Getting into IB at my age?
I am a 30 year old female working as an engineer in the Silicon Valley for the past 8 years. I will be giving my GMAT next month. I plan on going to UC Berkeley for a Part-time MBA if I get in. Unfortunately, I can't leave my job and go for a full-time MBA since I am an immigrant and I am still waiting on my green card. My aim is to start my MBA and the minute I get my green card in 2 yrs, look for internship/Full-time positions in IB.
How do I go about trying to break into I-Banking in my 30s doing a Part-Time MBA from Berkeley. I live close to SF so I can tap into the industry there.
Please help.






Make some friends in your
Make some friends in your industry, and go work for a firm that services the types of companies that you know a lot about already. Going to B-school is great for meeting those types of people, but also start going to whatever big-name local university is near you (stanford / berekley) and attend lectures, events, and conferences related to your interests.
If you want to do something like this, you have to go and get it, it won't come to you... on the flip side, you should go for it! You just have to be proactive all the way, from start to finish.
Thanks a lot Soccerguy728, Is
Thanks a lot Soccerguy728,
Is it possible to break into I-Banking doing a part-time MBA from Berkeley vs full-time MBAs? Is my age a barrier?
My close friend is an I-Banker. So I can ask him for help. But, what credentials do I need before I approach him. Starting a part-time MBA, giving a CFA exam etc?
Thanks
I dont know, I wouldn't even
I dont know, I wouldn't even worry about the age barrier. You must know a lot about your industry already because of your experience working in a company. I'd say get into the best part-time MBA program you can that also is very big within your current industry. When you start the MBA, learn as much finance as you can. I would even go for an MSF instead.... the MBA isn't always the best answer anymore.
That being said, attend the best school you can get yourself into.
Step 2: once youre in a
Step 2: once youre in a graduate program, either join the investment banking club, or if they don't have one, start your own student organization. Then, you get involved with attending conferences, inviting speakers, alumni, etc, and you see where this leads eventually...
Thanks a lot. It really
Thanks a lot. It really helps. I was concerned about being 30+. Looks like I shouldn't lose hope without even trying. Happy Thanksgiving!
you too. if you "go with the
you too. if you "go with the heard", its much harder, but if you stick to your industry and what you're already good at, then it would be very hard for other people to compete with you once you learn the finance side of things.
oh. one more question. which
oh. one more question. which ones pay better? I-Banking, portfolio mgmt or equity research?
I'm sorry but you haven't
I'm sorry but you haven't been given direct and clear answers.
1. Most ibanks require a green card at minimum. It's hard to get in if you're looking for a sponsor.
2. Part time MBA is doubtful to get you hired as an associate. So you'd be looking at analyst positions which I don't think you'd want.
Soccerguy I have no idea why you're suggesting a MFA for her. It will do absolutely nothing for investment banking recruiting.
You can PM me if you have further questions. I did 2 years BB IBD and recruited for 1 of those years. The few MBAs we would hire in this market would be from SAs which are recruited ONLY from full time MBA OCRs (on campus recruiting) which I don't think you'd have access to as a PT.
See my WSO Blog
Hi SanityCheck, I will have a
Hi SanityCheck,
I will have a green card in about 2 years. I am already 30 today. I know that age is a huge barrier to get into finance jobs.
What options do I have as of now? Would it help to get my part-time MBA and maybe CFA out of the way within the next 2 years so by the time I have my green card, I am well-positioned to break into finance?
Thanks a lot
If you were serious about
If you were serious about getting into IBD forget about any part-time MBAs. Those are solely for the purpose of advancing at your current job while working.
Quit in 2 years after you get your green card and then apply for a full time MBA at a top 10-15 MBA school. Obviously go to the highest ranked MBA program you get into but no need to go as high as M7 since even bulge brackets hire their associates from non-M7 like Tuck, Cornell, Michigan, Stern, UVA, etc.
See my WSO Blog
Sounds good. But wouldn't my
Sounds good. But wouldn't my age be a barrier after 2 years?
Your age is not the key issue
Your age is not the key issue here. The majority of new associates are ~29 +/- two years and this can really go up to 35.
I have seen a couple part-time students break in from Kellogg and Booth; however, these people really beat the odds w/out full-time recruiting, internships, etc.. No reason to reduce your chances by attending a part-time program (i.e. you need to do an internship to get a full-time offer in this environment).
Thanks MD8. I will do that
Thanks MD8. I will do that and hope like crazy that in 2 years I get my green card. Immigration law is so unpredictable. Thanks for the help.
No problem, a few more
No problem, a few more comments:
Please do not say "giving" your GMAT. Say taking.
We see a lot of engineers and you will want to differentiate yourself from this pack somehow. You may think about getting involved with something finance-related now while you are waiting. This doesn't necessarily mean finding a new job, you just want to start building up a credible story for why IBD.
Consider going to school on the east coast. All of the major banks have a presence in SF, but it usually consists of only 1-2 groups (such as HC). This means fewer opportunities. It would be a mistake to not focus on NYC if you are truly set on breaking into IBD.
What kind of stuff do you
What kind of stuff do you recommend getting involved with? Yes, I am open to NYC as well.
wow - for your own sake
Capitalist
I have NEVER heard of a
Macroecon: I have NEVER heard
angelinajolie: Macroecon: I
Macroecon: angelinajolie:
angelinajolie: Macroecon:
Macroecon: angelinajolie:
angelinajolie: Macroecon:
Macroecon: angelinajolie:
@angelinajolie the big
ping: @angelinajolie the big
Need to jump back in
soccerguy you are fucking
MD8: Need to jump back in
angelinajolie: ping: @angel
angelinajolie: @MD8-you seem
Your main problem is
MD8: Industry/sector
Thank you both, very helpful.
Thank you both, very helpful.
angelinajolie: Thank you