Early graduation or not?
I am currently in my third year at a top 30 university in the US with an econ and german double major. My gpa is somewhere around a 3.9, I've been abroad (twice), and I have the leadership/fun experiences for my own memories and resume. Thus, I have had the "college experience" and am fortunate to have done what I have. I don't really think I would partake in senior spring festivities, and I question whether the benefits of another semester could exceed the cost of $35,000.
I've got a BB private banking offer for the coming summer, and I will have enough credits to graduate with an econ degree in the fall of 2017. Right now, I am trying to decide if I should drop the german major (not quite fluent yet, but dedicated to learning personally and doubtful that a few more seminars on obscure literature would change that) down to a minor, pick up a history minor (2 classes away), and graduate early in December of 2017. While I don't want to get ahead of myself, I would be surprised if I didn't get a full-time offer from the BB for private banking, so I don't think I would need my senior spring to find a job. If I don't get the offer or don't want it, I would have the fall of 2017 to land somewhere else. I've got a few MBB consulting irons in the fire that could result in me jumping to MBB for full-time, too. Also, my partner is starting grad school in the EU, and I could live with them, travel around, read books, maybe get a job as a bartender or something, and relax before starting full-time in May/June 2018. What do you guys think? Anyone face/facing a similar decision?
If you can get the full time offer and finish early why not?
At worst you can take 6 months in your college town to party it up.
At best you travel the world for 6 mo and get some amazing experiences.
Agreed. Parents have always said 4 years or more (whatever it takes to graduate), but I've worked hard to be able to go early inadvertently, so I might as well take advantage of that. A semester of living in the EU without having to work/study would be awesome. Thx!
Also, I see you're in IB. While I think I will enjoy PB, do you know of anyone that has transitioned from PB to IB and how they did that?
I'm not in IB (I just picked a random label), I'm in the oil and gas/sales arena. Best advice I have is to follow the beaten path, and network like mad.
Better to ask some of the other members here.
I graduated early (December) and started my FT job in August, so almost an 8 month sabbatical. Similar to you, my girlfriend (now wife) was also in grad school, so I lived with her for a month during that period. However, while all of this sounds great there are some things you should consider:
if money is important then absolutely graduate early. There is no reason to pay an extra 20k or whatever. However, if you're on scholarship or your parents are paying then don't let this come into the equation.
personally, I got extremely bored after 5-6 months of my sabbatical. This was despite working for 2-3 months during it, travelling for a month, and studying for the GMAT. It sounds like fun but after a while you will want something meaningful to do.
consider that most of your friends (including your partner) will be either working or in school, so they won't be available most of the time. If you live with your partner prepare for him/her to get sick of you hanging around all the time.
also consider that staying for the last semester can be a lot of fun and you'll still be learning. You can also take it easy on classes since grades will be less important. It also provides continuity on your resume.
it's easy to pick up bad habits during such a long break. I started drinking a lot and sleeping in ridiculously late. Thankfully I kicked those habits once I started working, but this is something to be aware of. On the positive side, I did start working out regularly again, a habit that has stuck with me since.
Bottom line, if you're planning on taking a long sabbatical you need to have plan for that period. That plan should involve a combo of work, learning a new skill / taking classes, volunteering, etc. While my sabbatical was fun, I wasted a lot of time playing Xbox, going out to bars, and generally being worthless for much of it. While everything turned out well, learn from my mistakes.
Thanks so much! That definitely makes sense. Have you been pleased working in AM thus far? I think I will like it, but I would love to hear your thoughts.
I've been in the industry 5+ years now (returned to the industry post MBA) so I'm biased, but it's a great career and I really enjoy my job. I am concerned about the shift from active to passive investments which I think is going to really shake up the industry. I'm trying to help my firm develop products which align with where the industry is going, not where it has been.
Unless you can lock in some fun plans with other good friends graduating early, would recommend against it (assuming money isn't a constraining factor - if it is, absolutely save on tuition). As someone a few years out of school and working, there's little that I miss more than being able to walk around on campus and see friends without having to make plans. Sure, you'll be free on weekends to hang out if you graduate early, but a lot of good experiences/conversations just happened in between classes, which you'll miss out on.
Fugit rerum ut voluptas eaque quis ex. Id nostrum illo corrupti.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...