What GPA do I need to work in banking?
Your undergraduate GPA is still important! Most banks, including bulge bracket banks and elite boutiques, still consider GPA during recruitment and expect it to be featured on your resume. These banks often filter candidates based on GPA, typically favoring those with a GPA above 3.5. To catch the attention of investment banking recruiters and hiring managers, it’s essential to display excellence both on paper and in person. My discussion covers key resume elements that boost your visibility to your preferred investment bank. However, success in investment banking requires more than a prestigious background, previous banking internships, or notable extracurricular leadership roles. It’s also about presenting your credentials in a format that aligns with what bankers are looking for, ensuring your application stands out right from the start.
In recent years, the GPA cutoffs for investment banking have been trending higher. Currently, a GPA around 3.7 is often preferred for interviews at large banks, while elite boutiques and bulge bracket firms like Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley may look for a GPA of 3.8 or higher. The average GPA of successful candidates often hovers around 3.85. This trend reflects a more competitive landscape, especially for those with internships who typically have a GPA of at least 3.8. The cutoffs can vary by bank and year, and a GPA between 3.5 and 3.7 might still be acceptable for candidates from target schools. For those from non-target schools, the bar can be higher, though exceptional stories or connections can sometimes make a difference.
It is important to note, a very high GPA at a state school, such as 3.9 or above, is often seen as more impressive than a middling GPA (like 3.2 or 3.3) from an Ivy League school. It demonstrates exceptional academic prowess and dedication, which are highly valued in the competitive field of investment banking.
Additionally, it is advisable to keep your GPA on your resume well after graduating. This continues to be a relevant and significant indicator of your academic abilities and work ethic, which are critical factors in the investment banking industry. Even years after graduating, a strong GPA can positively impact your professional opportunities and career trajectory.
Furthermore, technical majors such as engineering and mathematics are often given more weight than liberal arts degrees in fields like History, Political Science, English, and even Economics. The rigorous analytical skills and problem-solving abilities developed in technical disciplines are highly sought after in investment banking, making candidates from these fields stand out.
