Is MBA worth it to speed up career as PM ?
Hi all, I am a Junior PM at a large AM based in London. Due to several causes, 4 years ago I had to move from my role as a market maker on the sell-side (spent 2 years there) and I made the transition to the buy side earlier than I wanted, hence taking a Junior PM role which I now hold for 2 years.
*my background: bachelor degree in Milan, master's degree in London, 2 years as market maker in credit, 2 years as Junior PM.
I was wondering whether an MBA (at LBS ?) would speed up my career to advance to PM role.
Thoughts welcomed
Not to be condescending, but if you've been around the forums for a bit, you'd probably know that the few people we have in top AM positions constantly talk about PM not being a "fast go-to" position. It's a slow position people build up to by proving that they are capable of interpreting information in a very specific manner. I assume they'll tell you the same if they drop by this thread.
As for MBA, most of the threads I've read in the last ~2 years prefer LSE and ICL over LBS in the UK, at least based on the amount of mentions. Comparisons between UK MBAs and mainland Europe MBAs are a bit iffy - there's a tendency to utilize these MBAs in their respective countries due to the name recognition of the institutions. Even if you don't envision going to the US, there is clear upside to having a US MBA as they are valued on both sides of the ocean, especially if it's M7 or even top 15.
I think all of you guys made a good point. MBA cannot be a shortcut for this role, I should trust the process and build on my experience. I will consider a CFA. Most of the PM at my firm have one but my boss and I don't so I never felt pressured on doing it, but it might be worth it to get some exposure while I still build experience
In your situation, I'm not sure an MBA would help, unless it is somehow required at your firm. Since you're aiming to become a PM and are already working as a junior PM, why would you not just work at the same firm and be promoted for PM in due course? If you had 4 years of experience in market making at your previous firm, you still wouldn't have come in a PM level.
You are probably right, I am probably trying to rush into things but this is a longer game. Thanks
I'm assuming that you're a "Real" PM at an AM firm, not somebody with title inflation at a WM firm. (Almost every sell-side firm does this, and it infuriates almost everybody on the buy-side to no end. "Hi, I'm an analyst, and you're the grand poobah of credit sales kissing my rear to generate business" just gets ironic fast)
I'd say that getting your CFA Charter if you don't have it already would probably be the best first step. An MBA is exactly that, a Master's in Business ADMINISTRATION. You'll learn to manage people, but you won't go deep into finance, and as a PM that's what clients want to see. It's also self study, and can be done without quitting your day job, which is a pretty big deal, as breaking back in after taking a couple years off might be a challenge. I'd actually suggest a master's in finance or financial math over a MBA given your goal.
As to schools, I'm a bit removed, but from a US perspective I'd echo Sio's comment. LSE is better regarded globally than almost everything else in the UK. You can make an argument for Oxford/Cambridge, but if you're working in London and doing night-school LSE is basically the best game in town.
I will consider a CFA as most of the PMs at my firm have one. It is probably just a box to tick but still better than not having it
Hey mate,
I did my MBA in a top 20 FT ranked school and will say this. Most top MBA programs will give you the opportunity to meet high profile people but to actually land a PM role you have to have something to bring to the table and unfortunately because these programs are so intense you probably wont be able to trade and maintain a track record. Also, as others are pointing out , although you can do a concentration in finance you cover mainly PE, VC, M&A, IB topics. As a PM you need to be technical, the MBA won't teach you that, hence why most MBA opportunities are in wealth management because you will be comfortable talking to wealthy clients.
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