Better First Job

I need some help deciding between two job offers, as a recent college grad

Offer 1- JP Morgan Chase Operations Analyst Development Program I will be working in "Mortgage Banking Operations" in the Consumer and Community Bank. Not sure what all it entails, but do know that operations is obviously back office work and mostly process related.

Offer 2- Finance/Cost Analyst at a Biotech Company This company is on the smaller side, only stated a few years ago, but is fast grwoing and highly profitable, and already a leader in it's industry. I will be doing reporting and analysis (margin, yield, absorption, etc) as well as some minor accounting work and ad hoc projects. Since it is a smaller company, I will do a variety of work and gain exposure in a lot of different areas.

I am treating both of these options as a "First Job", meaning I will only plan on staying for 2 years or so before trying to move on to gain more experience. So, my major concern is where I will learn more, where I will gain more transferable skills, and which option would set me on a more viable carer path; or set me up better for business school. Any and all advice is appreciated. Thanks!

4 Comments
 

I'd go with the second one probably depending on how risk averse you are. You are doing reporting, but if the company performs an acquisition, issues debt, IPOs, etc. you'll likely be heavily involved. At JPM, you're getting a name. What's more important to you?

"Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there" - Will Rogers
 
Best Response
"OttoReadmore"

I'd go with the second one probably depending on how risk averse you are. You are doing reporting, but if the company performs an acquisition, issues debt, IPOs, etc. you'll likely be heavily involved. At JPM, you're getting a name. What's more important to you?

I second that. Although JPM has a good reputation, working in operations won't give you the same learning curve as you will get from working at the biotech company.

Since you're fresh out of college, it is always wiser to obtain a job that will allow you to learn the most. That way, it will be easier for you to get a great second job, since you can leverage the experiences/things you did at the biotech company that you most likely won't get from JPM.

Life is too short to be on WSO. But here I am.
 

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