Received FT offer and graduating early, how to spend 6 months before starting?

I just finished my junior summer internship at a BB and received a full time offer. Any recommendations for how to spend January until the start date in July? I am graduating a semester early in December.

Options I was thinking about:

  • Take CFA or GMAT

  • Find internship abroad, find internship in PE firm?

  • Start early full time in January

  • Staying on campus and/or traveling

Appreciate any / all advice

7 Comments
 

I would: Travel or do something not work related for 2-3 months Study and take the GMAT (maybe 2 months FT schedule?? idk) I'm starting FT soon and kinda wish I did this with my freetime. Would be good having this in the back of your pocket (already having a solid GMAT score if you decide to go MBA route in a few years. save you some headache) You have a few months of free time left... maybe study towards some certifications? You might have to get series licenses if ur at a BB and the SIE pre-requisite can be done before being employed by your firm (about 60-80hrs study time)

 

I don't understand these posts. Do what you want.

This might just be my experience but... Don't ask to work early. Right now, everyone expects to see you in August of 2020. Working before then will ruin the most valuable aspect of training: networking. Because, if your team knows you have bandwidth during training, they'll use it. You'll miss happy hours and nights out with people who might be new friends and will 100% be a valuable source of info later on (the guy in DCM that you went to lavo with, is much more willing to help you than the DCM guy you run into in the bathroom).

Beyond that, why work? You'll be working for the next 30yrs. You have 6 months to burn and guaranteed 125k+ coming next year. Be selfish as hell. You earned your FT gig. Pat yourself on the back. You deserve it. I'd travel (big Japan guy), chill on campus if you have a full year lease, or focus on a hobby/learning. Being good at squash or golf isn't a waste of time either (big career helpers if NYC)

If you're looking for productive activities:

  • Work out. Seamless and 14hr days aren't good for your beach bod
  • Practice excel/modeling and power point (always good to stay sharp)
  • Practice LBO's. PE recruitment is early.
  • Pass the SIE and 63. They are EZ and a time suck when you have real shit to do. No sponsorship necessary.

Hope this helps.

 

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