Pre-MBA Internship Vs. Travel Abroad

So I had planned on pursuing pre-MBA internships for an early look at companies (I'm most likely targeting top consulting firms from an MBA business schools">M7, but am torn between that and banking). Now, because life, my girlfriend is probably getting a job very soon in my school's city so it doesn't make as much sense for me to stay behind and work all summer (2 rents, etc). Now I'm trying to decide if I should try to work as long as I can and save money (I will be entering school debt free but without much in savings) or, should she get a job soon, whether I should quit this summer and spend 4-6 weeks backpacking Europe and/or Asia. It seems like a once in a lifetime opportunity, but one that would leave in a very different financial state to start school.

Has anyone else been in this position and want to weigh in either way, and how you feel about the decision you made?

Career Advancement Opportunities

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Lazard Freres No 98.9%
  • Harris Williams & Co. 25 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 04 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.9%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 04 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.9%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (21) $373
  • Associates (91) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (14) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (68) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (205) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (148) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”