Graduating Early (3.5 years) or Double Degree? Upcoming position with SA - top boutique

Hey guys, I've been thinking a lot lately and I hope I can get some perspectives from fellow monkeys. I'm currently a junior and secured a SA at a top boutique. I don't know why I've never given a serious thought to this, but just suddenly I am very much considering graduating a semester early in December. I only have 5 classes to finish up my finance degree, which I can easily do in the fall semester. I could then use the following 6 months before full-time to travel, visit my family (I only see them once/twice a year during college and life will only get busier), visit my extended family (they live out of the country), learn a skill, etc. Basically all the things that I really won't get to do when I start work.

The other alternative is to stay in school until May and finish my math degree in addition to the finance. I figure that I want to maximize my time, and if I were to stay in school for another semester, well, I better have a good reason to do so. The best way would be to spend my senior year learning loads of material instead of half-assing both semesters. But then again, what do I know... I say I want this, but I may end up regretting this decision altogether 10 years later when I look back at the potentially lost relationships that I could've built in my final year. The primary motivation for the math degree is the possibility of branding myself better for MBA programs. I've always wanted to attend Wharton for my MBA and with my background (Regional target school; 3.7 GPA; SA at LAZ/EVR/GHL and hopefully converting this to a FT), I should be in a decent position? Of course I still have to take the GMAT but I'm hoping my scores should at least be in line with the average applicant.

Anyone out there who can give a few thoughts on graduating early? Or about how taking a chill senior year was what made their college experience memorable? Or about whether they feel a second degree positioned themselves real well for MBA programs (and if applicable, for better career success)? I know there are no hard and fast answers in a situation like this... I'd just like to hear everyone's thoughts and perspectives on what they would do and why.

Thanks a lot everyone!

 

I personally would finish strong and get the math degree but it's entirely a matter of personal preference. You have pretty complete information of all of your options. You just have to decide if the leisure/travel time is more or less valuable than any utility the math degree will have. Personally I don't think college is that hard...even when the work piles up you can still usually find the time to go out 2-3 nights a week if you're organized and studious otherwise. Also time off always seems like it will be the greatest thing ever to me but then I get bored after 2-3 weeks, but once again that's just my experience.

 

i was in a similar position and chose to graduate early. i didnt do it to travel, learn a skill or visit family. i spent my free time drinking and gambling. its been a bit over a year now and i dont regret that decision at all. i had a great time and wish i could go back to all that nonsense. enjoy your time. i dont think it will hold you back from wharton

 

If I was a future employer, I'd be more impressed with someone who had the determination and time management skils to graduate early (with an Econ degree, which isn't the easiest degree), than with someone who was like "look at me I have more schooling!!!."

Both have their upsides, but to an extent, everything that you'd need to know at a future job can be learned on the job. Employers want to hire people who can learn quickly, not necessarily the people with the most pieces of paper.

 

I really don't see the fascination people have with getting their MBA, especially when they are in undergrad. MBA's cost like $150,000 and you learn nothing you didn't get as a finance undergrad. Why not break in from undergrad, kick ass, and never look back? Who needs more student loan debt and a piece of paper with a prestigious logo?

 
JeffSkilling:
I really don't see the fascination people have with getting their MBA, especially when they are in undergrad. MBA's cost like $150,000 and you learn nothing you didn't get as a finance undergrad. Why not break in from undergrad, kick ass, and never look back? Who needs more student loan debt and a piece of paper with a prestigious logo?

Don't know about these other fellers, but in my particular case I'm planning for an MBA for the brand. Would you want to hire someone who graduated from the University Of Timbuktu?

 

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