Competition for BB offers

Colleges & Universities Duke University
1

<p>Obviously, Duke is very heavily recruited by BB investment Banks and top Management Consulting firms (M/B/B). However, I’ve heard that competition is really fierce, especially for rising senior summer internships. So, what exactly constitutes a “competitive applicant?” What sort of GPA range would you realistically need to actual have a chance at getting interviews/offers? How involved with EC’s are you expected to be? Also, I’ve always heard that everyone gets put on an even playing field as long as you can land the interview in the first place. Is this true?</p>

<p>Anyone have any idea of how many goldman + MS offers Duke gets each year?</p>

<p>I’ve heard anywhere from 15-35 for each one.</p>

2

<p>I worked as as an SA at a Bulge Bracket last summer, and I am returning to the same bank this summer. </p>

<p>So here is some advice:</p>

<p>Majors: For a target school like Duke, your major is virtually irrelevant. I worked with people from other targets with majors ranging from Sociology to Engineering – it varied that much. The key to securing an interview/internship is to demonstrate an interest in finance – whether that be via ECs, summer internships, research, etc.</p>

<p>GPA: General Rule of Thumb is 3.5 and up. However, this number can vary depending on how well you network, your work experience, and of course – luck.</p>

<p>Activities That They Like To See:

  • Any type of activity that involves teamwork</p>

<ul>
<li><p>Any type of activity that requires working with numbers (i.e. Being a Treasurer, working on a Finance Committee, etc.)</p></li>
<li><p>Any type of activity that displays leadership (i.e. Being a President, organizing some type of event that involved collaboration with other individuals)</p></li>
<li><p>Business-Related Clubs (i.e. Duke Investment Club, Network for Future Executives, etc.)</p></li>
<li><p>Team Sports (preferably Varsity, but I’d wager they look favorably upon Club)</p></li>
</ul>

<p>EC involvement is not about the number of clubs that you are a part of, but the extent to which you are involved in. 2 or 3 is fine, assuming you are heavily involved.</p>

<p>Anyway, once you secure an interview, it is up to you to actually impress them. Everyone, for the most part, is on the same playing field at that point.</p>

<p>So yeah getting a 1st round comes down to your resume, extent of networking and a dash of luck.</p>