Best route to buy-side from MBA ?

Hey all,

I am a relatively new member to the community. I have read lots of posts and contributed to a few. I feel like I have learned a great deal from everyone's insights/opinions/arguments, etc. So first, thank you.

I am wondering what my best route to a buy-side analyst gig would be coming out of MBA (will be matriculating at Stern or Darden this fall ... if you have an opinion on which would be better, please see my associated forum and lend a thought). Obviously I will try my best to network my way into a buy-side gig right out of school, but I know I can't count on that. If a "stepping-stone" is necessary, what should it be? I would assume sell-side ER, but would love any thoughts on that vs. banking, S&T, corp fin or consulting. I ultimately want to work in the public markets at a value-oriented shop and don't care much about the prestige or brand of the firm as long as I like their style and the pay is decent. My experience includes 6 years in FA/PWM and a CFA charter. Thanks in advance for any thoughts.

10 Comments
 

6yrs as an fa and you want to switch now? i suspect you either weren't successful, worked in support capacity, or were very damn successful and could pretty much do whatever you want now?

you should have much better contacts through sales, clients, etc. where you came from than an mba will get you imho

If the glove don't fit, you must acquit!
 
WalMartShopper

6yrs as an fa and you want to switch now? i suspect you either weren't successful, worked in support capacity, or were very damn successful and could pretty much do whatever you want now?

you should have much better contacts through sales, clients, etc. where you came from than an mba will get you imho

I was moderately successful but stayed in the role much longer than I would have liked due to personal/family constraints. I am now free of those constraints and see business school as an opportunity to shift my career into the area I desire.

 

at the end of the day, banking is still the tried and tested path. other paths exist as well, but depend on you to find your own way.

 

very easy. sell-side research is probably the best feeder into fundamental hedge funds. people i know routinely make this transition

btw for those of you interested in ER i recommend you check analystforum.com

​* http://www.linkedin.com/in/numicareerconsulting
 

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