Low GPA Engineering graduate breaking into management consulting

Question

Hi, I've recently graduated from a university in Thailand with bachelors of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Engineering, although, with a GPA of 3.25 (It is second-class honors but it is still relatively low for MBB standards). For context, I've participated and achieved a 1st runner up position in a global case competition, passed into the final top 10 teams for a national case competition as well as for university level case competition. For internships I was a data analyst at a start up that was going unicorn, then brand operations & strategy intern at TikTok Shop, a Consulting intern at Deloitte, and now a Case Team Assistant at BCG. I was wondering will grades disallow me to get into these firms, especially MBB? All feedbacks are appreciated.

Thank you

Best regards.

Answer 1

Hey! Despite a 3.25 GPA, your strong internships and achievements, make you a competitive candidate for MBB. While GPA matters, top consulting firms value real-world experience, impact, and problem-solving skills. Focus on showcasing your internships and competition successes, emphasizing the skills and value you brought. Networking and strong case interview performance will be key, and leveraging your BCG connections could help bypass GPA filters. Consider offices that are more flexible on academic records and continue strengthening your profile with certifications or relevant courses.

Good luck! Alessa

Answer 2

Hi there,

I would not say that it's a bad GPA. It could still be reasonable since the rest of your application/profile is quite strong.

To maximize your chances:

Make sure to polish your application documents based on best practices
Apply with strong referrals in each firm
Network to get an understanding of the current hiring demand and time your application right
Potentially expand your target firms to T2 as well

All the best,

Florian

Answer 3

Although your GPA may be below the typical MBB threshold, your strong extracurriculars and internships provide a solid foundation. To boost your chances, focus on networking with consultants and recruiters at target firms. Reach out to people from your university or LinkedIn connections who are already at MBB. Personal referrals can help overcome GPA concerns and get your resume noticed.

Answer 4

Hello there,

Short answer is that your grades should not automatically disqualify you from consideration. However, it slims your chances considerably within the applicant pool.

To improve your chances, you should:

Focus on applying to offices with higher demand for candidates (booming market etc.) and relatively less competition (comparatively less attractive to applicants)
Build strong networking connections for referrals via informal chats with prospective colleagues across your target region

Of course, the above points don’t preclude you having an airtight resume highlighting your achievements. Let me know if you need any support on this.

All the best,

Fathu