Need Career Advice (Please?)

Hey everyone,

So I just finished up my sophomore year and am currently have a boutique IB internship. My grades are solid, almost a 3.6. I had been networking all of last year and had big plans to visit NYC to meet a bunch of people but I blew it all over a little bit of money.

Long story short I am an idiot and got a PWID over the summer for marijuana. (Felony)

Yeah, I'm a dumbass.

This is my first time ever being arrested and am trying to figure everything out. I'm looking at 2 years probation and it will be expunged following the term. I have a bunch of questions that I hope some of you guys could help me out with.

  1. How bad does a PWID look in recruiters eyes? Will HR immediately throw my offer in the trash one they do a background check? Would HR at a boutique vs. MM vs. BB see it equally? I know this is very subjective but just trying to get a general feel if it is even worth networking at large banks anymore.

  2. If I have a chance, do I just let them know upfront before they do a background check?

  3. If you think they're going to immediately rescind my offer after I get a background check, what are my alternatives for the summer of my junior year? If anyone knows any off the top of their head, are there any solid PE or IB shops that don't do checks.

  4. Since 2 years probation means that my record will not be clean until a few months after I graduate in May of 2017, what would you recommend me to do in order to spin my story as if I just wanted to take some time off? Some things I have thought of already is doing a double major and stalling my graduation till December of 2017 or take about 6 months off and go to Europe to travel.

  5. Am I fucked when I go FT and FINRA has to look at my past despite it being expunged?

  6. I may be forgetting a few points, but essentially I am looking for ways to get around this whole situation there isn't a huge gap on my resume for my junior year.

I know this post is a little all over the place but anyone with input/experience in digging a grave, falling into it, and digging yourself out with a spoon would be appreciated.

If you have any personal experience that you don't want to share here, please PM. I freaking out because I literally just destroyed everything I have worked for, and am trying to do some damage control.

I appreciate the help.

7 Comments
 

I am not at all qualified to answer this but feel bad that nobody has chimed in.

I'd imagine a felony on your background check will look pretty bad and having it be drug related will only hurt you more. My advice is always to disclose stuff like this honestly and early.

But - that being said... it could possible you aren't as screwed as you think you are? Consult a lawyer who deals with employment situations ASAP. If there is any way to work around this to your benefit a professional who has experience dealing with similar situations will know for sure. Worth the money IMO.

 

I guess one reason why I am really worried is that I have built a decent network and don't want to have people spend a lot of time on me just to get my offer taken away. Is this something I should bring up prior to interviewing or after an offer is given?

 

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