Any regrets before joining IB FT?

As my college years are coming to end soon and FT at an IB seems like my life going forward for the next few years, I want to make the most out of my little time left in college. I was curious if some experienced bankers have any regrets about not doing more before starting FT. Whether that be spending more time with friends, studying less, playing sports, partying or whatever the case may be. I have this feeling that I might be wasting away my time in college by taking things like my studies and career too seriously or maybe I'm wrong and that's what I'm supposed to be doing because the payoff will be rewarding. If there is the perfect balance, what is it? Just curious of some of the experienced folks have some input on some things they would do differently looking back.(Don't mean for this to be depressing post, just trying to gauge thoughts)

9 Comments
 

I definitely went through this over the past year. Got the offer and was excited for a few months then started questioning my life choices. I wonder if there are better options for me but the reality is if I do it for a year and decide I hate it, Ill still be in still in a good spot. I’ll make good money for that year and will hopefully get looks from different industries due to my time in IB

 

Really wish I took a dope 2-3 week trip somewhere, I only fucked around with friends back home and really regret that now

 
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Echoing this. I was super lucky with Covid and was able to spend a ton of time outside of the US with remote classes. I highly recommend taking a longer trip somewhere with some friends over winter break, spring break, or right before you start. It’s your last chance to do something for awhile without putting anything on hold. (While you could do an all inclusive, drunk in Cancun, wouldn’t recommend it because you can do that whenever. Go somewhere you want to visit without amazing cell service or with a significant time change because that’s so much harder once you start working).

 

I had the opportunity to go on a two-week road trip with some college buddies during my senior year prior to starting full-time. This experience was the highlight of my year and would highly recommend doing something similar. 

 

Had a very chill senior year and then went on a few trip with some friends after graduation. No regrets. My advice would be to say yes to any chance at a new experience. I was kinda financially strict with myself but after a (remote) ib internship and FT offer, I basically did anything I wanted and that money doesn't really make a difference now. 

 

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