Starting Work Right After College?

To those with more experience: did you start working FT immediately after college, or did you take a gap year or pursue a master’s degree first? Any regrets or things you’d do differently in hindsight?

I’ll be 20 when I start full-time at a top BB (GS, MS, JP) in London. While it’s great to get an early start, I feel I might be missing out on experiences—especially after spending college summers on internships. I’m also curious about my chances of moving into PE afterward, as I’ve heard during coffee chats that many MF PEs prefer candidates who are a bit older and more “mature.” On the other hand, reneging on a FT offer doesn’t feel right either.

Would really appreciate your insights!

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