Suggested activities before full-time?

Any good ideas on fun/productive activities before starting full-time in banking?

I'll be graduating early so I'll have about half a year where I don't have anything planned. I'm thinking I could learn VBA for Excel and totally rock at programming macros before starting but that's kinda lame so I'd like to get some more interesting or productive ideas.

Traveling isn't that great of an option for me given that I'm poor so I'm leaning towards working at odd jobs like a shoe salesman at a women's shoe store, just for client interaction and for kicks.

7 Comments
 

I would have said travel and get laid. But since travel is not an option, then just get laid as much as you can. Remember you'll have almost no time once you start working. So enjoy your last pre-slavery days ;)

 

If you're going to work somewhere, I'd suggest doing something that you'll enjoy more than retail and will give you some added benefit. I'd suggest volunteering; if you look around, you can probably find a program that will pay for you to go somewhere cool to volunteer for several months. Even if they won't pay for you to travel, you can probably find something to do close to home that will be fun and look good for b-school.

 
Best Response

I'd consider non-profit work - either here (U.S.) or abroad. Find a cause that you are interested in and give something back - you'll enjoy it and you'll get the benefit of having something to talk about in your B school essays other than IB if you are considering B school down the line.

Besides that, I would say relax and try to enjoy yourself - don't do any Excel courses, or practice pitches - be a bartender for a few months, hit the gym, go out with friends and enjoy your last few months of freedom. For some more tips on getting ready, you can check this out: http://www.bankonbanking.com/2009/10/19/preparing-for-your-life-as-a-ba…

Good luck and enjoy yourself

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Cheer up, Bateman. What's the matter? No shiatsu this morning?

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