How things have changed

Colleges & Universities University of Michigan
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<p>3 and a half years ago, I made the decision to come to Michigan over Wharton. I was more than excited at that time. But once I got on campus, my regret sunk in and I blamed myself for making a “stupid” decision and passing up the “best opportunity in the world”</p>

<p>2 years ago, I was a sophomore searching for my first internship, and I blamed myself even more for choosing Michigan over Wharton when I failed to convert my first couple interviews into offer. Eventually, I was lucky enough to land an internship at a BB at the very end of the recruiting season, but I still thought to myself, had I gone to Wharton, things would have been so much easier. I was thinking about transferring, but eventually stuck it out.</p>

<p>A couple months ago, I started my internship at a quite quantitative structuring desk at a BB with another business major intern. I realized that my engineering education allowed me to do everything better than the business major, because she can’t think as quantitatively. I ended up building models/analysis on intricacies of exotic option payoffs and greeks, while she worked on the same powerpoint deck the whole summer. I thought to myself, maybe it wasn’t that bad a decision afterall.</p>

<p>A week ago, I accepted an offer for a very quantitative position at a top fund. I looked back and thanked myself for the decision I made 3 and a half years ago. I would not have had this opportunity had I went to Wharton instead of being in the COE (they only hire math and engineering majors). </p>

<p>Oh and more…</p>

<p>4 years ago, I was a bleeding heart liberal, thinking that conservatives are all redneck whitetrash out to exploit all minorities and underprivileged. </p>

<p>2 years ago, I received my signing bonus and more than half was taxed. I turned into a conservative who believe that liberals are out there to take my paycheck and distribute to the lazy poor. </p>

<p>Yesterday, I realized, it doesn’t matter if they are liberals or conservatives, they are both evil politicians out to advance their own agenda that benefit themselves, and elections simply mean choosing the one who’s personal agenda align with your own interest.</p>

<p>Sorry for cluttering the board with my reflections. I just felt like writing today.</p>

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<p>I like the last part, f political parties. When I went to vote yesterday I was amazed you could just select “Blank” ticket and then count as a vote for everyone in that party. How ■■■■■■■■ is that?</p>

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<p>“Congratulations on all your success. You smell teriffic!” - Ace Ventura, Pet Detective</p>

<p>Now I guess you know what they mean when they say, “There truly is a Michigan difference”… :)</p>

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<p>Hehe! Look at bearcats. All grown up and ready to conquer the world. I knew you would come around. Those who stay will be champions!</p>

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<p>Bearcats,</p>

<p>I loved reading this post! Thank you for sharing the insight you have gained through your experiences. </p>

<p>Many students second guess decisions made and paths taken, but often find things tend to work out for the best if you keep trying.</p>

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<p>Beaercats
I went to Penn and my husband to UMICH…My daughter also wanted Mich over Penn and I totally think it was the right decision and more of the “total college experience”. She started as a math major and transferred to the Ross Business school this year, but plans to also get a math minor from LSA. My husband, a complete liberal, has been pushing her to use her Ross degree to work in nonprofit and “help the world”. I, on the other hand, feel she’s working her butt off, she should go out, make some $, and in her spare time she can volunteer or make financial donations (from her lucrative corporate earnings) to her favorite charities. Your post was perfect in every way for both my daughter and husband to read. Thank you!!!</p>

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<p>It’s an epiphany! Good for you bearcats!</p>

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<p>Congratulations Bearcats!!</p>

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<p>There we go, atta boy. Math opens doors! I felt the same type of longing for easy recruitment opportunities before I got my internship last summer. But everything worked out in the end and I’m glad I didn’t choose a professional degree that could have limited the breadth of my options.</p>

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<p>Congrats, bearcats, and thanks for posting that musing. I’m sure it will assist others to see the “long view.” Cheers!</p>

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<p>Bearcats… some very nice introspective thoughts. I wonder if you’ve come to realize that Taft>Hotchkiss??? Just kidding… Great job!</p>