2 years travelling CV break look bad for recruiters?

Hi All,

Quick question which I am hoping someone can give me a bit of hand out with.

I graduated from a BSc Finance 4 year course last may from an Irish Uni. I decided on a master's that wasn't suited to me and dropped out of it in October. I have got accepted to a top 5 school for a master's starting September.

However since I had no jobs lined up after the sacking the masters I decided to do something and moved to Australia.

I am only here 3 months now and was meant to move home for September. However I wouldn't mind staying here for another year.(only if I receive an accepted defferal that is)

What do you think of 2 years of a gap in my CV for future employers does that look really bad looking to get into BB?

I will be 23 this summer so 2 years time graduation at 25 will I be a bit old going into analyst positions Vs guys 3 year degrees in England at 22.

My job is important to me but and I want to land a job in trading hopefully, had previous internship etc.

But also work is not the be all and end all for me. If the 2 year gap is going to hinder me then of course I will not dream of entertaining the idea. But if it won't make a difference im going to travel relatively stress free for a year then get back to the slog.

 

I am working here but just in insurance claims on a working holiday Visa. Without a master's in a target uni I don't think I have a hope of landing a decent job as my uni is unrecognised even in the UK never mind in Australia and the firm would have to sponsor me with visas etc so not likely.

 
Best Response

Age is not a problem. In London I know some analysts 1 who are 22, and others who are 27

However, in my opinion a 2 years gap is not gonna look good on your CV.

Do you have strong previous internships in Finance? If not, even in a "top 5 master" (would be helpful to know what you are referring to), SA positions at BB will likely be out of reach. If you don't have a strong CV at the moment I would focus on building it instead of travelling.

Bear in mind that if you are lucky, you get a summer analyst position and only get the offer to start in January, thus leaving you with c. 4 months to travel before starting full-time

 

Masters in finance in Imperial starting September is what I was referring too. Ya I know what you mean. I didn't intend on travelling this year but when I dropped out of a previous masters in October as it wasn't what I was keen on I had no back up for the interim so moved over to my sister. Now that I'm here life is great and just wondering how detremental it would be to future aspirations which seems high.

I did a spring week at JPM s&t only and a 6 month placement in an operations role. I realise my profile isn't great hence and will be lucky to get in as it stands so just checking to see if a 2 year gap would be a killer, which it looks like it is.

What suggestions for building my CV would you recommend.

Thanks a lot for taking the time to reply. I appreciate it.

 

I've seen this problem often enough and it normally comes down to one thing. Priorities.

If you're looking to work in IB, S&T, or even strong Crop Dev teams, you'll require getting something straight from undergrad. Someone who traveled and took time off show's a lack of inclination to want to work in the sector. Why would I hire someone who wasn't sure for two years instead of someone who was grinding and doing internships??

Last hope I'd say is as mentioned, leverage previous internships. Otherwise, do an MBA or MFIN and hope to get something where you get your foot in the door.

 

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