I will be attending IUB next year as a direct admit to Kelley, so I was wondering about the workload. Although this could change, I am currently thinking of majoring in finance, accounting, and maybe economic consulting. I am in the ACE program, so I will be taking Honors Business Presentations and Honors Computers in Business with other ACE students.
In other words, is the workload so difficult that I won’t be able to keep up my GPA (3.9+)? I know that Kelley has decent placement in NYC, but I was hoping to work for a prestigious company post-graduation, perhaps GS or BCG (depending on what field I end up going into).
Also, what are some things that I can do to get into either the IB or Consulting Workshop? I know that entrance to both of these workshops is very competitive, but placement is good in terms of NYC.
I just finished up my sophomore year in Kelley, and I was in ACE freshman year. It’s definitely possible to get a 3.9+ GPA in Kelley as long as you go to every class, pay attention, and spend time studying for exams. I have a 3.98 right now. I work hard when necessary, but the work is not overwhelming.
The workshops have several information sessions each year, so I would go to a couple for consulting and IB and just talk to the people there. Tell them about yourself and that you’re interested in applying. You should be able to get in as long as you interview well, get good grades, and network with the people currently in the workshops. I would also ask your ACE mentor (you will get one when school starts) to connect you to some people in the workshops. Most of the current members would be happy to meet with you in Kelley and talk about their experiences. I would also take the intro to investment banking class sophomore year with Haeberle if you are interested in IB.
Also, 3 majors in Kelley would probably be overkill. 2 is very doable if you come in with some credits and pick 2 that go together well (like accounting and finance), but 3 would almost certainly take more than 4 years.
Feel free to ask if you have any other questions about ACE/Kelley/IU
To preface, I am about tell you some unpleasant truths.
Getting a 3.9+ GPA while balancing extracurricular involvement is not overly difficult - provided you work hard and manage your time effectively.
That you have already set your sights on the Goldman Sachs/Morgan Stanley and McKinsey/Bain/BCG tier of firms reveals your ambition and initiative (most rising freshmen have no idea what IB or consulting is, let along the varying degrees of prestige). I am sure you are incredibly intelligent and motivated.
However, purely from a numbers perspective, your chances of getting a singe offer from such firms are small (tiny). As an example - in the class of 2018, 1 out of the 75+ members in the IBW received a Goldman Sachs Investment Banking Summer Analyst offer in NYC. 2 out of the 30+ members in the Consulting Workshop received a Bain/BCG/McKinsey summer offer.
The Full Time chances improve slightly for IBW, as 1 or 2 lucky individuals may be able to “upgrade” their return offers to a GS or MS. Consulting, the odds are significantly better for full-time; but even then, you are looking at a max of 5/6 out of the 30+ kids eventually going to a MBB consulting firm.
I am not trying to discourage you. I am merely trying to paint a realistic portrait of Kelley’s recruiting record. We are not Wharton, Harvard, Yale, or Princeton. Frankly we aren’t even Notre Dame.
By all means, pursue those top gigs. But always have a backup plan, and avoid giving off the impression to others that you are already aiming for a Goldman or BCG, as this implies that you think you are above any “lesser” firms.
Best of luck as you begin your time at IU, and have fun. Bloomington is a magical place. Go Hoosiers.
Great advice from @Acce550. There are many other firms that will offer you a great experience in IB other than GS. I If you choose IU, you will be exposed to so many fantastic choices and programs. Investment banking,consulting, finance, the choices and companies are endless. Keep your nose to the grindstone and get involved and you will be rewarded. I promise!