<p>I would hire someone with an engineer, physics, math undergrad degree with MBA from a top business school, and the plus would be if a candidate had a full scholarship for undergrad. This is my personal view and I have gone by that for 20 years.</p>
<p>scholarships play a role? Never thought about that. But what happens if the student did not excel in high school but did in college. Or say the student went from a community college to UCB. How would those affect your decision. And cant a student that decided to take a non analytical program take math classes on the side to show there ability. For example, i am an accounting major, or will be when i transfer, but i wanted to take math up to real analysis. Just some questions. Everyone wants smart employees, but overwhelmingly i have heard they want someone that will work hard (as you said earlier, motivated) especially considering ibanking isn't the most analytical career. That is why i always thought a good grade in eng or physics = hard worker, business and econ = possible hard worker etc</p>
<p>Actually when more question since i assume your are in a position that hires or has the power to (assuming from the fact you said we in your original post) How do you portray an exceptional aptitude for something that your school work does not show. Say you are a blank major from said college, assuming the college is good but not elite, and you are doing decently with grades that show an upward improvement. Said improvement is due to less working hours from the first two years. But outside of school you are an exceptional trader. On your own accounts you are able to post a net of 15-20% profit each year on your portfolio with minimal time ( as in this is a side activity). How do you potray something like this to an employer, considering i have posted up to 30% some years, never less than 15%, my grades are somewhat dismal and i aspire to be a trader</p>
<p>Everything I am saying here is in a very general term, it may not apply to everyone. When I said scholarship, I am referring to financial aid. Kids that need financial aids are generally very motivated, especially if they have good grades, and then are able to get into top MBA schools. This not to say that kids not on financial aids are less motivated. They can demonstrate that by being involved in sports, research, music, dance, etc. When you are motivated, you will go the extra mile to get the job done. Working at an investment bank, you are expected to do the impossible sometimes.<br>
As far as with your grades. Here is my honest answer - it is great that your are able to do so well with your portfolio and it shows the right aptitude. But I would question why you are not doing your job well, meaning your school work. Do you pick and chose what you want to do? We are expected to do our jobs quickly and efficiently. There is nothing worse than having a weak link on your team. You seem like a very bright kid. I would focus on bringing your grades up and put your trading expereince in your CV.
I am not a recruiter for an investment bank. I have helped with interviews for various areas and hired people for my own group. I look for people that are motivated, hungry, smart, a team player. Hope this helps.</p>