Sophomore Summer...Volunteer?

So I haven't gotten any big-time offers (still waiting on UBS) and I have gotten a real estate investment banking offer at a small firm.

There are also options for me to volunteer in places like Africa and do that for the summer...I assume I won't make money which I desperately need but I know it will look nice and make a great conversation starter.

So I'm wondering which should I pursue...the (very very small) RE boutique or saving the world? I can foresee people being more impressed by the non-profit work than working at a no-name boutique where I only do capital markets work (no m&a).

Logistically, the boutique is in a bad place so I would have to commute often and pay for housing. Although I will end up net positive (I hope).

Which do you think will help me more in terms of junior year recruiting?

4 Comments
 

I would go with the RE offer. Any experience having to do with finance is going to look better simply because it shows that you're interested in the industry and you have some background.

From a monetary perspective, both options don't look great, but the RE experience will definitely give you an edge for SA recruiting next year. Just my 2c.

 

No no no, this is focusing solely on getting the good SA gig. Do not factor ethics into my utility

So I guess so far the answer is the boutique... why do you think it will be better than volunteering in Africa? Doesn't that sound legit?

"I did it for me...I liked it...I was good at it. And I was really... I was alive."
 

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