6 months between graduation and analyst training -- what to do
Hi everyone,
I graduated college last week and have a new job in Private Credit starting next summer. I'm looking for ways to stay productive and make the most of my time between now and then. I re-recruited and landed this role after my summer internship doing commercial banking at a bulge bracket firm. A majority of my friends don't graduate until May and only have a month or two before their jobs (mostly in investment banking or consulting). Do you have any suggestions for things I could do to stay busy and continue learning and growing? I'm open to any and all ideas, so please feel free to share your thoughts and experiences.
A former boss of mine, whom I highly respect and who has done extremely well for themselves building an investment management firm, has repeatedly suggested that I study for the CFA Level 1. In their line of work, I can completely understand the need for knowledge about investment theory and portfolio management. However, I'm not sure if this designation would be useful in my situation. I have other ideas, such as preparing for the GMAT in case I ever want to pursue an MBA or just self-studying Excel and finance-related concepts so I can hit the ground running on my new job. I also plan to travel but I want to be productive during the time I'm not.
Thank you in advance for your advice and insights.
Congratulations on graduating college and securing a new job in private credit! It sounds like you are eager to make the most of your time before starting your new role, and there are many ways you can stay productive and continue learning and growing during this period. Also another factor that I'll mention but won't discuss below is "prestige" it sounds cliché but it does help open doors.
One option you mentioned is studying for the CFA Level 1 exam. This can be a great way to deepen your knowledge of investment theory and portfolio management, which can be beneficial in any finance-related role. However, it's important to consider whether this is the best use of your time given your specific goals and interests. If you are interested in pursuing a career in investment management, then studying for the CFA exam could be a good fit. However, if you are more interested in private credit or another area of finance, it might make more sense to focus on other areas of study.
Another option you mentioned is preparing for the GMAT in case you ever want to pursue an MBA. This can be a good way to keep your skills sharp and stay engaged while you are not working. However, it's important to keep in mind that the GMAT is primarily geared toward those who are planning to apply to business school, so you should only pursue this option if you are interested in an MBA in the future.
Another way to stay productive and continue learning and growing is to self-study Excel and finance-related concepts. This can help you hit the ground running on your new job and ensure that you are well-prepared for the challenges ahead. You might also consider looking for online courses or resources that can help you build your skills and knowledge in this area.
Finally, you mentioned that you plan to travel during this time. This can be a great way to relax and recharge before starting your new job, but it's important to balance this with activities that will help you stay productive and continue learning and growing. One way to do this is to look for opportunities to volunteer or intern while you are traveling, or to seek out educational experiences that can help you build new skills and knowledge.
Overall, the best use of your time before entering the workforce will depend on your goals, interests, and priorities. It's important to take the time to reflect on what you want to achieve and how you can best use this period to prepare for your future career.
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