organizations, and be a strong contributor within this scope. Once you are recognized as an expert in your company, and then in industry outside of your company, you will have transcended beyond your poor collegiate results. You dug yourself a hole and it will take strong effort to get out.

Answer 2

Goldman Sachs Internship Gpa

Answer 3

First of all, consider what strengths you have that are not reflected by your grades and are not demonstrable in an academic test setting. Next, determine what positive results you have been able to create in any business or association setting. Those are the samples that you want to present to potential employers in order to make them interested in you and your abilities being used at their company. Those are also the bases of why you are just as good or better than your 3.2 competitors.

Determine what knowledge you have mastered and fine tuned. That will also be your edge for getting noticed and brought in.

Research the companies where you want to work. Learn about what it takes to get the job, do the job, what the environment is like. Determine what you have in your makeup that is a match. Then play up that strength.

Answer 4

You either have to study really hard and make 3.9 + for the remaining terms, or you have to get a lower paying job with a lesser firm. After about 5 years, then try to get on with one of the big boys.

Otherwise, you can always work for yourself.


Based on your revision, I would seriously reevaluate your goals.

Remember that these companies get 1,000's of resume's every week for a minimal amount of openings. What would help you is making contacts - as many as you can.

Presuming you are an outgoing person, that makes friends easily, can instantly remember details of each an every contact, you could make it in investment management.

What these companies are looking for is your ability to haul in the work and keep the clients. I would suggest that you start working now, as a student, in a banking environment as a teller. You will meet many people and prove your work ethic. While working there, meet as many people as you can in the investment wing of your bank. If your bank will not hire you, find a smaller bank and negotiate terms. You will not be paid $100,000 + a year for your "book knowledge". You need to enhance your resume with real life experience.

Another way to get in a company like that is to make friends with somebody that works there and get them to help you on board. The advantage to this is they will tell you what is expected of you before you get on. Having leads will assist you in getting there.

Good Luck

PS: I work as an environmental consultant. Nearly the first question I am asked (as an experienced person) is who can I bring with me (what clients will follow me). If you have clients that will follow you, then you will be a valuable asset to these companies. But beware: Companies like the ones you listed will hire you, work you to a bone, then spit you out when they are done with you. Be careful what you wish for.

Answer 5

you will get a job with a company that won't shut the door on anything less than a 3.0
there are companies (usually smaller) that understand other things like your work ethic and personality make a difference too. the larger companies don't have time to get to know everybody so they have to make the cutoff somewhere.

you'll be fine.

Answer 6

NETWORK.

Most of the companies you mentioned hire based on a good old boys network - figure out who you know that knows the people who make the hiring decisons there.... the GPA is almost an afterthought if you come with good, first-hand references.

Answer 7

The only way you could possibly compete would be to gain experience and be highly involved in civic activities. Even that won't necessarily get you in. I suggest you apply with companies much lower on the totem pole.

Answer 8

Apply for federal state and city jobs.Start with a smaller company. See whether your college alumni office or a former professor whom you had a good relationship can help you.

Answer 9

Any chance of raising your GPA prior to graduation? If not - you might have to start out somewhere else and build your reputation in your choosen field and then try to join one of the top firms.

Answer 10

You may want to get spend a semester or 2 studying...get straight A's and pull the GPA up.