How will potential employers view this?

Question

I am finishing a planned year off after having graduated from college. (to spend time with my family and travel)

I graduated from a top tier university with a BA and a 3.63 GPA, which is decent.

But here's what makes my situation a bit unique: I'm 30

I returned to school at the age of 25 as I wasn't able to attend college straight out of HS. I worked in sales out of HS and did well but decided I HAD to return to school.

I knew that given my particular situation that if I wanted to take some time off, this would likely be my only opportunity. As such, I took it and have not worked this year save for running a bit of an eBay business to make ends meet.

I'd really like to get into financial advising and am absolutely willing to work my backside off in order to do so.

Here's my question: how will potential employers see this? Will this be viewed as a negative?

Thanks for any insight into my scenario.

I appreciate the feedback given thus far.

Answer 1

I think as long as you explain it and are very upfront about it, it will no be overly detrimental to you. With some firms, it may not play well, but I think those are far and few between. If you did not go to college right away because of financial reason, explain that, and then when you did go back, it was because you saved money to be able to do it, then that looks good. Lastly, you're older now, and have a lot of life's experiences. You know exactly what you want to do now, and are willing to do what it takes to get there. Best of luck.

Answer 2

First of all, regarding your age, an employer may not inquire about your age in the US. (Not sure where you're from.) If you are writing a resume, leave off any dates and don't provide the dates for your degrees unless requested. Obviously, if you are asked to provide a transcript, the dates may become an issue.

Account for every year covered on your resume. You can always turn that eBay experience around into being a sales consultant or something. Periods of self-employment are perfectly acceptable if accounted for in a positive and constructive way.

To address your concerns, it might be valuable to invest in a session with a career adviser or resume consultant. Does your university offer career counseling to alumni? If so, now is the time to take advantage of that.

In contrast to the person who said taking a year off was not a bright idea, I think it was probably a positive thing if you paint it that way. You have likely learned things about yourself this year that might not have otherwise came to light. You might now have better insight to where you want to be in life. Best wishes to you.

Answer 3

I really don't see an issue with either times that you were away from school/work. You've earned a degree, with good grades.

I think the issue you will find is that you will have to start at "the bottom" (so to speak) because of lack of experience. But if this is the career that you want to be in, then I think that you should go for it.

Maybe you should check into get any other licenses and/or certifications that would tie in with becoming a financial advisor. That would help your resume also.

Stay positive!

Answer 4

As a employer I would be interested in why you really had the gap between HS and College and between college and today

Personally I think taking a year off after college was not a very bright move (read REALLY STUPID) - the gap between HS and College is not as big a problem really

They may think if you can take a year off you don't really need a job and may not be "hungry" (this does not support your claim of being "willing to work my backside off")

If you go to many large investment type firms the folks hired with you will be 22 and you may be working for a 25 year old - they will wonder how you will react to this.

Answer 5

If you were sitting in front of me in an interview explaining all of this to me...
I would have no problems with the HS/college gap because you were working, saving money for college.
...but that one year travel gap...This is going to sound harsh, but IMO, that makes you look like either a slacker or someone doesn't really need a job (read: very wealthy). I would automatically assume you don't really need the job which means you better have something to impress me. Btw...your 3.63 GPA won't impress considering mine was higher when I graduated.

Answer 6

running a bit of an eBay business
This should be all you need for any questions.
Just change it to trying your own business. No need to mention eBay, just the internet. You may be asked what products. No harm in that.

So it didn't pan out.

Answer 7

you have drive and ambition and your maturity should make you a fine addition to any company.

good luck!