How Would a Gap Semester Affect Recruiting Next Summer?

I can't be alone on this one. I'm a rising junior at a target school that is not bringing many students back to campus in the fall and is having entirely virtual classes. I don't have any offers for next summer in hand (got some superdays in spring/summer but kinda slacked on networking and interview prep and wasn't committed enough to banking if I'm being honest). A few banks, a bunch more buyside shops, and all the consulting firms are all still interviewing at my school or will start to interview over the next couple of months.

I'd strongly prefer to take a gap semester (possibly year) because most of my close friends are doing so, I have some cool opportunities lined up to do (not necessarily finance), and I want to get as much of a normal college experience as possible. However, I'm worried some recruiters and interviewers might frown upon it next recruiting season, mostly because I took a gap year before college as well (it wasn't a rich kid "find yourself" kinda thing--I had a few cool internships and only traveled a little bit). I was going to reach out to my school's career center to get their thoughts, but I honestly thought you beauties might be able to offer more help. 

And so...I present to you...my first ever post on WSO.

 

Aye same!!! Gap year clubbbb. And I caddie so I talk to a ton of men in finance/IB: they all applaud me for my decision and have helped me tremendously. My advice is just own your decision. I’m working for my university’s endowment so I have some work experience while away from school.

 

I don't think its wise to graduate in December as you miss some recruiting opportunities and have some differences of being out of the normal cycle, so would recommend no gap at all or a full gap year. 

Cheers -

"If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them." - Bruce Lee
 

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