ChemE Grad thinking about getting a minor in Economics?
Long post, my apologies. Just a lost guy looking for a bit of advice.
*23 year old 2015 Chemical Engineering Graduate (Canada)
*very passionate about finance and would like to work in equity research or IB in the energy sector
*have one summer internship experience as an engineering/finance intern at a tech company
*since graduation I've gone through some pretty rough times (didn't know what I wanted to do with my life, struggled with finding an engineering job, dad got cancer and I had to put my life on hold to support my mom, younger sister, and dad. He took a leave of absence from work and was really weak so I had to pick up the slack in driving my sister to/from school every day, taking her to her extra curriculars, taking my dad to his doctor appointments, because my mom was already juggling a ton and she couldn't do it all by herself.)
*In that time, tried to do what I could to improve upon my education. Did an engineering certification (lean six sigma), enrolled in the CFA program (currently level 2 candidate), did a financial modeling/valuation course, networked(cold emailing/calling, coffee meetings)
*was able to get an investment banking interview and 2 equity research interviews and made it to the final rounds of interviews. Did well in the interview process's but was edged out
*I now have an almost 2 year gap on my resume due to not being able to find a job and I need to shake things up. I've dreaded going back to school but I think I have to at this point. An MBA would be a bad idea because of my lack of work experience. MFin may redundant with the CFA and I don't really have the prerequisites for it. A masters in an engineering discipline would be dreadful and I would hate it.
*Thinking about going back to school for a year and I can get a B.A in Economics at my previous university (good one). My rationale is it would remove my resume gap and put me back in the school system. I can be considered a new graduate again, and apply for new grad roles. I would be able to diversify my resume and my knowledge set and differential myself from other new grads. A chemical engineering/economics background could add value to employers seeking young talent, and It may help further showcase my desire to learn/work hard and my interest in finance.
*Hopefully when I graduate I'll be able to have a B.Sc. In chemical engineering, a B.A minor in Economics, and completed the CFA level 3 exam. With those credentials, the other courses I've done, continued networking efforts, and a (hopefully) competitive economics gpa, would that help me out?
