What should I do for full time after college
Currently, I'm going into my senior year as a finance major at a Big Ten engineering-heavy school (non-target), and I do not know what I want to do full-time. I am currently in my second internship at a large biotech powerhouse in Boston doing Corporate FP&A. I do not love what I do as it is pretty tedious and boring, and I am not learning nearly as much as I thought I would. Last summer, I had an internship at a boutique consulting firm, which I thought was much more entertaining than my current FP&A role. I have a solid resume for a college kid with tons of club involvement, but the only thing really holding me back is my GPA, which is a 3.3.
I have thought about a few industries such as private wealth management, management consulting, some sort of credit, commercial real estate, risk management, and maybe SDR or BDR (not in any order of preference).
I always thought when I was going into college that I wanted to do IB, but I honestly did not know how early the industry started recruiting, and by the time I realized what I needed to do, the ship had sailed. After reading this site, I was also less motivated to 100% commit and try to break into IB. I've always wanted to work in a firm and not large biotech, but I am somewhat lost in how I should be thinking about a full-time role. Obviously, your first job does not matter THAT much in comparison to your whole life, but I want to start at a competitive place that will allow me to learn as much as possible about finance. I grew up around a ton of finance professionals and have solid connections at a lot of great places, but I am so lost with what I want to do full-time.
ABOUT ME: Everyone has told me I would be great at sales, but it's not the place I want to start my career. I have always been well-liked by mostly everyone (maybe people hate me idk) , and I have been known to make people laugh. I love going out with my friends and having a good time. I am known for being super social. In almost every organization in college I am in, I have been elected to the executive board. I am Vice President of my fraternity with 200 guys, VP of the Financial Management Club, etc. I have great conversation skills, but I wouldn't say I am the most analytical or quantitative, but I can hold my own. I only wrote this section so people have an idea of the type of person I am.
At the end of the day, I am just a 21-year-old who's lost with all the different finance opportunities out there. I am fine working 60 hours a week but don't want to be consistently putting in 70-80+. I'm looking for other people's opinions on the potential jobs I listed above and what their experience was navigating post-grad life. Any info is helpful. Thanks!
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some insights and advice for your situation:
Potential Career Paths:
Private Wealth Management (PWM)
Management Consulting
Credit
Commercial Real Estate
Risk Management
Sales Development Representative (SDR) / Business Development Representative (BDR)
Key Considerations:
Actionable Steps:
Final Thoughts:
Your first job is a stepping stone. Focus on finding a role that offers growth opportunities and aligns with your strengths and interests. Given your social skills and leadership experience, roles that involve client interaction and relationship management might be a good fit. Keep an open mind and be proactive in your job search.
Good luck!
Sources: Should I Slow Down?, What should I do the summer after freshman year?, Over 30, still no undergrad, finance career options?, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/1-year-after-graduation-need-life-and-banking-advice?customgpt=1, Intern Burnout, Considering Full-Time
Following
Laboriosam qui est quibusdam quia sapiente sequi id. Non amet consequatur pariatur eveniet minima porro cum. Quia voluptas nisi repellendus error impedit expedita earum.
Et velit enim accusantium veniam quia. Officia itaque fuga deleniti sint.
Repellendus accusamus libero qui possimus in enim quis. Beatae hic doloremque a qui impedit distinctio architecto. Illum sunt provident quos minus consectetur.
Corporis consequatur voluptates neque vel qui. Minima dolorem voluptas porro est repellendus. Dolor laborum in repudiandae distinctio nostrum molestias.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...