<p>I am a freshman at NYU Stern. curious to know how much does gpa in college actually matter. I mean I am already a good business school, will job opportunities really be about my gpa or whatever. I am probably gonna end the first semster with a 3.5 or so.. can i still go into IB?</p>
<p>Start with an unpaid internship, followed by a paid internship with a major New York based IBank. If you perform well, if you’re courteous and conscientious, if you’re bright and personable, and if you learn quickly and do not require extensive supervision, ALL these things will complement your Stern Bachelor’s and in combination you’ll have a very strong shot for an entry-level position (it’s ALWAYS lower risk – and smarter – to hire a good “know entity,” rather than a potentially slightly better unknown individual).</p>
<p>You’ll be fine. Stern is a strong target school. You can get IB with as low as a 3.2 /3.3 it just won’t be at a top firm. Even if you don’t get a top firm you could always leverage your experiences for a better offer. </p>
<p>You are a freshman - no real need to worry yet. Keeping the GPA up will make it easier. Also yes try to get some work experience before junior year. </p>
<p>@qwertyzxc what is your definition of a top firm vs those that are not top firms… how does the salary differ and the prestige of the companies differ?</p>
<p>im guessing top would be goldman or whatever</p>
<p>what is low?</p>
<p>An unpaid internship? When did that become the norm?</p>
<p>@PurpleTitan: Who said it was? My point is it may be easier to obtain than a paid one . . . and stellar performance can lead to both paid internships and to entry level positions. </p>
<p>Or just start with a paid internship (or display your passion by doing stuff on your own).</p>
<p>its so hard to find one as a freshman haha</p>
<p>Top firm - any Bulge Bracket or Elite boutique. There won’t be much difference in pay.</p>
<p>In fact, a lot of the lower tier banks will pay more. </p>
<p>For Sternies who don’t go into IB, do they avoid is partially due to the brutal hours: 80 - 100hrs a week?</p>
<p>@jarjarbinks23 Those hours are usually for the first few years, and then they get slightly better. I assume the other sternies go into corp finance and have better hours. And a very select few might even go into PE or HF analyst position right out of Stern, but I’m thinking it’s rare.</p>
<p>@NYUFan101 do you plan on going the IB -> MBA -> Hedge Fund or Associate route? I know this might be a bit too early too ask but still curious :(|) 
</p>
<p>@jarjarbinks23 Very close! IB -> MBA -> Private Equity -> get on the board of a record label!</p>
<p>lol and concentrate in the media/entertainment/music sectors</p>