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Fellow TLSers:

I'm probably going to have to make this decision in the coming weeks. I've perused through these boards in an attempt to read up on the SEC summer program, and, frankly, I'm not sure if it is worth it (unpaid, doesn't necessarily help securing (no pun intended) a job after graduation, SEC isn't hiring, it's unpaid, etc.). Correct me if I'm wrong, but, since it's a full summer program, I wouldn't be able to do a split summer with them and a private firm. All that being said, I'm interested in doing securities work after graduation, so summering at the SEC might make some sense. I'm just not sure whether the pros outweigh the cons in accepting a gig with a government agency.

Any advice would be appreciated.

TIA.

You might be able to do an 8/8 split if the firm and SEC are okay with it (maybe 10/6 depending on how the SEC structures its summer program and the start dates of the firm SA program).

If it's one or the other, the answer is firm hands down. There is only one pro/con you should be considering between these two: chances of getting a full time offer. The firm, I assume, is much more likely to lead to that. The SEC is not. So pick the firm.

OP here. bk1, thanks for the advice. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that a split summer plan can be worked out.

Anonymous User wrote:Fellow TLSers:

I'm probably going to have to make this decision in the coming weeks. I've perused through these boards in an attempt to read up on the SEC summer program, and, frankly, I'm not sure if it is worth it (unpaid, doesn't necessarily help securing (no pun intended) a job after graduation, SEC isn't hiring, it's unpaid, etc.). Correct me if I'm wrong, but, since it's a full summer program, I wouldn't be able to do a split summer with them and a private firm. All that being said, I'm interested in doing securities work after graduation, so summering at the SEC might make some sense. I'm just not sure whether the pros outweigh the cons in accepting a gig with a government agency.

Any advice would be appreciated.

TIA.

When did you hear from the SEC? I applied over the weekend but assumed things would be moving slowly.

What office for SEC, HQ?

For DC, I interviewed this week and was told to hear back within a few weeks.

Anonymous User wrote:Fellow TLSers:

I'm probably going to have to make this decision in the coming weeks. I've perused through these boards in an attempt to read up on the SEC summer program, and, frankly, I'm not sure if it is worth it (unpaid, doesn't necessarily help securing (no pun intended) a job after graduation, SEC isn't hiring, it's unpaid, etc.). Correct me if I'm wrong, but, since it's a full summer program, I wouldn't be able to do a split summer with them and a private firm. All that being said, I'm interested in doing securities work after graduation, so summering at the SEC might make some sense. I'm just not sure whether the pros outweigh the cons in accepting a gig with a government agency.

Any advice would be appreciated.

TIA.

So, a few of these things aren't 100% "true" anymore. The SEC recently got the approval to hire 600+ new employees. Also, the advance commitment program is still used to fill entry level positions. A lot of the information found on TLS through the search function about the SEC is a bit dated.

With that being said, I agree 100% with Bk1. Go with the firm if you have to choose. You have better odds of landing a post-grad position with them.