Top MBA or go straight to HF from sell-side research

Hi,

Currently 28, just finished by 3rd year on the sell-side as a research analyst (non-BB but well known bank), covering non-bank financials (currently a writing analyst in Asia).

My goal is to get into the buyside (ideally HF) and am currently interviewing with a couple funds.

I am also contemplating getting a top MBA, but am wondering how sensible it is to get an MBA (spending money and two years of my life as well as huge opportunity cost) when I'm already getting interviews at HFs based on my current status.

Reasons for getting a top-MBA include the brand (non-target undergrad), network, and potential opportunity to get a job in the states (I also have US citizenship).

In terms of designations, I already have a CFA charter and CPA.

My main objective is to get a job at a HF (don't really care about location).

Would you guys think it would make sense for me to get a MBA or should I keep on applying to funds while working at my current sell-side role?

Thoughts and advice appreciated.

 
Best Response

Everybody knows that the MBA won't actually teach you how to make money investing...its just a screening process, and mainly for consulting and classic IB (M&A and financing IB...the jobs you never want to have).

So, if you can get the job you want without getting the MBA, then that's what you should do.

For Equity Research, if you are not getting the looks that you want, my first advice would be to lateral to a more prestigious BB. While at a BB, they will usually pay for you to get an executive MBA (some firms anyway). This should give you a platform to then market yourself to hedge funds. BB Research is essentially just a long interview for the BuySide. They buyside firms get to read your research and see how you do. If your research over time is accurate, then you have an easy path to make the lateral move to the buyside.

Regardless of how prestigious your current firm, lateraling always has advantages (more pay, benefits, exposure, ect...).

 

Overall, I'd say no to the MBA.

However, you brought up "the brand (non-target undergrad), network, and potential opportunity to get a job in the states (I also have US citizenship)."

1) That brand would prove very useful. if you're already getting interviews with your stats, adding in a top 10-15 MBA should get you even more.

2) With friends getting ready to go to B school, and the convos I've been having with them - that network is proving more nuanced/useful than I originally thought it would be.

3) Yeah, if you're coming from Asia than a US MBA would be helpful.

Also, it looks like you've worked hard the past few years. You deserve the two year vacation of bschool.

 

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