Everyone's input is welcome, but I'd really like to hear from veterans in this post--those above age 30 who have fully developed careers and lives.
I attend a target Ivy League school and the competition for investment banking internships has been beyond fierce. Without a 3.7 and somewhat relevant experience, it's almost impossible to get a single interview for the summer. Keep in mind that at many of these top schools, the average GPA is 3.3-3.4, You have to literally be the cream of the crop student at, already, the cream of the crop universities.
My question: How important is banking to have on your resume to have the most successful career one can have?