Help me pick my career

I am from a country in CEE region, where I study the best econ/finance programme available in my country (means nothing compared to top world/EU universities, I know). However, my uni is really well known among HR managers in my country and has very nice alumni network across whole Europe, including London.

I started this uni with a dream of pursuing a career in MBB consulting, but I honestly knew nothing about any other jobs related to my degree at all. My bachelor's is very theoretical and had something from everything.

The thing is, I am not sure what master's degree I should get and what career path to choose. I am now considering a wide range - try to get an internship in MBB during my masters and then try to get FT there, go to VC, go to PE, or do data science/sth data related. Yes, I know that is a really big selection, but I have no clue, and I feel like a kid in a candy store.

Something about my “career” so far:

my GPA is horrible, however, ppl say that no one in my country really cares about my GPA, as long as I have a degree from this specific uni
Did two semesters of pro bono consulting in a renowned student club
Had summer internship in consulting
Went for Erasmus to Italy (actually had a decent GPA there, but that probably doesn't matter as far as it is not from Bocconi)
Returned back to my internship, where my hard work is being recognized by my supervisors
I know R and some Python

I am keeping my internship for the summer, but I have no idea what to do afterward.

continue with masters at the same uni, which is even more theoretical and well recognized, with option of choosing “specialization” there?
Take a gap year to earn some money and to decide if I want to study for a master's at some “better” European uni.

I think that the most universal way would probably be finishing the masters in my country, try to get into MBB and then see what exit options would I have after that - does it make sense to leave from MBB to PE after few years?

I am ready to sacrifice a lot and work long hours. I would love to work abroad, and if not abroad, I'd at least like something that will really test me and where I put some skin in the game.

The question is extremely long and very general, but I want to ask your opinions and what you would do if you were me. Thank you for reading all this and eventually responding.

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WSO Monkey Bot

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21d

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some insights and recommendations for your situation:

Career Path Options:

MBB Consulting:
- Pros: Prestigious, great learning experience, strong exit opportunities.
- Cons: Highly competitive, demanding work hours.
- Strategy: Continue your internship, aim for a full-time offer, and leverage the alumni network.
Venture Capital (VC):
- Pros: Dynamic, exposure to startups, potential for high returns.
- Cons: Hard to break into without relevant experience or network.
- Strategy: Network extensively, consider internships, and highlight any entrepreneurial experience.
Private Equity (PE):
- Pros: Lucrative, strategic work, strong career growth.
- Cons: Requires prior experience in IB or consulting.
- Strategy: Gain experience in MBB or IB first, then transition to PE.
Data Science/Analytics:
- Pros: High demand, versatile, good work-life balance.
- Cons: Requires strong technical skills.
- Strategy: Enhance your skills in R and Python, consider a specialized master's in data science.

Master's Degree Options:

Continue at Current University:
- Pros: Well-recognized, strong alumni network, cost-effective.
- Cons: Theoretical focus, may not be as prestigious internationally.
- Strategy: Specialize in a field that aligns with your career goals, leverage the alumni network for internships and job placements.
Gap Year and Better European University:
- Pros: Potentially more prestigious, better international recognition, diverse experience.
- Cons: Expensive, time-consuming.
- Strategy: Use the gap year to gain relevant work experience, save money, and apply to top European programs (e.g., LSE, Imperial, Cambridge).

Recommendations:

Short-Term:
- Focus on excelling in your current internship.
- Network with alumni and professionals in your desired fields.
- Consider taking a gap year if you feel uncertain about your next steps.
Long-Term:
- If aiming for MBB, continue with your master's at your current university, specialize, and leverage the alumni network.
- If considering a switch to PE or VC, gain experience in MBB or IB first.
- If interested in data science, enhance your technical skills and consider a specialized master's program.

Final Thoughts:

MBB to PE Transition: It is feasible to move from MBB to PE after a few years, as MBB experience is highly valued in PE.
Work Abroad: Focus on roles and companies with international presence and opportunities for relocation.

Your willingness to work hard and your diverse experiences will serve you well. Prioritize gaining relevant experience and building a strong network to open doors in your desired career path.

Sources: Recent grad, super lost. Can anyone give advice/help me choose between an MBA, JD, or MA?, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/real-estate/is-georgetown-masters-in-real-estate-for-me?customgpt=1, Q&A - top 10 MBA vs MSF vs MMS, Post MBA IB associates, how did you know you could handle the life?, Master’s degree journey

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