I took a gap year to work + develop a personal project. If my resume shows that I'm going to be in college for 5 years instead of 4, will this impact my applications to summer analyst junior year roles?
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Based on the most helpful WSO content, taking a gap year before starting as an IBD analyst at Morgan Stanley or any other firm is not necessarily frowned upon. It's important to live in alignment with what you know to be true about yourself. If you feel the need to explore and live a bit, you should do it. However, it's crucial to consider the implications this might have on your job offer, especially if you're in a market where mentioning your gap year could lead to the loss of the offer.
In terms of recruiting, it's common for students to take multiple semesters off from school to take as many internships as possible. This could potentially make you more qualified for a summer analyst position.
Remember, it's all about how you frame your experiences during that gap year. If you can show that you've used that time productively to develop a personal project or gain work experience, it could even be seen as a positive.
However, every situation is unique and it's important to weigh the pros and cons based on your personal circumstances and career goals.
Sources: Should I take a gap year before as an IBD analyst at MS?, Should I Slow Down?, My Four Year Plan
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