gap semester before I start FT - what would you do?

For context: I'm graduating a semester early and moving back home with my parents in the midwest from my school on the east coast before I start FT in July... meaning I essentially have 6 months off with no responsibilities

obv a personal decision but I wanted to get some people's 2 cents on what they would do and prioritize, especially coming from people who have already started FT... anyone else in the same boat feel free to chime in as I'm curious what you guys are doing

what would you do? travel, read, become a dj, get jacked, start a business, spend time w the fam, a bit of everything, etc. 

I think I have a really cool opportunity in front of me and just want to make sure I get some interesting dad lore instead of sitting on my couch, so any thoughts help. thanks guys

14 Comments
 
Most Helpful

Definitely spend time with family, travel, do whatever else fulfills you (learn a new skill/hobby, go to the gym, etc)! You'll be thrown into work once FT starts so you want to make memories while you still have the time

 

I went abroad for a few months before I started FT and would encourage anyone else going into finance to do the same. Drank a lot of cheap liquor and chased after European chicks for the most part but it was unlike anything else, truly some of the best times of my life. At the very least try to make it back on campus for a couple weeks before the spring semester ends, might be the last time you see some of your college friends for a long while.

 

in the same boat as you and just planning on getting some part time to make extra cash and pay some debt down, pass some licensing exams early, travel potentially and just chill honestly. Good boat to be in and saving myself thousands of dollars.

 

100% travel. The younger you are the easier and better it is. Why? Minimal responsibilities, can travel cheaply, easy to meet people / date / make friends, more fun to party, can stay in hostels, improves life perspective, and like you said creates great dad lore. Seeing the world and experiencing other cultures can change your life. Give you new perspective. If I could go back, I’d see as many countries and continents as I could. Trying to find any spare time I have to play catch up in my late 20s now. Wish I took advantage of the months free when I had it (should’ve graduated early)
It’s always funny though because when you’re young, you feel like you don’t have enough money to travel. But when you’re working and older, while you might have the money, you don’t have the time.
If funds are tight, hit SE Asia or Central America. Flight to/from US / UK will be biggest cost, but make the trip worth by spending plenty of time out there and bounce around by train or quick cheap flights once there.

 

Hey - in the exact same situation myself and planning a big travel trip, Looking to add ppl along the way and have no other immediate friends who are in the same spot unfortunately. Assuming you’re not a serial killer, lmk if you’d be down for recs or to even tag along for some part lol

 

Alias dolore est quo neque est. Fugiat minus explicabo non nihil pariatur dignissimos non.

Voluptas temporibus quo mollitia deserunt fuga delectus aspernatur. Ullam sequi qui sed aut aut accusamus tempore. Consectetur eius corporis corporis at repellendus.

Deleniti optio sint quam ex rerum pariatur. Dignissimos iusto doloremque corporis tenetur facilis nostrum voluptatum rerum.

Nisi velit et modi provident. Et dolor cumque ut enim. Quisquam non labore autem voluptatum in vel. Ipsum placeat voluptatem sit fuga aut quis recusandae. Asperiores veniam iste omnis aperiam ut.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.2%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.2%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.6%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.2%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (43) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (75) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (67) $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

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
98.8
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...”