got into Wharton MBA, need help.

Did you get into Lauder? If so, I think that may be the game-changer.

I can see why you're on the fence; you have strong work experience but (I'm assuming) feel like you stepped down a bit, moving to a FoF role in Asia while your peers from your analyst class and your graduating year who were at similar shops took MF or HF jobs. Your comp is good but not godly by any means, and you want the MBA both as a way to get a better job (more challenging and rewarding, better paying, and more recognizable), boost your long-term career opportunities, and perhaps relocate (you didn't mention this, completely me reading into it).

You could make a strong argument either way. One, that you're better off earning the half million you will over the next two years and networking for a job more relevant to your interests, or two, that the MBA will unlock a better network, broader geographical opportunities, and higher earning potential long-run. Neither of those is completely wrong, but you mentioned the joint program, and I think that's pivotal to this decision. I'm presuming it's Lauder given your international experience, and if that's correct, I think this tips it completely in favor of going.

I could go on and on about how great that is for your career, how 'prestigious' and selective a program it is, etc. but I have no interest in typing what we all already know. To be brief, this won't be about all that as much as it will be about joining a cadre of peers of that caliber. The Lauder program is awesome; you get really well-rounded, remarkable individuals who have done awesome things with their lives and will continue to do so in the future.

You could say the same thing about any elite MBA program, but as we all know, there's a lot of variance in terms of the caliber of admitted student, even at the HSW programs. What I've learned is that there's a simply unparalleled concentration of talent in these joint programs: Harvard JD/MBA, HKS/HBS joint degree, Stanford JD/MBA, Lauder, etc. The people who get admitted tend almost invariably to be stellar both on paper and in real life (some exceptions with the JD/MBA attracting higher IQ than EQ candidates).

The opportunity to be part of that, leverage the niche alumni network, and bask in a learning experience that's as much peer-based as it is instruction-based is not something any smart individual would want to pass up.

I believe it will be great for your career (the Wharton MBA on its own merits would be; how much more so the joint program), tremendous for your personal and intellectual development, and a remarkable foundation for numerous opportunities in both the public and private sector in the short-, mid-, and long-term.

I think APAE hit the nail on the head with his comment.

How/Why did you end up at the FoF out of your Analyst program? How hard (if at all) have you tried to make a transition to a traditional HF/AM Analyst position?

You're talking somewhere in the range of $700k+ opportunity cost over the two years of your MBA... No matter how you slice it that's a whole lot of money. But, you're likely in your late 20's and have a long career ahead to be doing something that isn't really challenging you.

To me, I think it comes down to whether or not you think you have a legitimate shot of making the switch without the MBA. I'm sure you already know the MBA is going to be a 200k recruiting opportunity as advancement in HF/AM is determined almost exclusively by performance. Obviously, the Wharton brand/network would probably help you to move from shop to shop once your in, though.

thanks so much very both. Yes it is the Lauder program. I tried to recruite for HF roles, have gotten interviews and made it to final rounds but unfortunately didn't make it. I do think it is still possible to do so without the MBA, however, I think the chances of getting that role will be greater two years later with the Lauder/Wharton degree. It's also a personal preference to 'take a break' after grinding for 5 years. i am leaning towards going, but i will have a chat with my boss whos trying to make me stay. Given that Im getting promoted from associate to the next level, I will have a natural pay raise, but maybe like the previously mentioned US$275-300k. I will ask for US$375k minimum with consideration for promotion in 2 years. In my mind that's the cost for not going and i don't think it hurts to ask. what do you think?

quick bump. company approved what i asked for. im very very confused about which way to go

So to recap:

You are interested in more direct investing roles, but recently got promoted at your current role to ~$375K p.a. compensation. However, you note that you have received a number of HF interviews and made the final round. That said, My view would be that making the switch is simply a matter of time - why not collect that nice paycheck while you network and apply for the gigs you want? Wharton is an awesome opportunity, but at that rate, you're looking at nearly $1mm in opportunity cost ($200K tuition / room and board, plus $750k in lost comp).

As an aside, I don't know what the deferral policy is, but if you use the promotion as your rationale, it may be possible to get Wharton to defer your admission by a year while you try to figure it out - perhaps other people can chime in on this if they have more knowledge about the likelihood of being granted a deferral.

Are you saying you asked for $375k when you were at $275k and they accepted it? What did you tell them?

Also, did you do banking in the US? I am also looking to move out to asia to get experience internationally. Can i ask how you went about it?

Thanks

I have nothing of substance to add, but just wanna say that 375k in Asia on 50 hrs/week is amazing. Assuming income tax is 15-20% then post-tax you're taking home around what a guy making 640k/year in NYC would. And you're still on the path to promotion, man teach me your ways haha.

[Wow, I totally posted in the wrong thread. What the heck is this?]