From all the posts here it seems that majority of the posters are focusing so hard on getting into banking that they're forgetting to enjoy college for what it is. College is 4 years of responsibility free fun honestly it's great that you're working so hard for a future but a lot of you guys need to lighten up a bit and enjoy life a little more.
The world wont end if you don't get into Goldman you're obviously driven and you'll likely make more than the majority of America in most finance careers. If you don't enjoy yourself a bit and build a personality get some real experiences you'll hate yourself for it when you're sat at a desk at 2am wondering where 18-24 went
I personally didn't enjoy a day of college due to my own shortcomings but I agree with everything you said. I'm a fourth-year and I would really just tell any freshman to just study abroad or rush a fraternity their first year-second year. These years are literally the easiest classes, professors are super laid back, and everyone's still a new face looking to meet new people. One thing I noticed is those who were heavily involved in social fraternities along with a lot of campus involvement got amazing jobs despite not having a million different internships going back to high school.
Although if you're dead set on investment banking or any front office role you pretty much need to hit the ground running the beginning of your sophomore year. It's pretty crazy how much effort is put towards it even though at the end of the day it's a desk job, lol. But one thing I would add is you're on a forum that revolves around getting a career on Wall Street so naturally, you're not going to see people talk about anything other than the topics of getting XYZ job.
Maybe youve been reading WSO too much. Most viewers likely dont even post, and those who do post arent really sharing their personal/social lives on WSO
In college right now- not enjoying it all because of the virtual environment haha. Normally I work pretty hard- am involved on campus, have a high GPA in one of the more difficult majors, grinded for IB recruiting, etc.. I feel like I match that description of someone who needs to lighten up a little more, but tbh I don't feel like I'm missing out. Even though I work hard during the week, I almost always do stuff with friends on Fri/Sat nights- whether that's getting hammered at a party, going to bars/clubs in the city, eating out at restaurants, etc.. Idk I just feel like people on this forum see this false dichotomy where you're either grinding for that Goldman offer or you're enjoying college life- the two are not mutually exclusive and everyone I know (myself included) who got a BB or EB offer worked pretty hard but was able to chill out when they had the chance. This is a target though maybe it's different for non target since they have to grind a bit more to get those opps.
Motivation plummeted after signing a FT offer for next year. Gotta squeeze 4 years of college life into a year so that’ll be interesting though.
same
Wow I kinda feel bad for you guys. I got into the finance game quite late (think junior year winter late) and lucked out securing a good gig. There is an obvious target school prívele that I won’t overlook— but I’d say that in probably enjoyed college a little ~too~ much my first three years and almost screwed myself over completely. As bad as it sounds, COVID-19 was my saving grace in waking me up to fight for a second chance.
I feel bad for all classes after 2021 because they really didn’t get a chance to have their wild days as much of their college experience will now either be virtual or toned down due to covid restrictions. I think it’s going to be hard to be a typical care free college kid for the next 4 years.
At a non target and while I enjoyed college a lot freshman year, IB recruiting has kind of forced me to fire on all cylinders in terms of campus involvement, keeping my gpa up, networking, getting relevant internships, and prepping for interviews leaving me with limited time for hanging out and keeping fit.
Est expedita facere omnis ex. Culpa esse corrupti ea tenetur repellat quo nihil.
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