So here’s my problem. I’m currently at Penn State majoring in Petroleum Engineering. I have slightly around a 3.4 GPA but college hasn’t been smooth sailing for me. I’m supposed to be in my senior year but I transferred and took a semester off so I’m pretty far behind. And the way things work I need 4 more semesters just to take 1 credit classes that go in order. I don’t think I chose the right major though. I’ve always had an interest in investment banking and seeing that I’m going to be taking multiple semesters of few credits I am thinking about picking up a second major in finance to see how I like it. I just don’t see a point in only taking a few credits for a couple semesters. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.
I would also like to mention that I am already 22 years old and I just feel like I am waayyyyy behind everyone else so don’t know if I would be viewed as too old to break into anything anyway.
You could go for it. Don’t worry about age. Young people view time and age differently - it’s much more significant and everything is much more time bound. In the grand scheme of things, you are just fine and you can always come out saying you got two degrees which is why you are a little older than your newly graduated peers.
On the other hand, get as much work experience as you can while in college. Internships, summer work, etc and possibly study abroad for international exposure. The one issue I see at your age is if you are 25 with zero work experience. Third, don’t even put your age on your resume or mention it during the interview process and hopefully you don’t look 40 years old.
From what I’ve heard, it’s very hard to get started in investment banking. Pursuing it while also having a degree in petroleum engineering is the ultimate Plan B. So, I say go for it and don’t worry about what happens if it doesn’t work out because you can still have an amazing career.
And consider an MBA from a top tier school in a few years if you can’t get into investment banking right away. Ideally, finishing school by the time you’re 30-32 is still not off track if it puts you a lot further up the career ladder.