How important is GPA to getting finance jobs? (2024)

FAQs

How important is GPA to getting finance jobs? ›

Your GPA is an important screening mechanism used by many firms on Wall Street to filter the thousands of resumes that have to be processed each year. If you have a poor GPA, it won't keep you from getting a job on Wall Street, but certain positions and certain firms will be harder to break into.

Yes, GPA matters! Bulge bracket banks and almost all other investment banks will look at your GPA when applying for a job and you should include it in your resume. Typically banks screen resumes based on GPA and will often remove anyone below 3.5.

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.

The GPA that qualifies you best for a high waged role in the finance and economics industry is generally 3.5+.

It's true that, in most cases, your GPA alone isn't going to make or break your job prospects. Employers look at a variety of factors, including relevant work experience, skills and educational background, to determine whether an individual is a good fit for the position.

You can certainly get a high-paying job even if you have low grades – plenty of salespeople earned a 3.0 on the academic scale but a 4.0 on the social scale. But you're probably not the right candidate for a high-paying job in highly structured industries such as finance.

If GPA is requested in the job description, then you must include it on your resume. Otherwise, it's always optional. However, if your GPA is over 3.5, it's recommended that you mention it on your application no matter what (as long as you are a new graduate or in school.)

Q: What are your GPA requirements? A: We value diverse degree backgrounds and experiences and while a GPA 3.2 (or equivalent) in your undergraduate degree is preferred it is not required.

Some of the competitive companies require minimum GPA of 3.5. But in general, most of the companies seek for candidates with GPA 3.0 or higher. However, it is equally important to have extracurricular activities that demonstrate your experience/ interest in finance and to have outstanding interview skills.

Goldman Sachs does not give a specific minimum GPA requirement, though some sources suggest a GPA of at least 3.6 is preferred. Additionally, you may need to show relevant coursework and hard skills for certain programs.

Do finance companies check GPA? ›

Also, more competitive or technical industries care more about GPA, such as the education, finance, health, law and tech fields. Because you may not have a considerable amount of relevant work experience, employers could use your GPA as an indicator of your ability to perform the job.

Minimum GPA: Minimum cumulative 3.3 GPA required, 3.5 GPA preferred. Certifications: All are optional: Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA), Certified Public Accountant® (CPA), or MBA.

Some organizations have strict requirements (e.g., must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher), whereas others have general guidelines and will accept candidates with lower GPAs when they have other skills or qualities that the employer is seeking.

The GPA requirements for Harvard University are between 3.9 to 4.1. You will need an incredibly high GPA and will likely be graduating at the top of their class in order to get into Harvard University.

Some of the competitive companies require minimum GPA of 3.5. But in general, most of the companies seek for candidates with GPA 3.0 or higher. However, it is equally important to have extracurricular activities that demonstrate your experience/ interest in finance and to have outstanding interview skills.

If you have a low GPA (under a 3.3), it will be an uphill battle getting into a front office Wall Street position. There are always exceptions, however.

Most employers want to know that you'll work hard, think creatively, and be passionate about your work. And it all comes down to the hiring manager. For some, your GPA will matter, and others won't care at all (even if their company requires them to ask for your GPA as a part of the application process).