Start FT Early or Take Some Time Off?

Hi All

I don't want to sound pretentious here or seem as though I'm getting ahead of myself, but I'm looking for some advice with regards to my near future so I can have a rough idea of what I am going to do.

I'm a Junior and an incoming IB summer analyst at a BB in SF, and although I understand that my FT offer is not a given by any means, I am going to work on the assumption that I will hopefully obtain one. I am planning on graduating early in the following December to save some tuition money and am having trouble deciding if I should start my FT early in January (an associate I've been talking to has mentioned this possibility) or if I should take some time off and pursue other interests (travel, volunteering, etc.) until the normal FT start date. Any input would be much appreciated! Thanks!

7 Comments
 

travel, start on-cycle. I took a 2 week international vacation before I started FT and my only regret is not going for a longer amount of time!!! i had 2 months of free time between graduation and FT start and I only took a 2 week vacation. Definitely enjoy your time.

 

Travel for sure, you'll never have that much time off again. Even better think of something cool and productive at the same time. Like travel and try to learn a language at the same time. You could also sprinkle stuff in there like studying for the GMAT, CFA, etc , but in the end I'd probably just vacation and hang out. Maybe try and visit some old friends.

 

I just spent four months traveling/studying a language... way better than starting early. I asked many people about this in person from analysts to MD/partner level people - only one told me to start early. Otherwise, everyone suggested not starting early.

 

Have you studied abroad? If you have then you know how great it is to live in a new place for a period of time. Go somewhere different this time.

If you haven't, living in a new place will be one of the best and most valuable experiences of your life. I suggest Europe just because you can see so many different countries and cultures so easily.

 

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