Should I leave consulting for Bridgewater Associates?

I'm a fairly new strategy consultant at at second-tier firm (think Deloitte, Accenture, BAH etc), and I really like my job. I'm working on the strategic portfolio management of three diamond client accounts and work very closely with managing directors in the firm, which has been great so far. I wasn't looking for a new job at all, but an opportunity came my way to work for Bridgewater Associates on their government policy research team, researching and writing reports on macroeconomic trends in China/Asia. I majored in Chinese in undergrad and speak Mandarin fluently, and plan to move to Shanghai or Hong Kong to do finance in the next 2-3 years.

My main question revolves around how this would position me as an applicant to HBS/GSB/Wharton a couple years down the line. I know Bridgewater is considered to be an elite hedge fund, but it isn't a typical finance position and I don't know how business schools would look at it. That said, it's very aligned with my interests so it may be worth pursuing regardless...

Thanks!

 

If your future goals is to move back to Asia to do finance, this should be a great opportunity for you. Although your current opportunity has been going great and will probably continue to be a great experience, I think you should at least interview for the opportunity (granted you didn't get an offer yet).

Learn more about the position and see if it aligns with what you want to do. Either position will look great for bschool granted you do well on your GMATs.

 
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