Confusion about career path

I am a Computer Science grad from India with 3.64 US equivalent GPA, currently working in a software giant in QA. I am planning on applying to B School in a few years. I am fascinated by finance especially IB that too with a focus on M&A. However, I like strategy consulting also as I have great interest in case studies. How do I figure out which is the best path for my career. I am currently exploring both fields, taking some courses on Finance from Coursera and reading books on Consulting like Case In Point. I want to zero in a on a field before going to BSchool so that I can be better prepared for careers after an MBA. I look forward to your suggestions and advice. Sorry,if this post come of as vague and unclear. I am still in the process of figuring out what i want do in my career.

Thanks in advance!

 

I think your best bet is to explore these fields during your MBA. Try to get an internship in one or the other, talk to as many people in both fields as possible, take relevant courses, and participate in any relevant clubs or institutes. In the end you might not know exactly which one you like more, but you're know what you don't like.

 

@TwoThrones, @GoIllini Thank you for your suggestions. In my case, I have zero background in Finance and Economics. Never had any business courses back in college. Would I be at a huge disadvantage because of this during the MBA program? It's gonna be an uphill battle with folks coming from analyst background from BB ibanks and MBB firms right. That's why I am planning to do some groundwork before an MBA. What do we a good way to prepare besides taking up courses and reading?

 
Best Response
ethan_hunt:

@TwoThrones, @GoIllini Thank you for your suggestions. In my case, I have zero background in Finance and Economics. Never had any business courses back in college. Would I be at a huge disadvantage because of this during the MBA program? It's gonna be an uphill battle with folks coming from analyst background from BB ibanks and MBB firms right. That's why I am planning to do some groundwork before an MBA. What do we a good way to prepare besides taking up courses and reading?

I really doubt you'd be at a huge disadvantage. pre-mba MBB positions aren't extremely numerous, so I would think there would be more people hired from top schools who hadn't previously worked at MBB than had.

I think it's all about what you do with your time during your actual MBA experience. Take full advantage of all the resources, programs, networking opportunities, etc, that you are paying for as part of your degree.

 

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