Burn a year? Help!

I need to make a decision within the next 24 hours.

Background: Current senior at a target on the West coast. Just got an exploding offer for a SA position at a BB for IBD but debating what to do.

Options I'm considering:

  1. Accept it, work my tail off to get an offer, and stay at school an extra semester after the internship and ideally leverage the offer during full time recruiting again.

  2. Accept it but continue looking for full time opps (which I've been doing for over 7 months now). I have a few more first round interviews for FT, but coming up next week and the week after.

My biggest issue is trying to decide whether or not to graduate in a few weeks. I can't decide if staying back another semester or even year (if I study abroad Spring semester) will look badly on a MBA school application in the future a few years down the line. Also, if I decide to stay on just another semester, what are my chances of being able to recruit and start as an Analyst in January?

I can't figure out what to do... recruiting has been incredibly tough the last year and I know this offer is a golden opportunity but can't decide whether or not to graduate in a few weeks or hold off another semester or even year...

Insight and suggestions are greatly appreciated!

7 Comments
 

option 1, you'll be getting paid this summer and will have better networking opps.

plus the job market will most likely be much better next semester.

------------ I'm making it up as I go along.
 

I agree with Cornelius. Headhunters that I havent heard from in 2 years are sending me emails with job opps on a weekly basis. Banks and MCs are ramping up hiring.

I would accept the SA offer (to see if IB is something you wish to pursue further), stay in school and study abroad (experience of a lifetime IMO). The SA on your resume will make FT recruiting that much easier. Keep the GPA up, continue networking and enjoy life before the real world hits you.

 
CharmWithSubstanceTake the job.

January start date is usually possible for those graduating in December.

Agree with above posters, including quoted, but - January starts suck. Don't do it unless you're cash-strapped or they push you to do so.
 

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