would a Gap year hurt my chances for IB recruitment

Hi everyone, I'm currently a freshman at a top target school, and with the recruitment process starting so early and my strong desire to pursue a career in finance, I wanted to ask if taking a gap year would hurt my chances of recruitment. I've always dreamed of traveling the world, exploring different cultures, and embracing new experiences. Honestly, I feel like this is the perfect time to do it—before I start a career, take on responsibilities, and eventually settle down with a family. Would taking a gap year negatively affect my opportunities in finance?

5 Comments
 

No it won’t. Just be up to date on timelines for when you get back. I’d suggest doing 6 months of travel and then for the second half find a relevant internship/co-op either at home or abroad. This could put you ahead of your peers who will probably have minimal experience if any by time recruiting starts

 

I'm a sophomore going through recruiting rn who took a gap year before my freshman year. I absolutely loved my gap year and traveled a bunch so it was def worth it just for that because you won't have the chance any other time in life to travel young. I've also brought up and used my gap year in every single interview so far for S26 analyst programs and interviewers have loved it, so I def think its made me stand out

 

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