Azeem, I think you highlight an important topic. I joined Wall Street after graduating as well, because 1. It paid well and was "a good job", and 2. Was one of

Azeem, I think you highlight an important topic. I joined Wall Street after graduating as well, because 1. It paid well and was "a good job", and 2. Was one of the opportunities that came up to campus and was easy to interview for. Outside of investment banks and large consulting shops, there wasn't much else. I think the lack of connectivity between college undergraduates and companies that would like to recruit them, but can't easily, is a large inefficiency and needs a solution (I feel so strongly about it, in fact, that I left finance and founded CollegeJobConnect a year ago and have been pushing it forward ever since to provide just such a service). A startup can be a great place to learn and develop yourself, and when you are just entering the professional world you can take a few risks with your career more easily (no wife, no mortgage, etc.). However, a startup can also be a difficult environment, so any college student needs to do their research before jumping in. All in all, I believe it will make you a professional weapon and give you the experience and "get it done" skills that you won't find in other roles, but might require a cash give-up in the short term comparatively (consider it an investment in yourself).