Top MBA or straight to HF??

Hi,

Currently 28, just finished by 3rd year on the sell-side as a research analyst (non-BB but well known bank), covering non-bank financials (currently a writing analyst in Asia).

My goal is to get into the buyside (ideally HF) and am currently interviewing with a couple funds.

I am also contemplating getting a top MBA, but am wondering how sensible it is to get an MBA (spending money and two years of my life as well as huge opportunity cost) when I'm already getting interviews at HFs based on my current status.

Reasons for getting a top-MBA include the brand (non-target undergrad), network, and potential opportunity to get a job in the states (I also have US citizenship).

In terms of designations, I already have a CFA charter and CPA.

My main objective is to get a job at a HF (don't really care about location).

Would you guys think it would make sense for me to get a MBA or should I keep on applying to funds while working at my current sell-side role?

 

Hey there, my $0.02 on this are that you should try to make the jump directly as opposed to a top-MBA.

We seem to have similar backgrounds and I actually just made the jump to the buyside (not HF, but that wasn't my preference). My interaction with recruiters and interviewers is that post-MBA with no prior buyside experience just makes it much harder to get to the buyside. No idea why that is, but nature of the beast I suppose. I'd note that I also come from a non-target and have various relevant credentials.

Let me know if you have any more specific questions, or just PM me.

 

Okay, I am confused you already have a CFA and a CPA why do you need an MBA? I thought a CFA is the golden ticket if one does not have an MBA?

Want to Lose the body fat, keep the muscles, I can help.
 
Best Response

You don't need a MBA if you're already getting the interviews and doing reasonable well at them. A MBA can help make the introductions and definitely makes for a easier path to the buy side, but the opportunity cost is huge. Unless you have a strong personal desire to get a MBA, I would keep interviewing while you work on the sell side.

I thought a CFA is the golden ticket if one does not have an MBA?

The value of the CFA charter is greatly overstated. Don't get me wrong, I am a charterholder and think its valuable, but passing the exams is not a straight ticket to a job on the buy- or sell side.

 

Velit animi rerum quisquam cupiditate. Porro aut fuga accusamus vel esse sunt. Doloremque dolor ullam est reiciendis.

Aut iure consectetur qui eligendi qui reiciendis nihil perferendis. Exercitationem corporis et doloribus officiis voluptatem sint facere omnis. Nam doloremque itaque et dignissimos aut consequatur sunt. Odio odio commodi enim laboriosam fuga consectetur.

Velit autem dolore sunt similique. Laudantium et voluptas totam dolorem iusto. Consequatur eligendi perspiciatis ea sed omnis.

Voluptas aut sint dolorum. Quas velit eum aspernatur cupiditate. Quas maxime sit qui rerum. Aut ullam quae est amet.

Career Advancement Opportunities

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Lazard Freres No 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 18 98.3%
  • Harris Williams & Co. New 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 04 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.8%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 03 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (21) $373
  • Associates (91) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (14) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (68) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (205) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (146) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
6
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
9
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
98.8
10
bolo up's picture
bolo up
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”