Career Break = Career Suicide?

Thinking of taking a 6 month career break after finishing senior analyst later this year. I'd like to stay in banking afterwards. I'm aware taking a break will put me in a difficult position re. recruiting, so I'm curious as to whether any hiring associates/VPs on this forum would treat it as a total non-starter, or whether you'd still consider a candidate in this position? 

 

Taking a career break does not necessarily equate to career suicide, especially if you manage it strategically. Here are some considerations and strategies based on insights from Wall Street Oasis:

  1. Purpose of the Break: Clearly define and be ready to articulate the reasons for your break. Whether it's for personal development, travel, or further education, having a compelling reason can help mitigate concerns from potential employers.

  2. Stay Engaged: During your break, stay updated with industry trends and developments. This could involve taking relevant courses, attending workshops, or even part-time consulting. This shows continuous engagement with your field.

  3. Networking: Maintain and even expand your professional network during your break. Keep in touch with former colleagues, attend industry events, and possibly seek out a mentor. This can help you stay connected and might ease your re-entry into the workforce.

  4. Positioning Your Experience: When you're ready to return, position your break as a positive period of growth and learning. Highlight any new skills or perspectives you’ve gained that could benefit your role in banking.

  5. Be Transparent: Honesty about your career break can build trust. Be upfront about why you took the break and what you did during that time, focusing on how it has prepared you to be a better professional.

  6. Consider Contract or Temporary Roles: If re-entering full-time is challenging, consider starting with contract or temporary positions. These can often lead to permanent opportunities while allowing you to demonstrate your value to potential employers.

Remember, the key is how you manage the break and communicate its value to potential employers.

Sources: I was fired today, don't know what to do...., What if you're fired as an Analyst?, Laid off, Depressed and Giving up..., Three Things You Didn't Know About Becoming A Rock-Star Analyst, graduated may 2019 and recently laid off first job

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Find someone to give you a 6 mo internship on paper, and not the brothel where you'll be residing at for 6 months.

 

Graduating from my MBA without a full-time job in a few weeks. Not doing it by choice but I can assume I will be taking a 5-9 month career break before I land a decent post MBA role. I don't consider it career suicide. Took a 7 month gap early in my career where 4 of those months I didn't job search and dealt with some personal issues. That gap was never an issue nor was it ever brought up in any interview I've had since that time.

 

Graduating from my MBA without a full-time job in a few weeks. Not doing it by choice but I can assume I will be taking a 5-9 month career break before I land a decent post MBA role. I don't consider it career suicide. Took a 7 month gap early in my career where 4 of those months I didn't job search and dealt with some personal issues. That gap was never an issue nor was it ever brought up in any interview I've had since that time.

What kind of MBA did you pursue? T50 Part Time MBA?

"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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